JACKSON, MS — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, is pleased to announce the promotions of Shelika Hooker and Dr. Cliff Thames, effective April 15, 2024. Hooker has been appointed as the Director of Grants Management and Thames has assumed the role of Director of Data and Insights. “I am thrilled […]
AccelerateMS Announces Promotions Read More »
High school career coaches recognized for strengthening workforce development Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves joined legislative, education, and workforce development leaders from throughout the state to celebrate the efforts and impact of career coaches during an April 11 visit to the State Capitol in Jackson. Proclaimed by the governor as “Career Coach Appreciation Day,” state leaders
‘Career Coach Appreciation Day’ spotlights difference makers in Mississippi Read More »
Mississippi Representative Donnie Bell received the Workforce Advocacy and Policy Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) in recognition of his efforts in spearheading the state’s innovative career coach initiative, which serves as a vital bridge connecting students with promising career pathways tailored to meet the needs of growing industries. “This is a
Rep. Donnie Bell recognized by National Association of Workforce Boards Read More »
JACKSON, MS — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has named Trey Smith as Director of Talent Solutions to strategize and implement recruitment and training initiatives to bolster economic development in Mississippi. Collaborating with educational institutions and training providers, Smith will lead the customization of solutions for emerging and growing businesses.
Trey Smith named Director of Talent Solutions at AccelerateMS Read More »
As Mississippi’s office for workforce development strategy and coordination, we forge connections with key providers of workforce training and employment opportunities to enhance the lives of all Mississippians. Recognizing the diverse landscape, we continuously navigate toward tailored solutions. In response to Mississippi House Bill 1388, enacted in March 2022, a baseline analysis was mandated for
Using data to understand Mississippi’s workforce landscape Read More »
JACKSON, MS — On Wednesday, the State Workforce Investment Board confirmed Dr. Courtney Taylor as the new Executive Director of AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination. Effective March 16, 2024, Taylor takes the reins from Ryan Miller, who has led the office since its inception in 2021. Taylor joined AccelerateMS in
Dr. Courtney Taylor named Executive Director of AccelerateMS Read More »
Every February, millions of flowers, gifts, candies, and cards exchange hands worldwide in the name of love. While our office admits to having a bit of a sweet tooth, we also love highlighting the impactful role that Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays here in Mississippi. February is CTE Month, providing an opportunity to emphasize
Hearts in Hand, Skills in Demand Read More »
JACKSON, MS — Mississippi has allocated approximately $1.4 million to career and technical education efforts at 25 high schools and districts across the state, aiming to empower students by aligning their education with their future careers or post-secondary education programs. The EquipMS Grant program, established through House Bill 588 (2023) as the Mississippi K-12 Workforce
Mississippi Invests in High School Career and Technical Programs Read More »
JACKSON, MS — Accelerate Mississippi, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, is pleased to announce that Edward Hargrove will take the lead on federal projects, effective January 1, 2024. In his new role, Hargrove will be responsible for federal grant initiatives and working alongside state partners to develop strategies aimed at creating
Edward Hargrove Tapped to Lead Federal Projects Read More »
JACKSON, MS — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced today that the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), in partnership with Accelerate MS, has been awarded a Strategy Development Grant (SDG) to fund local planning activities related to increasing the labor force participation of 25-54 year olds not currently in the labor force. The
Mississippi Awarded Federal Grant to Address Unemployment Gaps Read More »