Mississippi Community College System Proposes New Performance-Based Workforce Investment Program

by By the MACC

Jackson, Miss. -- (07/14/2026) — Mississippi's community colleges have proposed a new performance-based workforce investment initiative that would prepare an estimated 5,500 additional workers each year for high-priority careers while tying new state funding directly to workforce outcomes.

The Jobs Promise Performance Program (JPPP), recently approved as part of the Mississippi Association of Community College's (MACC) legislative agenda for the 2027 session of the Mississippi Legislature, is a new concept in workforce development and performance-based investment. Should the program receive funding by the Legislature, it will allow the State of Mississippi to make targeted investments aimed at equipping an additional 5,500 workers annually with skills required for high-priority occupations, in order to promote economic growth in the state.

As policymakers in Mississippi continue discussing how public education can better serve its stakeholders, such as students, employers and taxpayers, the ongoing debates about accountability and performance-based investments center on a common question: How should public investment be measured by public outcomes?

The Jobs Promise Performance Program suggests one way to do that.

Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director of Accelerate MS said, "Mississippi's workforce momentum requires us to continually think about how we align education, training, and economic opportunity. Conversations like this are valuable because they keep the focus on preparing more Mississippians for high-demand careers while ensuring public investments deliver meaningful results."

Instead of just looking into enrollment numbers, the proposed program focuses on successful completion of high-priority workforce programs and producing graduates who are prepared to join Mississippi's workforce. By tying community college performance to Mississippi's economic development needs, the initiative provides additional incentive to increase the number of graduates working in occupations that are experiencing shortages.

"Mississippi's Jobs Promise Performance Program shows our commitment to give our students the tools they need for the current workforce," said Dr. Ricky G. Ford, president of Northeast Mississippi Community College and chair of the MACC. "By aligning education with workforce demands, we are helping to both improve job prospects for our graduates and facilitate economic development of our communities. It is all about making sure that the process of transitioning from education to workforce becomes smooth and efficient."

At the recent Mississippi Association of Community College Trustees Conference, Mississippi community college leaders discussed workforce demands in Mississippi. Additionally, it is estimated that the state will need tens of thousands of additional trained workers in the coming years in order to meet workforce demands in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, aerospace, IT and other high growth industries. The Jobs Promise Performance Program was developed in response to these workforce challenges.

"Across Mississippi, there is an important conversation taking place about accountability in public education and the return taxpayers receive on their investment," said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, president of East Mississippi Community College and co-chair of the MACC Legislative committee. "The Jobs Promise Performance Program reflects our belief that community colleges should be measured not simply by how many students enroll, but by how many complete high-priority workforce programs and enter careers that strengthen Mississippi's economy. This proposal demonstrates our willingness to align public investment with measurable results."

Should the program receive approval from the Mississippi Legislature, it will introduce a new Economic Development Priority as part of the community college funding model and recognize workforce production as the measure of the statewide investment.

"For decades, Mississippi's community colleges have responded to changes in employer demands by launching training programs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, IT, public safety, construction and many other high-priority industries," said Dr. Michael Heindl, president at Northwest Mississippi Community College and co-chair of the MACC Legislative committee. "The Jobs Promise Performance Program builds on that tradition by encouraging and incentivizing colleges to produce even more graduates in the industries that are driving Mississippi's future economy."

The program will require the investment of $41.5 million in exchange for the preparation of an estimated 5,500 additional workers annually in high-priority sectors, highlighting once again the historic role of the community college system in Mississippi as the primary provider of workforce training.

Mr. Kell Smith, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), added: "Our college missions have always been to empower Mississippians through education and training. The Jobs Promise Performance Program continues that mission by rewarding results that matter-more skilled workers, stronger employers and continued economic growth across Mississippi."

As discussions about the future of public education funding in Mississippi continue, the program demonstrates the community college system's commitment to performance, partnerships, and delivering value to its stakeholders.

--NEMCC--

Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.

For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Northeast Mississippi Community College

Mississippi Community College System Proposes New Performance-Based Workforce Investment Program

Northeast Mississippi Community College

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