JACKSON, Miss. —

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson visited the Bean Path in Jackson on Friday to support the nonprofit’s efforts in advancing technology and workforce training in Mississippi.

The Bean Path, founded by Dr. Nashlie Sephus, is located in the Jackson Tech District and provides technical advice and guidance through workshops, robotics, and coding to people of all ages.

“The city will grow, and we want to make sure the community isn’t left out of that growth,” Sephus said. “And also that we aren’t left behind when it comes to technology.”

After more than six years of bringing tech to the capital city, Thompson paid a special visit for the first time.

“I’m very impressed,” Thompson said. “I know a lot about this area. I’ve represented it for quite a while and I’ve seen the highs and the lows, and so now we are back moving toward the top.”

“We love it when our leaders and elected officials come to see the great work that we are doing right here at the Bean Path in downtown Jackson,” Sephus said. “Our need and passion for wanting to share workforce training, especially AI and tech all across Mississippi — the more people involved the better.”

Sephus said the Bean Path has helped many people get their certifications to help them in the job market. They have also helped young people and small businesses.

“The fact that they are now working with school districts and other nonprofits in the state means that other folks are paying attention too, so we just want to be a part of it and be as helpful as we can,” Thompson said.

Sephus said in the near future she would like to have the Bean Path in multiple locations across the state.