Applications to open early for workforce program grants

By Candice Wilder | Originally published by Mississippi Today

Applications are expected to open this week for a financial aid program aimed at helping adult students pay for an associate degree or professional credential at one of the state’s community colleges. The application deadline is Sept. 15. 

The launch of the Upgrading Priority Skills for Key Industry Learning and Labor, or UPSKILL, Mississippi Grant Program is happening earlier than expected thanks to $1 million in funding from the Mississippi Works Fund, said Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS, the state’s workforce development office. The original UPSKILL program launch was slated for spring 2027.

The Legislature created UPSKILL during the last session to cover eligible students’ remaining tuition costs after other financial aid and scholarships are applied. Lawmakers did not allocate funding for the program, which launches as a pilot effort.  

Eligible adults — applicants should be at least 24 years old — can receive up to $500 annually for books and other materials. The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid will oversee the distribution of grants for the program. 

The state’s workforce investment board selected 28 eligible programs based on workforce demand and available enrollment for job training courses. The options include plumbing, construction engineering and emergency medical technician courses. 

Read more: New law creates grant program that covers some college costs

“By focusing scholarships on priority occupations, we can help more Mississippians move into good careers while addressing some of our state’s most critical workforce needs,” Taylor said. 

Jennifer Rogers, who leads the state financial aid office, said AccelerateMS and the state’s financial aid office are finalizing a contract to distribute funds to students.

To qualify for UPSKILL, students must have lived in Mississippi for at least two years. Students must also have a high school diploma, a GED or an equivalent. Students must also be enrolled at least half time in an eligible certificate or associate degree program and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the state financial aid application. UPSKILL grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Community colleges will also have to provide additional support for students. 

The pilot program will also offer support services for students to work with an adviser or success coach at community colleges, according to the legislation rules. The coaches will help students navigate the program’s course enrollment process and apply for financial aid and will support them with career planning. 

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid plans to request $1.5 million from the Legislature in January to fund UPSKILL for the 2027-28 academic year. 

This article was originally published by Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Source: Original Article