JACKSON, Miss. – December 8, 2025 – AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s leading office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has awarded funding to nine training providers to launch and expand basic skills training programs that prepare adults for high school equivalency while equipping them with the workforce skills needed for high-demand jobs.
The following training providers have been selected for funding:
• Copiah-Lincoln Community College
• East Mississippi Community College
• Hinds Community College
• Jones College
• Meridian Community College
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Northeast Mississippi Community College
• Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Pearl River Community College
These programs play a vital role in Mississippi’s workforce development strategy, helping more adults move into living-wage careers and postsecondary pathways. Participants will strengthen foundational literacy, numeracy, and workplace communication skills while engaging in career-focused training aligned with the state’s priority occupations.
“Basic skills are the foundation of a strong workforce,” said Shelika Hooker, Director of Grants Management at AccelerateMS. “By combining high school equivalency instruction with hands-on training in high-demand fields, we’re helping Mississippians gain the tools they need to succeed in both education and employment.”
Through these programs, students receive contextualized instruction—learning essential reading, writing, and math skills while studying in their chosen career pathway. Participants are also supported with workforce readiness training, such as resume building, interview preparation, and soft skills development.
This investment aligns with Mississippi’s ongoing efforts to boost labor force participation, promote economic mobility, and create a skilled talent pipeline for employers across the state.
About AccelerateMS
AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies that connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. Through strong partnerships and effective grants management, the organization drives sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.