AccelerateMS awards Northeast Mississippi Community College over $2.2 million in grants

Monies will be used for workforce training

by Liz Calvery

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (06/30/2025) — Northeast Mississippi Community College has been awarded more than $2.2 million in workforce training grants from Accelerate Mississippi to fund two major projects beginning July 1, 2025.

AccelerateMS awarded $2,092,057.47 to support the development of a new Composites Lab at Northeast. The lab will serve as a training ground for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and related industries that require hands-on experience with high-performance materials and technologies.

"This investment is a game-changer not only for our students but for the entire region," said NEMCC President Ricky G. Ford. "Our Composites Lab will provide cutting-edge training that meets industry needs today and prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow."

Northeast also received a second grant in the amount of $133,792.35 to enhance its workforce systems infrastructure. The Workforce Systems Special Project will focus on improving access, support and delivery of career education, especially for adult learners and individuals seeking new career paths.

"These grants will allow us to expand the kind of training that truly makes a difference for local industry and our communities," said Jason Mattox, vice president for career and technical education and director of workforce training. "We're committed to building a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the needs of Mississippi's growing economy."

Both grants align with Accelerate Mississippi's mission to strengthen the state's workforce by supporting innovative programs at Mississippi's two-year colleges."

Media Attachments

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Northeast Mississippi Community College has been awarded more than $2.2 million in workforce training grants from AccelerateMS to fund two major projects beginning July 1. At the check presentation were (front row l-r) state representative William Tracy Arnold, state representative Lester “Bubba” Carpenter, state representative Daniel Sparks, AccelerateMS Director of Grants Management Shelika Hooker, Northeast Workforce Systems Director Greg James, Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford, Director of the Corinth Center Bonnie Bell, state representative Brad Mattox along with (back row l-r) Northeast Director of Advanced Manufacturing Morgan Fisher, Vice President of Community Outreach, Economic Development and Satellite Campuses Ben Shappley, Northeast Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Director of Workforce Training Jason Mattox, and Northeast Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Northeast Development Foundation Patrick Eaton.

Northeast Mississippi Community College

For more information contact: Michael H. Miller, Public Information Specialist, mhmiller@nemcc.edu

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