Mississippi stands at a pivotal crossroads in shaping its economic and educational future. The upcoming Ascent to 55% Convening on October 15–16 at the Jackson Convention Complex provides a unique opportunity to unite education, business, and community leaders in a collective effort to strengthen our state’s workforce readiness.

The Ascent to 55% initiative aims to raise our educational attainment rate and increase the percentage of working-age Mississippians holding a postsecondary degree or credential to 55% by 2030. Currently, fewer than half of our adults possess such qualifications, placing us among the lowest in the nation. This gap poses significant challenges as industries evolve and demand a more skilled workforce.

Raising our educational attainment rate can significantly increa

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