Organization location: 1235 echelon parkway, jackson, MS 39215POC name: robert deyoungpoc

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), doing business as Job Service, was awarded a $16,601,334 Cooperative Agreement under the Reentry Employment Opportunities program by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The 4-year grant, commencing on September 30, 2023, will provide virtual reality career exploration, digital training, apprenticeship enrollment, and work experiences to 250 participants per year at the Yazoo City Federal Corrections Complex and regional reentry centers in Tupelo, Jackson, and Hattiesburg. Key expected outcomes include reduced recidivism and credential attainment, which will be achieved through collaboration with partners such as the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program, local workforce development areas, U.S. Probation Offices, and state agencies. The grant aims to leverage all available resources to deliver comprehensive reentry services and support to the target population across Mississippi.