JACKSON, Miss. – August 27, 2026 – The path to a career in advanced manufacturing doesn’t have to begin after graduation. Across North Mississippi, high school students are earning industry-recognized credentials, exploring careers in advanced manufacturing and connecting with employers while they’re still in the classroom.
In partnership with ToolingU-SME, AccelerateMS launched PowerPath, a pilot program that gives students a structured pathway into modern manufacturing. The pilot was implemented with students from DeSoto County Schools, DeSoto Christian Academy, and Marshall County Schools. Through a sequence of learning modules that prepares students to earn industry-recognized credentials and engage with employers, the program equips participants with foundational manufacturing knowledge while strengthening the talent pipeline for employers across the state.
“A strong workforce is one of Mississippi’s greatest competitive advantages,” said Trey Smith, director of talent solutions at AccelerateMS. “By investing in students today, we’re helping employers meet workforce needs tomorrow while creating more opportunities for young people to succeed right here at home.”
The program began with coursework leading to the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential, which introduces manufacturing fundamentals and workplace expectations. Students who continue through the pathway advance to Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF), where they build an understanding of electric vehicle technologies before progressing to more specialized training.
During the pilot, more than 70% of students in the program completed approximately 80 hours of coursework to earn the CMfgA credential. Two students also earned the Electric Vehicle Fundamentals certification, continuing their progression through the pathway.
“Schools can’t build effective career training programs in isolation,” said Beth Turner, Ed.S., director of workforce development for DeSoto County Schools. “We need industry input to know which skills and certifications matter in today’s workplace. Partnerships like this keep our curriculum current, give students real-world experiences and create a direct connection between the classroom and local employers. It becomes a two-way relationship where industry helps shape what’s taught, and schools help develop the workforce employers need.”
For more information about the program, email talentsolutions@acceleratems.org.