Bill > HB302

This bill requires the State Workforce Investment Board, working through the Office of Workforce Development, to create a list of industry-recognized, high-value certifications for students enrolled in Mississippi Community and Junior Colleges. The list will be developed in consultation with the Mississippi Community College Board, Mississippi State University Research and Curriculum Unit, and other business and industry stakeholders, and will align with the existing K-12 industry certification list to help students connect their secondary and postsecondary career preparation. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Mississippi Community College Board will provide a $600 career and technical education incentive grant to community colleges for each student who earns a qualifying certification. To prevent duplicate reimbursements, the board will ensure that no college receives funding for a certification already obtained through another institution. If the total cost of grants exceeds available funding, the grants will be proportionally reduced. Any costs incurred in one fiscal year can be claimed and reimbursed in the following year. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0302.xml