Move Further and Faster to a Better Career and Future!
The Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program is a workforce and economic development initiative that moves low-skilled, non-credentialed Mississippians from the economic sidelines into careers earning family-sustaining wages. The program prioritizes individuals who did not complete a traditional high school degree, those in low-wage jobs, and other nontraditional students. MIBEST seeks to increase the number of these students who are able to secure jobs with a livable wage and scale the integrated career pathways available to Mississippians through the state’s community colleges.
Students enrolled in a MIBEST program at one of the state’s 15 community colleges are assigned a Navigator to guide them through every step of the program including filling out an application, completing their coursework, and transitioning into the labor market. Navigators connect students to educational and personal supports such as career counseling, financial aid, tutoring, social-emotional assistance, community resources and other supports to eliminate barriers to program completion.
The Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program quickly teaches students literacy, workforce, and college-readiness skills so they can move through school and into living wage jobs faster. Students get help with the academic skills (reading, writing, and match) they need while studying in the career field of their choice; they learn by doing.
MIBEST challenges the traditional notion that students must move through a set sequence of basic education or pre-college (remedial) courses before they can start working on certificates or degrees. The combined teaching models allows students to work on college-level studies right away, clearing multiple levels with one leap.
MIBEST) allows individuals to build skills and earn workforce and career credentials/ certifications at the same time.
Resources
“MIBEST has helped me do what I’ve always wanted to do…Weld.”
Samuel Reid
Welding Pathway, Holmes Community College
“MIBEST was the perfect program for me. Anything big or small I needed was provided. All of the mentors were very helpful and kind. MIBEST helped me so much and I am thankful programs like this exist.”
Marianna Bivens
Business Office Technology Pathway, Southwest Mississippi Community College
“I was introduced to the MIBEST program through the Adult Education Program at East Mississippi Community College. I was able to work on my GED while enrolled in the CNA program at the same time. This opportunity gave me a boost in my academics. I am truly thankful for all the doors the MIBEST program has opened for me.”
Adrienne Carlisle
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pathway, East Mississippi Community College
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals must be a legal Mississippi resident, at least 17 years of age, and score at least a bronze level on the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Preference will be given to students who do not have a high school diploma.
Yes. MIBEST programs can admit a limited number of individuals with a high school credential if they meet the eligibility qualifications.
The Student Navigators work with each student to identify barriers and resources to address them. For example, some programs may cover books, childcare, program supplies (scrubs, work boots, hard hats, etc.), and others as resources allow.
