Upskill Mississippi Grant Program; establish to provide last-dollar tuition assistance at community colleges for certain programs.
What changed between versions
The administering agency changed from the Office of Workforce Development to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
Eligibility was changed from recent high school graduates to independent students who are at least 24 years old and have completed the Mississippi Aid Application.
Residency requirements were increased from one year to two years prior to application.
Enrollment requirements were relaxed from full-time enrollment within 12 months of graduation to at least half-time enrollment at any time.
Eligible institutions were restricted to Mississippi public community and junior colleges, excluding private entities and local workforce development areas.
Colleges must now assign advisors to students, enroll them in 'Mississippi Works,' and provide career integration support like apprenticeships.
Colleges must offer flexible delivery options (evening, weekend, online) and utilize early alert systems for at-risk students.
The grant structure changed to a 'last-dollar' tuition grant plus a $500 book stipend, replacing the previous direct funding model.
A phased implementation schedule was added, starting with a limited pilot in Spring 2027 and full implementation in the 2028-2029 academic year.
The repayment clause for failing to work in the industry was removed entirely from the text.