Job Training for Single Mothers in Mississippi
Mississippi Job Training for Single Mothers (2025 No‑Fluff Guide)
Last updated: September 2025
This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub to help you choose job training that actually leads to a paycheck in Mississippi. Every program below links straight to an official site, gives the real numbers we could verify, and flags the fine print so you don’t lose time or benefits.
Quick Help (start here)
- Call a WIN Job Center to ask for WIOA training help and the Eligible Training Provider List. If you don’t know which center serves you, use the statewide locator and phone list. Bold the words “I’m a single mom and I’m ready to train for X job.” Find a WIN Job Center. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- If you get SNAP, ask your caseworker to refer you to Skills2Work (SNAP E&T). It can add tuition help, supplies, childcare help, transportation, and a monthly support stipend of $80 while you train. Skills2Work (SNAP E&T). (mdhs.ms.gov)
- If you receive TANF cash help, you’ll be placed in the TANF Work Program. Ask for paid training, transportation stipends, and CCPP childcare. TANF has a 60‑month lifetime limit (with important rules). TANF Work Program. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Need childcare so you can attend training? Apply for the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP). Some families pay 0∗∗ora∗∗0** or a **10 monthly co‑pay; others pay a sliding co‑pay based on income. Applications for waitlisted families resumed August 1, 2025, with 10 days to finish once invited; approvals last 12 months. CCPP for Parents and Co‑pay rules. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Want to earn while you learn? Registered Apprenticeships in MS start paid from day one. Average apprentice starting pay is about 15/hour∗∗,andcompletersaveragearound∗∗15/hour**, and completers average around **60,000/year. Call 601‑321‑6000 to get matched. Mississippi Apprenticeship Program. (msapprenticeship.works)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (scan this first)
| Program | Who it helps | What you can get | Key $ amounts we verified | How to apply / contact | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIOA training (via WIN Job Centers) | Adults and dislocated workers who need skills for in‑demand jobs | Tuition/fees/books through an Individual Training Account (ITA), On‑the‑Job Training (OJT), career services | OJT can reimburse employers up to 50% of wages during training; ITA dollar caps vary by local area | Find your WIN center and call. WIN map + phone list • Learn WIOA services and ETPL. MDES WIOA (iccms.edu, etpl.mdes.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov) | 
| SNAP E&T (Skills2Work) | SNAP recipients 18–59 not on TANF | Tuition support, training, childcare/transportation help, supplies, monthly support | Monthly support stipend: $80; supportive services may include childcare and transport | Ask your SNAP worker or apply at Skills2Work. Help line 800‑948‑3050. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| TANF Work Program (TWP) | TANF recipients | Training, job search, work experience, monthly transportation stipends, childcare through CCPP | TANF lifetime limit: 60 months; strict participation rules | Ask your TANF worker; program info at TWP. TANF income limits table below. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) | Working/training parents who meet income rules | 12 months of childcare assistance; parent pays a co‑pay | Many pay 0∗∗or∗∗0** or **10; others pay sliding co‑pays; waitlist invites resumed Aug 1, 2025 with 10‑day deadline | CCPP Parents • Call 800‑877‑7882. Updates: CCPP resumes Aug 1, 2025. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Registered Apprenticeships (MAP) | Anyone wanting paid training + credential | Paid job + coursework; wage increases as you progress | Avg start 15/hr∗∗;completeravg∗∗15/hr**; completer avg **60k/yr; 22,994 apprentices supported since 2016 (as of Mar 31, 2025) | Call 601‑321‑6000 or email apprenticesinfo@mdes.ms.gov. MAP. (msapprenticeship.works) | 
| Women‑focused trades program (Gulf Coast) | Women interested in construction/shipbuilding | Free pre‑apprenticeship; OSHA‑10; HEO card; case management; some childcare help | Classes 2 or 14 weeks; free if eligible | Moore Community House WinC: 228‑207‑5265. WinC classes. (moorecommunityhouse.org) | 
| Tech training (no cost) | Moms switching into tech | Free self‑paced digital/IT training (Workforce 360) and tuition‑free full‑stack developer tracks | Workforce 360 is no‑cost (360 hours) | Mississippi Coding Academies: Workforce 360. (mscoding.org) | 
What this guide covers that other pages don’t
- We include current Mississippi‑specific dollar amounts (like the $80 SNAP E&T stipend, TANF 60‑month clock, CCPP 10‑day invite window).
- We put direct phone numbers and find‑your‑office tools in one place so you don’t have to hunt across agency sites.
- We flag real timelines, common mistakes, and Plan B options if your first path stalls.
Start Here: Get Matched at a WIN Job Center
Most training money in Mississippi flows through the WIN Job Center system. Your first move is to register, talk to a career specialist, and ask whether WIOA will fund the training you want.
Action steps:
- Download the MS Works app or register online, then call your nearest WIN center and ask for a WIOA intake appointment. MS Works registration + app • WIN center map + phone list. (mdes.ms.gov, etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- Ask about the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and which programs in your region are funded right now. ETPL info. (mdes.ms.gov)
- If your goal is a paid route, ask about On‑the‑Job Training (OJT) with a local employer. Employers can be reimbursed up to 50% of your wages while you learn. That can make you an easier hire. (Show your employer this if they’re unsure.) (iccms.edu)
What WIOA can pay for
- Tuition, required fees, and books through an Individual Training Account (ITA); amounts are set by your local workforce area.
