
The Smart Start credential is designed to help students gain the skills they need to be successful in today’s economy. The program prepares students for middle-skill jobs such as machinists, registered nurses, computer technicians, medical assistants and a host of other opportunities by helping them learn and practice good work habits and the effective communications skills you need to secure meaningful employment.
Smart Start students are prepared to take the WorkKeys test, which includes: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents, that qualifies students for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Employers seek candidates with an NCRC regardless of the candidate’s educational background. The certificate signals to employers that students have the skills necessary to be effective in a job. Learn more about Smart Start by calling 601-432-6518 or completing the contact form.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The course is designed to train and educate individuals in need of basic education and job readiness skills. Individuals have the opportunity to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate demonstrating to employers they have the skills needed to be successful in a job.
Even though the course prepares you for middle-skill employment, individuals who enroll and complete the Smart Start Pathway Course are seeing more advancement toward their high school equivalency diploma than those who do not complete the course.
The course can be taken face-to-face, hybrid, or in the online format, Canvas. Some programs offer Smart Start in 4-weeks, 6-weeks, and 8-weeks formats. Since there are so many options as well as attempting to meet the different needs of students, each program is different. We recommend you meet with your instructor to choose the route best for you.
Yes! You will need to confirm with your institution of choice; however, the Smart Start Pathway Course has an assigned college course number SSP 1003 that deems it eligible for college credit.
Smart Start is available completely online through the online format, Canvas. This allows for individuals to participate in the exact content that is taught in the face-to-face classroom. Since the online format is required to mirror the face-to-face class, you’ll need to make sure to meet with your instructor to sort out all the details.