MS HB921

Establishes the Mississippi YouthBuild Pilot Program with two initial sites at Coahoma Community College and Jones County Junior College to provide education, job training, and leadership development for economically disadvantaged youth ages 16-24.

Requires each college to apply for up to $1,100,000 in federal Department of Labor grant funding, with the Mississippi Department of Human Services providing 25% matching nonfederal funds from available departmental resources.

Mandates program services including housing rehabilitation/construction projects, integrated education and job skills training (50% classroom/50% work site), counseling, leadership development, and wage subsidies at minimum wage rates for participants.

Specifies program eligibility for high school dropouts, at-risk students, and very low-income individuals ages 16-24, with up to 25% of participants able to include those with educational needs despite high school completion.

Requires the Division of Family and Children's Services to submit a comprehensive report to the legislature by January 1, 2024, evaluating program effectiveness and recommending whether to establish additional YouthBuild programs statewide; takes effect July 1, 2021.