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Committee advances 'upskill' bill to fund last‑dollar tuition pilot for adults 25+
Summary
Senators advanced a bill to create a pilot overseen by Accelerate Mississippi that would provide last‑dollar tuition/fees to participants aged 25 and older for high‑demand jobs; sponsors estimate participant costs around $700 and included a bridge planning provision for CTE and special needs.
The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a strike‑all of House Bill 592/562 to establish a workforce 'upskill' pilot that would cover last‑dollar tuition and fees for residents aged 25 and older pursuing training in high‑demand job sectors.
Senator Boyd, presenting the measure, said Accelerate Mississippi would oversee the pilot and partner with community colleges in regions where employers demonstrate demand. "We're looking at those jobs that are particularly needed in the state… estimated around… $700 is what they're predicting that it would be for the participants," Boyd said.
The bill also includes a "bridge" planning provision directing the Department of Education to examine career and technical education (CTE) and special‑needs pathways, aiming to better align postsecondary training with workforce needs. Senators asked whether the pilot is geographically restricted; Boyd said the pilot nature will be defined by Accelerate Mississippi based on sector demand and tracked with data to measure efficacy.
Committee members moved and approved the strike‑all; the bill passed out of committee by voice vote.
Next steps: The bill advances for further legislative consideration and potential appropriation alignment in the budget process.
