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JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi is enhancing career and technical education programs at 10 high schools and districts statewide, aiming to better prepare students for success in high-demand industries and post-secondary education pathways.
This year’s awards focus on manufacturing, industrial maintenance, energy, and construction programs, strategically aligning with local industries’ workforce needs. Since 2024, Mississippi has invested over $2.2 million in 35 recipients statewide through these efforts.
“Strong career preparation starts long before a diploma is in hand,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director at AccelerateMS. “With this investment, our state continues to prioritize workforce development, providing students with early access to essential skills that align with local job market demands.”
The EquipMS Grant program, established by House Bill 588 in 2023 as part of the Mississippi K-12 Workforce Development Grant initiative, provides funding to modernize, replace, or enhance priority career and technical education programs in Mississippi public schools.
The Larry Summers Career and Technical Center in Yazoo City, a grant recipient, serves a community whose economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and food processing, sustained by skilled industrial maintenance professionals. Director Yolanda Strong highlights the importance of training programs in welding, fabrication, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to meet the region’s growing industrial and residential demands.
“Funding for the industrial maintenance program is not just an investment in education—it’s an investment in the future of Yazoo City’s economy,” she said. “By supporting this program, the state is fostering economic resilience and empowering the region’s workforce to thrive in high-demand, high-impact careers.”
Through this year’s awards, the following high schools and districts will be able to expand career and technical opportunities:
School Name
County
Program
Total Awarded
Larry Summers
Career and Technical Center
Yazoo
Industrial Maintenance
$48,099.35
Monroe County
Career and Technical Center
Monroe
HVAC Tech I and II
$67,165.00
Jackson County
Technology Center
Jackson
Pipefitting & Shipfitting
$28,675.00
South Delta Vocational Center
Sharkey
Industrial Maintenance
$52,750.00
South Pike
Career and Technical Center
Pike
Welding
$55,487.00
Madison Career and Technical Center
Madison
Electrical
$130,000.00
Smith County School District
Career-Tech Center
Smith
Unmanned Systems Technology &
Diesel Service Technology
$48,007.66
Marshall County Career and Technical Education Center
Marshall
Advanced Manufacturing
$139,184.00
Millsaps Career and Technical Center
Oktibbeha
Welding
$25,050.00
Simpson County Technical Center
Simpson
HVAC
$40,350.00
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