Bill > HB1556

This bill establishes the Mississippi Career and Technical Education Employability (MissCATEE) Program, which aims to provide tuition-free community college education for eligible students pursuing career and technical education (CTE) in high-demand industries with workforce shortages. The program, directed by the Office of Workforce Development (Accelerate MS), will offer scholarships to recent high school graduates who meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a Mississippi resident, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and enrolling full-time in an approved CTE program within 12 months of completing secondary education. In exchange for tuition-free education, recipients must commit to working in their trained industry sector within Mississippi for a period determined by the Office of Workforce Development. Eligible programs will focus on key industries such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, transportation and logistics, and energy and construction. If recipients fail to meet their work and residency commitments, they may be required to repay the funds received with interest. The program will prioritize addressing workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, and will support lifelong learning and economic mobility by providing pathways for individuals to gain industry-recognized certifications or associate degrees. The Office of Workforce Development will track the program's effectiveness through annual reporting and will collaborate with local workforce development areas to administer the funds.

Education, Labor and Employment

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1556.xml