FlexFactor Program Reaches Milestone Quarter 

01/10/2025

JACKSON, Miss.—  The FlexFactor program reached an unprecedented milestone in 2024, completing 68 iterations and engaging over 1,120 K-12 students across Mississippi in its most successful quarter to date. 

Administered by NextFlex in partnership with AccelerateMS, MS-SHIPS, and the Department of Defense, FlexFactor is a flagship initiative in advanced manufacturing innovation. This program introduces K-12 students to advanced manufacturing technologies while guiding them through STEM career pathways. Through collaborations with leading manufacturers such as Bollinger, Ingalls, Raytheon, and others, FlexFactor offers students immersive experiences, including facility tours, insights into careers in shipbuilding and defense manufacturing, and exposure to the skills and training required for these industries. 

“FlexFactor is more than just a STEM program—it’s an opportunity for students to solve real-world challenges while building critical skills that will shape Mississippi’s future workforce,” said Ed Hargrove, MSED, Federal Projects Manager at AccelerateMS. 

Student projects in the program have included innovative designs such as an ankle brace that monitors healing progress, a smart dog collar that tracks food intake, sensory eyeglasses for individuals with disabilities, and a drone engineered for water filtration in remote areas. 

The initiative, which began at East Mississippi Community College, has since expanded to six additional institutions: East Central Community College, Jones College, Meridian Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Pearl River Community College, and Southwest Mississippi Community College. 

At Meridian Community College, MS-SHIPS Coordinator Teresa Radcliffe has led 36 program iterations, reaching 501 students across six regional high schools.

“Students integrate social studies, science, language arts, math, and the arts to develop concept products that could positively impact their lives,” Radcliffe said. She credited partnerships with manufacturing leaders in the nation’s defense sector for the program’s success.

“These collaborations demonstrate how knowledge and teamwork can translate into real-world impact. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand the program in the spring semester to include middle school and homeschool students who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.” 

Radcliffe added that a few products were beginning to show up in early development by major brands across the country.  Radcliffe also noted that some student-conceived products are beginning to emerge in early development stages with major brands across the country. 

FlexFactor’s success highlights Mississippi’s commitment to workforce development and innovation, preparing the next generation for cutting-edge careers in advanced manufacturing and beyond. 

For more information about FlexFactor or to learn how to get involved, please contact Ed Hargrove, MSED, Federal Projects Manager at ehargrove@acceleratems.org.

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.