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Microsoft launches program in Jackson to grow tech job opportunities, workers skills

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Microsoft launches program in Jackson to grow tech job opportunities, workers skills

Microsoft has tapped a of Mississippi grad to its new philanthropic efforts in Jackson through its โ€œTechSpark initiative,โ€ which targets communities vulnerable to being left behind in a tech-driven

JJ Townsend, a native, will manage TechSpark Jackson, the tech giant announced Wednesday.

โ€œThere’s a lot of talent and drive in Mississippi, but not a lot of opportunity,โ€ Townsend told Mississippi Today. โ€œTechSpark is providing digital skill training, workforce development, and entrepreneurship . That’s really big. We are last a lot of times, in a lot of categories. But in computer science, there’s a chance for us not to be.โ€ 

Microsoft has launched the program already in Central Washington, Southern Virginia, Wyoming, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Texas and Mexico. TechSpark aims to close gaps in economic opportunities through skills training and by supporting local startups and nonprofits, according to Microsoft.

Townsend’s passion lies in computer science education. He’s a Teach for America alum who already helped develop an existing Microsoft program to get computer science education inside Jackson high schools.

โ€œI know what it’s like to be a teacher and what it looks like when a student learns to code,โ€ Townsend said. โ€œTechnology can transform their trajectory.โ€ 

That program will be in every public high school in Jackson this coming school year and teach about 200 students, according to the tech company. 

Microsoft’s goals with TechSpark largely mirror what the has acknowledged as shortfalls through its year-old workforce development office Accelerate Mississippi. Accelerate Mississippi and the state’s economic council have both pointed to Mississippi’s lack of qualified workers as the top concern for businesses across the states. 

The program’s immediate focus is on Jackson, but Townsend expects that to change over time.

โ€œWe recognize that part of Mississippi’s success is based on a thriving Jackson,โ€ he said. โ€œPilots have kind of been the name of the game, but we’re tracking the success.โ€

And those programs that perform well could be scaled across the state, he said. 

In the program’s launch, Microsoft said it is helping bolster Jackson State University โ€“ a historically Black college โ€“ cyber-readiness program to build career opportunities. Microsoft says the program will train at least 100 students and help get them real-world cybersecurity experience. 

The company is partnering with Innovate Mississippi, a 20-year-old nonprofit that supports local entrepreneurs, to a 12-week program to help grow Mississippi startups. The program is already in the process of training 21 founders โ€“ more than 300 applied โ€“ on how to secure and win investors. 

A different five-week program pilot with Innovate Mississippi offers free career coaching to unemployed participants. Its goal is to have 80% in new or better roles within six months of graduation.

Another partnership plan will create a “makerspace” in Jackson, a building space that can host programming this summer. 

โ€œThe beauty of TechSpark and Microsoft is we can use our name to get other philanthropic partners. We’re on board and happy to be the first mover,โ€ Townsend said. โ€œWe’re really about what’s happening on the ground right now and how we can plug in and support it.โ€ 

Editor’s note: Microsoft Corp. is a funder of Mississippi Today.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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Mississippi News

Mississippi sees 5th largest increase in fatal crashes: study

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www.wjtv.com – Garret Grove – 2024-11-02 12:25:00

SUMMARY: A recent study highlights a troubling rise in road fatalities in Mississippi, with a nearly 31% increase in fatal accidents from 2012 to 2021, ranking it fifth highest in the country. The reported a spike during the 2024 Labor Day , responding to seven fatal crashes resulting in 15 deaths, to only three crashes and six deaths in 2021. Additionally, a 2023 showed Mississippi had the highest per capita fatal crashes during the Christmas period. Young drivers are particularly affected, as Mississippi ranks fifth for teenage driving fatalities nationwide.

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Vicksburg man charged with assaulting woman in domestic dispute

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2024-11-02 11:33:00

SUMMARY: In Vicksburg, Mississippi, a domestic assault led to the hospitalization of a man and woman on November 2. were alerted by Merit Region after a 28-year-old man, Daron Evans, arrived with a stab wound. Authorities dispatched to the scene found the woman, who had also been assaulted. After receiving treatment, Evans was and charged with aggravated assault domestic violence; he is held without bond until his court appearance. The woman is in stable at the . An investigation is ongoing.

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Cloudy and humid weekend – Home – WCBI TV

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www.wcbi.com – Sadie Morris – 2024-11-02 10:13:00

SUMMARY: In Columbus, Mississippi, humid and cloudy weather is expected, with temperatures remaining above average in the lower 80s for the upcoming . Rain is forecasted for Election Day on Tuesday, continuing into the week with isolated showers likely. This Saturday will see patchy fog in the morning, clearing by midday, with a high around 80 degrees. Sunday will bring similar humidity, with a high in the lower 80s and mild overnight lows in the mid-60s. Throughout the week, expect persistent clouds and humidity alongside mild temperatures.

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