Daniel Hawthorne

Rep. Donnie Bell recognized by National Association of Workforce Boards

News /

WASHINGTON — 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 […]

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Trey Smith named Director of Talent Solutions at AccelerateMS 

New Hire, News Release /

JACKSON, Miss. — 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

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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 

News Release /

JACKSON, Miss. — 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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Mississippi Invests in High School Career and Technical Programs

News Release /

JACKSON, Miss. — 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

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Edward Hargrove Tapped to Lead Federal Projects  

News Release /

JACKSON, Miss. — 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

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Mississippi Awarded Federal Grant to Address Unemployment Gaps 

News Release /

JACKSON, Miss. — 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.

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Career Coaches Are Helping Mississippians Find Their Place in the Future

News Release /

Building school-community connections is a boon for workforce development More than a year after being deployed into Mississippi high schools, AccelerateMS career coaches are proving that students make better choices about the future when they have more individualized support, control, and, more connections—all of which benefit workforce development in Mississippi. “Bringing in more coaches has

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Mississippi Invests an Additional $15 Million to Improve Outcomes in Allied Health and Nursing Programs

News Release /

JACKSON, MS — As part of its dedication to bolster economic prospects for future healthcare professionals and strengthen the health of the state as a whole, Mississippi has awarded more than $15 million to enhance allied health nursing programs across the state. Grants have been awarded to 17 community colleges, institutions of higher learning, health

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