Washington County officials on Monday approved a $300,000 grant aimed at strengthening workforce development in the local energy sector, with a focus on contract workers. The funds will be split between Mississippi Delta Community College and the regional planning and development district.
During a meeting at the county courthouse, supervisors said the grant will support training and certification programs tailored to prepare residents for employment in energy-related fields. The initiative will be carried out in partnership with local educational institutions to address workforce shortages in the region.
“This grant is a game changer for supporting contract workers in Washington County,” one official said during the session. “By partnering with the community college and the planning development district, we can make sure more people here are ready for new opportunities in the energy field.”
In addition to the grant announcement, supervisors received updates on educational programs at Bolivar and Delta correctional facilities. The county is preparing to enroll incarcerated students in four new programs beginning this fall.
Officials also discussed preparations for the upcoming decennial review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which is critical for maintaining college accreditation and federal funding eligibility.
