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In 2021, the State Office of Workforce Development, AccelerateMS, was created. Under the directive of Governor Tate Reeves, AccelerateMS is now responsible for coordinating state workforce efforts and submitting the state’s WIOA Plan. Under Mississippi Senate Bill 2723, passed in April 2022, all state agencies vested in workforce development are required to collaborate with AccelerateMS in workforce development initiatives. MDHS, along with other collaborators, has met with AccelerateMS throughout the year and, Mississippi’s State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) has served in an advisory role. MDHS had a meeting scheduled with the Executive Director Kell Smith of the MS Community College Board for July 21st to discuss intermediary options. We continue follow-up discussions. MDHS met with leaders from the state’s workforce areas on August 17th to discuss growth of the E&T program through intermediaries. We discussed the potential for one or more of the state’s Planning & Development Districts to serve in this role. We continue follow-up discussions. Describe the extent to which the State agency is carrying out SNAP E&T programs in coordination with title I programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Mississippi operates under a Combined WIOA State Plan. The Plan’s core partners are the MS Department of Employment Security (MDES), MS Department of Human Services (TANF), MS Community College Board (AE), Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and the MS local Workforce Investment Boards. WIOA partners utilize a “no wrong door approach” when serving participants. Through an electronic referral system known as the “WIOA Module/Hub”, partner systems communicate in real time to make electronic referrals and share records thus maximizing all available resources. The state’s strategic vision is to create a workforce system that acts and functions as an ecosystem where all parts are connected and line up to achieve common goals so that every Mississippian has the opportunity to be work- or career-ready. The Division of Workforce Development’s staff members collaborate with the local workforce boards, county administrators, economic development directors, employers and community-based organizations to identify local workforce needs and tailor partnerships within the E&T program for emerging industries within the state. Workforce information is shared with MDHS County Directors to assist frontline staff in their efforts to connect individuals with education, training and employment opportunities. Is SNAP E&T included as a partner in the State's WIOA Combined Plan? Yes No Describe how the State agency is coordinating with TANF/GA programs, services, partners, and/or activities. Describe any TANF/GA special initiatives targeting specific populations and any actions taken to coordinate with these efforts. DWDPM uses TANF funding to provide a continuum of services to youth and adults throughout Mississippi. These services include After-school Program Activities, Parenthood Initiatives, Workforce Training and Education Programs, and Support Services. This alignment, along with the Skills2Work program, reduce the overall incidence of poverty and help increase self-sufficiency, After-school Program Activities are designed to help prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies, while also preparing youth for the workforce through tutoring, mentorships, community pride, STEAM projects, financial literacy, family dynamics, and post- secondary education/career guidance. Parenthood Initiatives encourage the formation and maintenance of 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 7/104