In an effort to prepare Mississippi’s youth for future jobs, the state is awarding 10 high schools and districts with funding to enhance career and technical education programs.
AccelerateMS announced on Wednesday that more than $630,000 is being divvied out among the education centers to better the pathway for pupils to have success in high-demand industries and post-secondary education pathways. The funding was made available through the EquipMs Grant program, which serves to provide financial aid to modernize, replace, or enhance priority career and technical education programs in Mississippi public schools.
This year’s awards focus on manufacturing, industrial maintenance, energy, and construction programs — aligning with local industries’ workforce needs. Since 2024, Mississippi has invested over $2.2 million in 35 recipients statewide through these efforts.
“Strong career preparation starts long before a diploma is in hand,” Dr. Courtney Taylor, executive director at AccelerateMS said. “With this investment, our state continues to prioritize workforce development, providing students with early access to essential skills that align with local job market demands.”
Through this year’s awards, the following high schools and districts will be able to expand career and technical opportunities:
- Marshall County Career and Technical Center — $139,184 — Advanced Manufacturing program
- Madison County Career and Technical Center — $130,000 — Electrical program
- Monroe County Career and Technical Center — $67,165 — HVAC tech I and II programs
- South Pike Career and Technical Center — $55,487 — Welding program
- South Delta Vocational Center — $52,750 —Industrial Maintenance program
- Larry Summers Career and Technical Center — $48,099 — Industrial Maintenance program
- Smith County School District Career-Tech Center — $48,007 — Unmanned Systems Technology and
Diesel Service Technology programs - Simpson County Technical Center — $40,350 — HVAC program
- Jackson County Technical Center — $28,675 —Pipefitting and Shipfitting program
- Millsaps Career and Technical Center — $25,050 — Welding program
According to a release from AccelerateMS, the Larry Summers Career and Technical Center in Yazoo City serves a community whose economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and food processing, sustained by skilled industrial maintenance professionals. The funding the center received will be used to help meet the employment needs of the area.
“Funding for the industrial maintenance program is not just an investment in education — it’s an investment in the future of Yazoo City’s economy,” Larry Summers Career and Technical Center Director Yolanda Strong said. “By supporting this program, the state is fostering economic resilience and empowering the region’s workforce to thrive in high-demand, high-impact careers.”
