UPSKILL – Upgrading Priority Skills for Key Industry Learning and Labor

UPSKILL, created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2026, provides tuition assistance to adult students enrolled in eligible community college certificate or associate degree programs that lead to jobs in Mississippi’s priority occupation sectors.

Rules and Regulations

• DRAFT UPSKILL Rules and Regulations (to be approved in August 2026)

Important Dates

• Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) deadline: September 15
• Supporting Documents (including the FAFSA) deadline: October 15

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful, permanent resident
• Be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi for two years prior to application
• Be at least 24 years of age
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an eligible certificate or associate degree program at a participating Mississippi Community College
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and submit all required supporting documents by the established deadlines
• Meet any other general requirements for admission and continuation at the attending community college

Award Amount

• Balance of tuition and required fees after all other grant aid has been applied plus a $500 annual stipend per year (prorated by term based on enrollment)

Length of Eligibility

• A maximum award amount or length of time is not established; however, a recipient may only receive the UPSKILL Grant for the time required to complete one certificate or one associate degree.
• Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress will result in cancellation of the recipient’s eligibility for the UPSKILL Grant.
• Failure to maintain at least half-time enrollment in an eligible program will result in cancellation of the recipient’s eligibility for the UPSKILL Grant. However, the student may file an appeal for reconsideration with the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid and may be granted an exception for cause.

To Apply – New Applicants

1. Complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP). The MAAPP must be completed each and every academic yearFor state aid, the academic year refers to the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer is generally not covered by state aid unless specifically noted for a program. for which the applicant seeks aid.
2. Submit required supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Supporting Documents:

Residency Documents:

• New applicants (and some renewal applicants with a break in enrollmentA break in enrollment would include any semester or trimester during which the student was awarded state aid and did not attend a Mississippi institution of higher learning.  An exception to the break in enrollment is when the student graduates mid-year (December) from a community college and will not enroll in a four (4) year institution until the following fall semester.) will be required to submit two forms of residency documentation. Learn about Residency Requirements and acceptable residency documentation. 

FAFSA: 

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each and every academic yearFor state aid, the academic year refers to the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer is generally not covered by state aid unless specifically noted for a program. for which the applicant seeks aid. It is required for all UPSKILL applicants and can serve as one of two required residency documents.

Other Documentation:

• Additional documents may be requested for the purpose of resolving conflicting information or documenting high school completion, residency, or age.

How to Submit Supporting Documents

To Apply – Renewal Applicants

Renewal Applicants are applicants who have previously received an award through the program.

1. Complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP). The MAAPP must be completed each and every academic yearFor state aid, the academic year refers to the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer is generally not covered by state aid unless specifically noted for a program. for which the applicant seeks aid.
2. Submit required supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How to Submit Supporting Documents

Participating Institutions and Eligible Programs

Participating Institutions: 

Each year colleges will be required to sign a participation agreement and commit to providing certain support services to UPSKILL Grant recipients. For the initial 2026-27 pilot award year, all public Mississippi community colleges have been invited to participate in the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant program. Participation agreements have not yet been requested or signed by any institution for Fall 2026, so all Mississippi public community colleges are considered to be Participating Institutions.

Participating Institutions will commit to providing the following support services: 

• Assign an advisor or success coach to contact each grant recipient a minimum of three (3) times per term to assist with enrollment, financial aid, career planning, or other topics as needed to support program continuation and completion.
• Enroll each recipient in Mississippi Works.
• Provide career integration by creating program maps aligning eligible programs with careers and connect grant recipients to paid practicums or apprenticeships where possible.
• Identify alternative funding sources, such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, to connect UPSKILL participants with additional financial assistance opportunities.
• When possible, offer flexible program delivery, such as evening, weekend, and online program participation.
• Utilize data and early alert systems to support recipients.

View a list of Participating Institutions.  

Eligible Programs:

• Every year, Accelerate Mississippi will provide a list of eligible programs based on priority sectors and occupations to the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid which shall use the list to determine the eligibility of applicants.
• The institution will verify each student’s enrollment in an eligible program.   
• Students receiving the UPSKILL Grant may continue to receive the grant through program completion even if the program no longer qualifies as an eligible program if the student remains continuously enrolled and maintains satisfactory academic progress.

See a list of Eligible Programs.