Congressman Thompson Visits Claiborne County Students for “Hour of AI” Event

Washington, D.C. - On Monday, December 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., Congressman Bennie G. Thompson will visit students from the Claiborne County Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center at the Port Gibson High School Gymnasium as they participate in the Hour of AI, a national initiative that helps young people understand and explore artificial intelligence.

The Hour of AI, created by Code.org in partnership with CSforALL and supported by organizations such as Microsoft, gives students hands-on experience with artificial intelligence (AI) in fun and creative ways. The program aims to prepare students for a future shaped by technology and innovation while inspiring interest in computer science and STEM careers.

During the event, students from Claiborne County CTE will use AI tools to design, create, and collaborate, showing how technology can inspire learning and open doors to new career opportunities.

"Artificial intelligence is already shaping how our children learn, work, and live. Yet far too many of our young people use these tools without fully understanding how they work or how to use them responsibly," said Congressman Thompson. "That's why I'm proud to support the 'Hour of AI,' in partnership with Microsoft. Every child deserves a fair chance to explore, to learn, and to become one of the innovators who will shape the future of technology."

"I see every day how access to technology and hands-on learning can change a young person's trajectory," said JJ Townsend, Community Engagement Manager for Microsoft TechSpark. "By bringing the 'Hour of AI' to Claiborne County, we're helping students explore AI responsibly and imagine real career pathways right here at home. We're grateful to Congressman Thompson and our local educators for partnering to open these doors for Mississippi students."

This event is part of a broader effort to bring AI education into classrooms across the country during Computer Science Education Week (December 8-12, 2025). The Hour of AI helps students, parents, and teachers better understand how artificial intelligence works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.

For more information about how to participate in the Hour of AI, visit HourofAI.org.