Daniel Hawthorne

FlexFactor Sparks Creativity and Career Exploration in Mississippi’s Young Minds

Imagine a wearable device for athletes that monitors their vitals in real-time and alerts medical professionals in an emergency or a platform for business entrepreneurs that enables you to connect with others using a smartphone or watch. These are just some of the ideas students have come up with as part of FlexFactor, an outreach […]

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Mississippi’s AI Network: Bridging Education and Workforce Innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already integral to our daily lives through personalized recommendation systems, smart home devices, and automated customer service chatbots. As AI evolves, its potential applications and benefits in education and the workforce seem limitless.  “The artificial intelligence revolution is here, and Mississippi is poised to be at the forefront” Dr. Jonathan Woodward,

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AccelerateMS announces new research analyst hire and two internal promotions 

JACKSON, MS — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has hired Ben Alexander as a Research Analyst and announced the promotions of LeAnne Nixon to Adult Programs Manager and Kari Thomas to Project Manager. “Recruiting talented individuals is paramount to building a strong team, but we also know that recognizing and

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Anduril Industries expanding operations in Stone County; AccelerateMS supporting training initiatives

STONE COUNTY, Miss. — Anduril Industries, a defense technology company is expanding its operations in Stone County. Anduril held a groundbreaking ceremony today in McHenry, representing a corporate investment of $75 million and will create 60 new jobs in the region expected to be filled by the end of the year.   As part of

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‘Career Coach Appreciation Day’ spotlights difference makers in Mississippi

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

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Rep. Donnie Bell recognized by National Association of Workforce Boards

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

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Trey Smith named Director of Talent Solutions at AccelerateMS 

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.

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Using data to understand Mississippi’s workforce landscape

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

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Dr. Courtney Taylor named Executive Director of AccelerateMS 

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

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