UPSKILL was created in 2026 and begins as a 2026–27 pilot for adults training in Mississippi priority sectors. Students pursue a certificate or associate degree at a participating community college, not a general university degree. The program combines tuition aid with success coaching, career planning, and a connection to Mississippi Works.
Applicants must be at least 24, hold a diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have lived legally in Mississippi for two years before applying. At least half-time enrollment in an eligible program is required. The college must verify that the credential appears on the current list of approved occupations, which may change with state workforce priorities.
The award covers remaining tuition and required fees after other grant aid and adds a $500 annual stipend prorated by term and enrollment. There is no fixed duration cap; support lasts only for the time needed to complete one certificate or associate degree. It cannot be combined with another Mississippi state-aid award in the same academic year.
For the pilot, MAAPP is due September 15 and supporting documents, including FAFSA, are due October 15. Public community colleges were invited to participate in the first cohort, but the school still verifies admission, program, and services. File FAFSA and MAAPP, request the residency-document checklist, and confirm that your program appears on the current list before leaving work or taking on costs.
The pilot combines remaining tuition and required fees with a prorated $500 annual stipend; it is not unrestricted cash. Ask the community college which grants it applies first, which charges enter the balance, and when funds arrive. Because other Mississippi state aid cannot be combined in the same year, compare options before choosing.
The credential must lead to priority occupations on the current list. Ask a career adviser to identify the exact occupation and certificate, not just the broad field, and keep that confirmation. The state list may change with workforce needs, so a related course does not automatically qualify.
For 2026–27, MAAPP was due September 15 and FAFSA/supporting documents are due October 15; the first date has passed and the second falls on this review date. If you plan to apply, immediately ask whether the office is still accepting documents and whether your college participates. Do not infer future dates from this pilot; wait for the next official cycle.
Before deciding, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, remaining tuition, required fees, and outside costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents against current official guidance, and keep submission receipts.
Read the official program profile and the FAFSA application guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
UPSKILL Mississippi Grant — Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid.
Eligible Programs — Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and deadlines vary by program and can change by cycle. A grant does not necessarily cover housing, meals, books, or transportation. File FAFSA or the applicable state application, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
UPSKILL Mississippi Grant
UPSKILL was created in 2026 and begins as a 2026–27 pilot for adults training in Mississippi priority sectors. Students pursue a certificate or associate degree at a participating community college, not a general university degree. The program combines tuition aid with success coaching, career planning, and a connection to Mississippi Works. Applicants must be at least 24, hold a diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have lived legally in Mississippi fo
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of State Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.