Mid-South Center for Occupational Innovation

Project Title: Opportunity Now!
Region (applicant-defined)/State(s) or territory served: Eastern Arkansas, Northwest Mississippi, West Tennessee
Phase (applicant-defined): Phase 1 - System Development
Award Amount: $21,524,841
Key Industry / Industries: Building and Construction; Manufacturing; Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Contact: Kyla Guyette, President, [email protected]
Project Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
View Press Release
Summary:
The Mid-South Center for Occupational Innovation, in partnership with local employers, will support growing industries in the rural South by establishing one-stop Accelerated Skills Training centers in East Arkansas, North Mississippi, and West Tennessee. By working in partnership with Ford Motor Company, the project will support the growing electric vehicle industry following Ford’s announcement that it will build a multi-billion-dollar facility in western Tennessee. This project will also strengthen American supply chains by creating a pipeline of skilled workers for employers like FedEx, whose World Hub in Memphis is the centerpiece of its global distribution and delivery operations. Its backbone organizations—Greater Memphis Chamber (manufacturing), University of Memphis (transportation, distribution, and logistics), and Moore Tech (building and construction)—will work in close partnership with local employers and community organizations to ensure training programs quickly lead to the skilled workforce needed for the region’s economy to expand in the coming years.

The project narrative included above is what was submitted by the applicants. The final EDA-approved scope of work may differ.