JACKSON, Miss. — September 12, 2026 — AccelerateMS has established the Mississippi Industry Experience Program (MIEP), a new statewide workforce initiative designed to expand access to structured, paid industry experiences and create stronger pathways into high-wage careers.
Developed and directed by AccelerateMS, MIEP supports work-based learning opportunities aligned with Mississippi’s priority sectors and occupations. The program aims to reduce barriers to career entry and strengthen transitions from education, unemployment, or underemployment into the workforce while giving employers an opportunity to develop and connect with emerging talent.
“Paid industry experience helps close the gap between preparing for a career and getting the opportunity to start one,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. “The Mississippi Industry Experience Program is designed to jumpstart private investment in talent development by helping employers establish paid opportunities they can sustain and expand over time. We want Mississippians to earn while they build skills and employers to build a stronger pipeline into lasting careers in the occupations Mississippi needs most.”
Building on Governor Tate Reeves’ and the Mississippi Legislature’s continued support for connecting Mississippians to high-wage jobs, the initiative will direct funding toward workforce needs identified across Mississippi, helping employers develop talent while creating new opportunities for individuals to gain valuable industry experience.
As part of the new initiative, AccelerateMS has awarded $556,200 to Three Rivers Planning & Development District, the first recipient of MIEP funding. The award is expected to support approximately 180 participants, giving individuals the opportunity to gain meaningful workplace experience while applying and developing academic, technical, and transferable skills aligned with their education and career goals.
“This first award represents an important step in putting this initiative into action,” said Shelika Hooker, director of investments and initiatives at AccelerateMS. “We look forward to seeing the impact of this investment across the region and building on its success to expand opportunities throughout Mississippi.”
The award will allow Three Rivers to coordinate paid industry experiences with employers across 27 counties in northern and northeastern Mississippi, representing sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
“There are talented people across our region who simply need an opportunity to get their foot in the door,” said Terry Treadaway, director of workforce development at Three Rivers PDD. “Providing paid, hands-on experience gives them a chance to build their skills, prove themselves in the workplace, and begin working toward a long-term career.”
According to Treadaway, the learn-and-earn model has been successful in the region for high school and community college students, with 68% of graduates hired by sponsoring businesses and 94% employed after graduation.
Through MIEP, participating employers can receive support for wages associated with eligible industry experiences. Each experience is structured around defined learning objectives, meaningful work activities, and opportunities for participants to develop skills directly related to their career pathways.
About AccelerateMS
AccelerateMS supports the people and businesses of Mississippi by creating and implementing workforce strategies that link individuals to transformative, high-paying careers. Through strong partnerships and effective grants management, the organization promotes sustained individual, community, and statewide economic growth.