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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 University of Mississippi grad to lead its new philanthropic efforts in Jackson through its “TechSpark initiative,” which targets communities vulnerable to being left behind in a tech-driven economy. 

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

“There’s a lot of talent and drive in Mississippi, but not a lot of opportunity,” Townsend told Mississippi Today. “TechSpark is providing digital skill training, workforce development, and entrepreneurship support. 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.” 

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.

“I know what it’s like to be a teacher and what it looks like when a student learns to code,” Townsend said. “Technology can transform their trajectory.” 

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 state 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.

“We recognize that part of Mississippi’s success is based on a thriving Jackson,” he said. “Pilots have kind of been the name of the game, but we’re tracking the success.”

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 – a historically Black college – 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 run a 12-week program to help grow Mississippi startups. The program is already in the process of training 21 founders – more than 300 applied – on how to secure funding 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. 

“The 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,” Townsend said. “We’re really excited about what’s happening on the ground right now and how we can plug in and support it.” 

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.

Mississippi News

Ole Miss women get pair of double-doubles and roll to 83-65 March Madness win over Ball State

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www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-03-22 09:03:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin found solace in returning to a different arena in Waco, Texas, following a disappointing previous tournament experience. The No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels redeemed themselves with an 83-65 victory over 12th-seeded Ball State in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. Starr Jacobs led the Rebels with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kennedy Todd-Williams and Madison Scott each scored 15 points. Ole Miss dominated rebounding, leading 52-32, and will face fourth-seeded Baylor next. Coach McPhee-McCuin noted the team’s evolution since their last visit and the significance of playing in Texas, where Jacobs feels at home.

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Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 21-23

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-03-21 08:59:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (March 21-23), Mississippi offers a range of exciting events. Highlights include Hal’s Marching MALfunction Second Line Stomp and Jessie Robinson’s blues performance in Jackson, as well as the Natchez Food & Wine Festival and the Natchez Little Theatre’s production of *This Side of Crazy*. There are also numerous exhibitions like *Of Salt and Spirit: Black Quilters in the American South* in Jackson and *Gold in the Hills* in Vicksburg. Other events include the 48th Annual Crawfish Classic Tennis Tournament in Hattiesburg, karaoke nights in Laurel, and a variety of family-friendly activities across the state.

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Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: March 14-16

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-03-14 07:26:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (March 14-16) in Mississippi offers a variety of events. In Jackson, iconic saxophonist Boney James performs at the convention center, while the JXN Food & Wine festival showcases culinary talents. The LeFleur Museum District hosts a “Week of Wonder,” and several exhibitions, including “Of Salt and Spirit,” celebrate Black quilters. Natchez features the Spring Pilgrimage tours, a reenactment of Annie Stewart’s story, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. In Hattiesburg, comedian Rob Schneider performs, and various events like a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl and a talent show will take place throughout the area.

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