Bill > HB873

This bill establishes a 21st Century Employment Grant Program, administered by the Mississippi Community College Board, to foster stronger partnerships between community and junior colleges and workforce development organizations, aiming to expand job training opportunities. To be eligible for these grants, community or junior colleges must collaborate with various entities, including local businesses, economic development groups, and community-based organizations, to create manufacturing training programs. Grant proposals must detail specific student graduation goals, the professional skills to be taught (such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving), a budget that includes private donations, the number of anticipated enrollees and their potential employment destinations, and a plan for seamless transitions into higher education and careers, including how high school credits and on-the-job training will transfer. A key requirement is a private-public partnership where businesses contribute financially or through in-kind donations, not exceeding 40% of the total project cost, and colleges must offer at least six types of industry-recognized certificates. The bill also mandates the creation of an advisory board composed of representatives from business, labor, education, and government to review grant recipient progress, assess the effectiveness of certificates in meeting current and future workforce needs, and provide recommendations for program improvement and new certificate offerings.

Labor and Employment

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0873.xml