MS HB1237

Establishes a 21st Century Employment Grant Program administered by the Mississippi Community College Board to support community and junior colleges partnering with workforce development organizations, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and technology businesses to provide manufacturing training programs.

Requires grant applicants to submit plans defining student graduation goals, professional skills curriculum (including communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and integrity), budgets with outside donations, enrollment projections, and private-public partnerships where businesses contribute up to 40% of total project costs.

Mandates grant recipients offer at least six industry-recognized certificates and ensure college credits and on-the-job training hours transfer from high school to community college programs.

Creates an advisory board with 16 members including state education and workforce officials, legislators, representatives from manufacturing, unions, hospitals, business organizations, and at-risk youth advocates to review grant progress, employment outcomes, and recommend certificate types for future workforce needs.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.