JACKSON, Miss. – AccelerateMS has officially announced the relaunch of the Mississippi Reconnect Program 2.0, a bold initiative designed to re-engage unemployed and significantly underemployed Mississippians through accelerated training and career-connected learning in high-demand industries. The program will begin accepting applications in October for early January program start dates.
“Mississippi Reconnect is more than a training program—it’s a pathway to opportunity,” said Shelika Hooker, Director of Grants Management. “By focusing on the skills employers need most, we’re empowering individuals to reenter the workforce with the tools to succeed in sustainable, high-quality careers.”
The program offers funding for short-term training opportunities lasting from 40 to 320 hours (up to eight weeks) and, in some cases, degree programs tied to critical-need occupations. All training aligns with specific priority occupations identified by AccelerateMS, ensuring that participants gain skills directly relevant to Mississippi’s most pressing workforce needs.
Recognizing that career advancement often requires more than a single credential, Reconnect-funded programs must include clear pathways for continued education and upskilling.
The initiative goes beyond compliance-based certifications to deliver industry-specific skill development leading directly to employment in high-wage and high-demand sectors.
The program will be available to secondary schools’ education institutions offering blended workforce training aligned with priority occupations, in partnership with local workforce development areas, community colleges, and universities.
Participants may include unemployed or underemployed individuals, secondary students aged 16 and older, and those facing barriers to employment. Training may be delivered by secondary schools offering pathways aligned with priority occupations, institutions of higher education, community colleges, private training providers, or career and technical education centers. Collaboration with local workforce development areas is strongly encouraged to broaden access, strengthen program delivery, and maximize impact.
The Mississippi Reconnect Program 2.0 aims to boost the number of Mississippians prepared for high-priority careers by expanding training capacity in critical occupations and offering accelerated programs that lead to credentials and employment. It focuses squarely on serving targeted populations while fostering strong partnerships between employers, industry, and training providers to build sustainable career pathways. Additionally, the program emphasizes meaningful work-based learning experiences to connect participants directly with high-value opportunities.
AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.