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EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT: WORK READINESS TRAINING Description of the component. Provide a summary of the activities and services. SMART Start Administered by the Office of Adult Education. Smart Start Classes are embedded in the curriculum for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Skills Training programs which are in alignment with the skill needs of local industries and prepares individuals for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Smart Start students are required to complete the course of study focusing on instructor led activities that include but are not limited to: • Resume writing • Interview etiquette • Effective communication strategies • Basic problem-solving skills • Financial literacy planning • NCRC completion Smart Start instructor services include but are not limited to: • ACT WorkKeys testing preparation • Soft skills identification and enhancements • Career planning and development sessions • Mock interviewing and critique • Barrier mitigation assistance Hinds Community College operates a 15-to-17-week program with classes ranging from an hour to an hour and a half four days a week. Indicate the Target Population this component will serve. Select all that apply. ABAWDs Returning citizens (aka: ex-offenders) Single parents Students Those that reside in rural areas Underemployed Veterans Describe the criteria for participation. Include the skills, knowledge, or experience necessary for participation in the component. For example, literacy or numeracy levels, recent labor market attachment, computer literacy, etc. 1/29/26, 8:18 AM State Plan MS FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-msfy26stateplan//index.html 64/104