The Mississippi Community College Board, through its Office of Adult Education, is responsible for administering and overseeing adult education programs for the state of Mississippi. The focus of adult education extends far beyond earning a high school equivalency diploma. In 2022, 57% of Mississippi jobs required some education or training past a high school equivalency diploma.
Adult education in Mississippi is designed to help individuals gain the skills they need to transition into further education, training, or directly into the workforce by:
- Enabling adults to acquire the basic educational skills necessary for functional literacy;
- Providing adults with sufficient basic education to enable them to benefit from job training and retraining programs and to obtain and retain productive employment so that they might more fully enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship;
- Assisting adults who so desire to continue their education to at least the level of completion of secondary school. Adult basic education programs are designed to serve adults who have attained the age of 16 and are beyond the compulsory attendance age.
Adult Education Services
Through various programs, such as Smart Start, MIBEST, and High School Equivalency classes, adult education is strengthening Mississippi’s workforce and contributing to the creation of a thriving economy. Adult education programs offer opportunities that enhance the skills and abilities of individuals preparing for the workforce or pursuing additional educational opportunities. To be competitive in today’s work environment, individuals must prepare themselves in the areas of math, reading, writing, communication, teamwork, and computer skills. Adult education provides the necessary support in developing these skills and abilities, enabling individuals to transition effectively into diverse work settings.
- High School Equivalency classes – Mississippi offers free courses designed for individuals 16 years of age or older who are not currently enrolled in school and are pursuing a nationally recognized High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma program. HSE classes offered through community colleges and adult education programs across the state provide students with a flexible, supportive environment designed to help them succeed. Completing an HSE can help students secure a higher-paying job or pursue further educational opportunities. Mississippi offers three assessments as well as a state-approved option to measure high school equivalency skills. To learn more about the different HSE options and how to earn your High School Equivalency Diploma, visit the SkillUP Mississippi HSE web page for more information.
- English Language Acquisition – Classes designed to help eligible individuals who are English language learners achieve competence in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension of the English language, and that leads to the attainment of the secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
- Integrated Education & Training – Provide high school equivalency classes concurrently with workforce preparation and workforce training for a specific occupation. Visit MIBEST for more information.
- Workforce Preparation – The Smart Start Pathway Course, which is eligible for college credit, develops students’ foundational skills necessary for their careers. The course enables students to develop and practice effective work habits and communication skills needed for successful employment. Students learn about Mississippi’s current and emerging jobs within their region’s workforce area, identifying the career components essential for middle-skill employment. As Mississippi becomes a work-ready state, Smart Start students are prepared to take the WorkKeys test, which includes Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. This test qualifies students for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®). Employers seek candidates with an NCRC regardless of the candidate’s educational background because the certificate is a valid predictor of job performance.
- National Career Readiness Certificate – More than 2,800 Mississippi employers recognize the ACT® National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) in their hiring and workforce practices. Since 2015, Mississippi’s adult education programs have awarded over 19,000 NCRCs, demonstrating that participants possess the foundational skills needed for success in today’s workplace. The NCRC is a cornerstone of Mississippi’s participation in the ACT Work Ready Communities initiative, which aligns education, workforce, and economic development partners to verify and strengthen local talent pipelines. By showcasing measurable skill levels through the NCRC, Mississippi enhances its competitiveness in Site Selection Magazine rankings and positions itself as a top choice for new and expanding industries. Learn more at workreadycommunities.org/MS or ACT’s NCRC page.
- eDULT – The Office of Adult Education, in partnership with local adult education programs, is offering free online high school equivalency diploma preparation. eDULT Online aims to grant access to quality learning opportunities and career support for all adult learners anytime, anywhere—to break down barriers that stand in the way of learners’ hope for a brighter future. Virtual learning and service delivery consist of flexible yet defined distance learning hours, personalized student-focused transition services, and specialized instruction from the state’s premier subject matter experts. Has your work schedule, transportation, or lack of childcare kept you from returning to get your diploma? You have options! The Virtual High School Equivalency Initiative—eDULT Online—is now available. Visit https://skillupmississippi.com/edult-online/ to find out how you can earn your diploma online around your busy schedule today!