News

Mississippi’s AI Network: Bridging Education and Workforce Innovation

07/24/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — Artificial intelligence (AI) is already integral to our daily lives through personalized recommendation systems, smart home devices, and automated customer service chatbots. As AI evolves, its potential applications and benefits in education and the workforce seem limitless. “The artificial intelligence revolution is here, and Mississippi is poised to be at the […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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FlexFactor Sparks Creativity and Career Exploration in Mississippi’s Young Minds

07/24/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — Imagine a wearable device for athletes that monitors their vitals in real-time and alerts medical professionals in an emergency or a platform for business entrepreneurs that enables you to connect with others using a smartphone or watch. These are just some of the ideas students have come up with as part of […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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AccelerateMS Announces New Research Analyst Hire and Two Internal Promotions

07/01/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has hired Ben Alexander as a Research Analyst and announced the promotions of LeAnne Nixon to Adult Programs Manager and Kari Thomas to Project Manager. “Recruiting talented individuals is paramount to building a strong team, but we also know that recognizing […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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‘Career Coach Appreciation Day’ spotlights difference makers in Mississippi

04/11/2024 High school career coaches recognized for strengthening workforce development JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves joined legislative, education, and workforce development leaders from throughout the state to celebrate the efforts and impact of career coaches during an April 11 visit to the State Capitol in Jackson. Proclaimed by the governor as “Career Coach Appreciation […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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AccelerateMS Announces Promotions

04/23/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, is pleased to announce the promotions of Shelika Hooker and Dr. Cliff Thames, effective April 15, 2024. Hooker has been appointed as the Director of Grants Management and Thames has assumed the role of Director of Data and Insights. “I am […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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Rep. Donnie Bell recognized by National Association of Workforce Boards

04/02/2024 WASHINGTON — Mississippi Representative Donnie Bell received the Workforce Advocacy and Policy Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) in recognition of his efforts in spearheading the state’s innovative career coach initiative, which serves as a vital bridge connecting students with promising career pathways tailored to meet the needs of growing industries. […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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Trey Smith named Director of Talent Solutions at AccelerateMS

03/20/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has named Trey Smith as Director of Talent Solutions to strategize and implement recruitment and training initiatives to bolster economic development in Mississippi. Collaborating with educational institutions and training providers, Smith will lead the customization of solutions for emerging and growing […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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Using Data to Understand Mississippi’s Workforce Landscape

03/15/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — As Mississippi’s office for workforce development strategy and coordination, we forge connections with key providers of workforce training and employment opportunities to enhance the lives of all Mississippians. Recognizing the diverse landscape, we continuously navigate toward tailored solutions. In response to Mississippi House Bill 1388, enacted in March 2022, a baseline […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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Dr. Courtney Taylor Named Executive Director of AccelerateMS

02/29/2024 JACKSON, Miss. — On Wednesday, the State Workforce Investment Board confirmed Dr. Courtney Taylor as the new Executive Director of AccelerateMS, the lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination. Effective March 16, 2024, Taylor takes the reins from Ryan Miller, who has led the office since its inception in 2021. Taylor joined AccelerateMS in […]

By Daniel Hawthorne

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