GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss.- The Golden Triangle is expecting a new workforce development project called The Communiversity.
Federal and state officials broke ground on the $42+ million dollar project on Friday. The facility is part of East Mississippi Community College’s state-of-the-art workforce technical training facility at its Golden Triangle Campus.
“Winning in economic development means having training programs that can respond to the market’s needs quickly and produce highly qualified workers,” Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said to the Golden Triangle Development Link. “The Communiversity is yet another example of how our state is committed to success in attracting high-tech jobs. Partnerships between communities, the state and community college system are vital to building a strong economy.”
The project began in 2013 between community groups with a similar vision. Funding will come from state bonds ($18M), The Appalachian Regional Commission ($10.7M), local community funds from Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha Counties ($13.5M) and EMCC ($400K).
The facility will bring a new phase in technology training and education. It offers interactive, museum style lobby and 21 high bay learning areas, a manufacturing display venue, classrooms and laboratories, and incubator bays for new start-ups. The 16 classrooms will all have access to A/V technology.
“This facility will put the Golden Triangle on the cutting edge of workforce training,” said Joe Max Higgins Jr., CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties should be commended for investing in their citizens. The Communiveristy will be a massive asset to industrial recruitment and our existing industries.”
