In Episode 10 of the In AI We Trust? AI Literacy series, Angie Cooper’s Call to Action for the Heartland, Miriam Vogel talks with Angie Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of Heartland Forward, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate economic growth across America’s Heartland. The discussion follows Heartland Forward’s recent annual Heartland Summit, the data-driven insights that inform their mission, and their partnership with Stemuli to create a first-of-its-kind AI literacy video game to promote AI learning for rural students. Angie stresses the importance of increasing access to AI by expanding affordable, high-speed internet and building trust with AI platforms through education initiatives and open conversations with teachers and employers. This episode explores how AI can be utilized as a tool to benefit small businesses, prepare students for the workforce, and advance jobs throughout the Heartland and beyond.