Bill > SB2522

This bill establishes the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program, which aims to provide tuition-free access to community and junior college programs for Mississippians seeking to upgrade their skills for high-demand industries. The program, administered by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, will cover tuition and fees for eligible programs that lead to a certificate or associate degree, with a $500 annual stipend for books and materials, after other financial aid is applied. To be eligible, individuals must be Mississippi residents for at least two years, be at least 24 years old and qualify as an independent student on their FAFSA, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled at least half-time in an approved program. Accelerate Mississippi, which is defined as the Office of Workforce Development, will annually identify eligible programs based on priority sectors and occupations. Participating community colleges are required to provide support services such as advising, career planning, and assistance with accessing other funding sources for emergency aid, childcare, or transportation. The program will be implemented in phases, starting with a limited pilot in Spring 2027, a full pilot in the 2027-2028 academic year, and full implementation by the 2028-2029 academic year.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2522.xml