Coahoma Community College News November 26, 2018 Coahoma's Workforce Development Further Promotes Educational and Career Attainment with Program Additions The MI-BEST initiative, provided through the Workforce Development Center by way of the Kellogg Foundation, is granting participants enrollment in a Coahoma Community College Career-Tech Education program-the Industrial Maintenance, Business Office Technology or Welding track- under the condition that they earn their GED. The Mississippi Community College Board and Career and Technical Education division have collaborated with the Workforce Development to positively change the narratives of constituents in the five-county service area (Coahoma, Bolivar, Quitman, Tallahatchie and Tunica County), said Workforce Development executive director Steven Jossell. The job training and education-focused department has served approximately 59 students thus far, and recruitment of more participants is underway. Efforts toward canceling out everyday obstacles that would normally stand in the way of participants' success have been put in place to encourage students' completion of the GED test prep curriculum in the Adult Education program as well as their chosen Career and Technical Education program. "To alleviate the barriers and foster success, subsidies are provided based on individualized needs," Jossell explained. "For instance, gas cards, childcare assistance and other aids are provided as needed and on a case by case scenario. Additionally, monetary compensation of $250 is awarded to individuals who successfully pass the GED exam." Although the incentive of money sounds most compelling, it is the learning-centered aspect that is truly rewarding and beneficial. Their education affords them the tools they need to become productive citizens. "As participants progress and complete respective programs, they will leave armed with a GED, life/employability skills, stackable credentials, state and industry-recognized certifications, an opportunity to participate in an apprenticeship program, and an associate degree," Jossell added. Partnerships with SafTCart, Chawla Hotels and Delta Southern UAS have enabled pre-employment training and Manufacturing Skills Basic Certification training through the Workforce Development division. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to sign up for the fast-track path to entry-level positions with the partnering businesses. In January 2019, GED evening classes will restart online in Marks, Mississippi at Madison Shannon Palmer High School's Career and Technical Education facility, along with two new locations, Shelby and Charleston, Mississippi. Classes are also offered at the off-campus Workforce Development Center and throughout Coahoma's five-county service area. For more information on Coahoma's Workforce Development updates and newly implemented practices, feel free to contact executive director Steven Jossell at (662)627-9139 or sjossell@coahomacc.edu. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/ Authenticity Project: Click here: https://www.diglib.org/opportunities/authenticity-project/ to apply. Application finishline extended until 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 2nd.