What We Do
Our Purpose
As the state’s lead workforce development office, AccelerateMS supports strategies to connect Mississippians with transformative, high-paying careers. Rather than the “all-or-nothing” college preparation system of the past, our career coaches help students navigate a variety of post-graduation options and prepare for in-demand jobs that align with their interests and aptitudes.
Our Vision
Mississippi will have a world-class workforce with unlimited, quality career opportunities to create sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.
Our Values
Values give us purpose or meaning in our lives – like an internal navigation system, guiding and leading us. When our students begin to look at their future beyond high school, it is important for us to help them assess how their values and career choices align. We do this by creating greater self-awareness of their talents, interests, values, and passions to target the right career for them. Our coaches have become a crucial investment in Mississippi for developing a workforce pipeline for our communities by helping students identify the academic and technical programs that best fit their skills and long-term goals.
Our Mission
AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.
Message From The Director
“Career Coaches strive to ensure students have clear, informed pathways beyond high school with a knowledge of careers that are high-wage and high-demand. By connecting students to real-world career opportunities and personalized guidance, the initiative helps them identify viable options early, whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing postsecondary education, or combining both. The goal is for every student to graduate with a plan, a direction, and the information needed to drive their upcoming decisions.”
- Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director
Our Impact
Early results show the career coach initiative is a smart investment, especially considering that many students have never had discussions about how to best connect with diverse local career opportunities.
Our Partners
