Upskill Mississippi Grant Program; establish to provide last-dollar tuition assistance at community colleges for certain programs.

Tuition grants for adult Mississippi students

The law creates grants for eligible students at Mississippi public community and junior colleges. Grants cover tuition and fees left after other gift aid, plus $500 per year for books and materials; funding depends on legislative appropriations. Applicants must be at least 24, qualify as independent students for federal aid, be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, have lived in Mississippi for two years and continue living there, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must enroll at least half-time in an eligible certificate or associate-degree program, complete the federal and state aid applications by the deadline set in rules, and meet their college’s academic progress standards. Eligible programs come from an annual list of priority sectors and occupations; colleges must provide advising at least three times each term, career support, early alerts, and term-by-term student cost and aid reports. Colleges must seek funding for up to $250 per term for emergency aid, childcare, or transportation, but this money is not guaranteed; flexible schedules and paid practicums or apprenticeships are offered when possible. A limited pilot starts in Spring 2027, a full pilot runs in 2027–2028, and full implementation starts in 2028–2029; the law takes effect July 1, 2026.