Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

On June 5, 2025, South Central Mississippi Works (SCMW) and its partners celebrated a transformative milestone with the launch  of SCMW.info—a comprehensive digital platform designed to expand access to workforce services across the region. Held at the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) office in Pearl, MS, the event also marked the introduction of additional tools including a Mobile WIN Job Center and a network of digital kiosks.

“This is more than just a website or a kiosk—it’s a gateway,” said Robin Parker, Workforce Director at CMPDD. “It’s a way to remove barriers and create equitable access for every community we serve.”

Mike Monk, CEO of CMPDD, praised the region’s bold shift toward modernization. “Over a year ago, our local leadership recognized that access to opportunity shouldn’t be constrained by geography, transportation, or outdated systems,” he said. “They voted to build a digital delivery system that connects more people to training, coaching, and employment—whether or not they can physically visit a job center. That decision was courageous, and as you’ll see today, it’s paying off.”

Patrick Sullivan, Chair of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB), emphasized the significance of the effort. “SCMW didn’t settle for ‘how we’ve always done it.’ They took a bold step to prioritize outcomes over square footage,” Sullivan noted. “Progress can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential—and we’re seeing a culture shift take hold.”

Sullivan challenged attendees to go beyond simply launching new tools. “Having a kiosk or website isn’t the goal—using it to better serve people is. It’s time to activate, not just admire. We must ask ourselves: Are we preparing people for yesterday’s jobs, or tomorrow’s careers? Mississippi’s future depends on local leaders who are willing to lead change, not just react to it.”

The SCMW digital delivery system brings together local and state resources to ensure streamlined access to employment services, especially for rural and underserved communities. Attendees also heard from Benny Hubbard, Chair of the SCMW Local Workforce Board; Kelvin King, Vice-Chair of the SCMW Board of Commissioners; and Bill Ashley, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), who introduced integrated state tools to complement the local effort.

This forward-thinking initiative is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Accelerate MS, whose Career Coach program plays a key role in connecting Mississippians to high-wage, high-demand careers in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and IT.

Training leaders from Hinds, Copiah-Lincoln, and Southwest Mississippi Community Colleges were also present, alongside partners from Build MS. These institutions power programs like Reconnect and Step Up—short-term, skills-focused training designed to quickly prepare individuals for careers aligned with regional employer needs.

To learn more about the digital system and explore training opportunities, visit SCMW.info.