- Training types include occupational skills, OJT, customized training, adult education plus training (“Smart Start”), and more. WIOA services overview. (mdes.ms.gov)
Reality check on timelines
- Expect 1–3 visits for intake, assessments, and building your Individual Employment Plan before training can be approved. Availability and timing vary by area and by start dates at your college or provider (be ready for a 2–6 week runway). WIOA assistance policies and ITA caps vary by local area. Your counselor will confirm the current limits. State plan/ETPL note that ITAs are administered locally and policies vary. (mdes.ms.gov)
Required documents (bring these to your first appointment)
- Photo ID and Social Security cards for you and your children (if listed on your case)
- Proof of Mississippi residency (lease, utility bill)
- Recent pay stubs or proof of job loss, unemployment letter if applicable
- SNAP/TANF award letters (if any)
- High school diploma/GED or transcripts; test scores (WorkKeys/NCRC if you have them)
- Training program acceptance letter or class schedule (if already admitted)
- Childcare provider info if you’ll need CCPP
Plan B if this doesn’t work
- If your WIN center can’t fund your class right now, ask for a referral to SNAP E&T (Skills2Work) or TANF Work Program, or ask the Apprenticeship Mississippi team to line up a paid “earn while you learn” option. Skills2Work • TANF Work Program • Apprenticeship MS. (mdhs.ms.gov, msapprenticeship.works)
WIOA Training in Mississippi: What to Expect
What WIOA pays for (and doesn’t)
- Training must be on the ETPL and tied to in‑demand jobs in your region. ITAs can cover tuition/fees/books; some areas also help with tools, uniforms, exams, or licenses. ETPL + WIOA overview. (mdes.ms.gov)
- ITA dollar caps are set by the local workforce area (they change). Your counselor will give you the current cap and any exceptions. (Under federal rules, locals can set ITA limits; exceptions may be allowed case‑by‑case.) (govregs.com)
- OJT reimburses employers up to 50% of your pay while they train you—ask your counselor to pitch OJT to a willing employer if you’d rather work than sit in class. (iccms.edu)
Where to see approved programs
- Search the statewide ETPL by school, program, or region and compare wages and outcomes. Mississippi ETPL. (mdes.ms.gov)
WIN Job Center contacts (quick list to get you on the phone)
- North/Northeast (Mississippi Partnership – Three Rivers PDD): 662‑489‑2415. Local WIN numbers on the ETPL map. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- Central/South‑Central (Southcentral MS Works – CMPDD): 601‑981‑1511. Center list with numbers (Jackson, Pearl, Vicksburg, Brookhaven, McComb, Natchez). (cmpdd.org)
- Gulf Coast/Southeast (Twin Districts – SMPDD): 228‑868‑2311. WIN centers include Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian, Pascagoula. (mdes.ms.gov)
- Delta (South Delta PDD): 662‑335‑6889. See centers in Greenville, Greenwood, Clarksdale, Cleveland, Indianola, Batesville, etc. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
Mobile WIN Job Center (for rural areas)
- MDES launched a new mobile unit in May 2025—it brings job search, career help, and small‑group training to communities without a nearby center. Watch local calendars for stops. (mdes.ms.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to gather documents—missing IDs or income proof can delay approval for weeks.
- Enrolling yourself first and asking WIOA to “back pay.” Funding usually must be approved before you start.
- Picking a program not on the ETPL—no ITA funds.
- Not asking about OJT or apprenticeships—paid routes can be less stressful with kids.
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your counselor to document the reason (funding wait, not eligible, program not approved). Request a referral to SNAP E&T Skills2Work and to your community college’s workforce office. Then call Apprenticeship MS at 601‑321‑6000 to explore paid training. (mdhs.ms.gov, msapprenticeship.works)
SNAP Employment & Training (Skills2Work)
If you receive SNAP, Skills2Work can be a fast way to cover training and the stuff that makes it possible (bus passes, gas cards, books, work boots), plus a small monthly support payment while you participate.
What you can get
- Case management, career coaching, training at community colleges and partners, help with tuition, supplies, transportation, and childcare; plus a monthly support stipend of $80 while active. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Who qualifies
- Mississippi SNAP recipients, usually 18–59, required to register for work, and not receiving TANF. Your SNAP worker confirms eligibility and refers you. (mdhs.ms.gov)
How to apply and contact
- Ask your SNAP worker to refer you to Skills2Work or apply through MDHS; client services: 800‑948‑3050. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Real‑world example
- Example: You’re on SNAP and want a CDL. Skills2Work can connect you to a partner community college, help with tuition gaps, gas, childcare, boots, and pay the $80 monthly support while you’re in training, then help with job leads. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping required check‑ins with your Skills2Work support specialist—missed contacts can pause your stipend and services.
- Enrolling in a training program before your referral is approved—coordinate first.
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you’re ruled ineligible, ask the WIN Job Center about WIOA ITA funding or OJT. If childcare is the barrier, apply for CCPP immediately and tell your caseworker you need a training‑compatible provider. (mdes.ms.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)
TANF Work Program (TWP) and Training
If you receive TANF cash assistance, TWP expects you to be in a work or training activity. In return, you can get help with childcare, transportation, and other work costs.
Key rules
- TANF has a lifetime limit of 60 months of benefits; non‑compliance can reduce the clock to 24 months for some households. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- TANF recipients can get childcare through CCPP and work‑related expenses (like uniforms or tools) when eligible; programs include work experience, job search/readiness, GED/high school, vocational education, and more. (mdhs.ms.gov)
2025 TANF gross monthly income limits (MDHS)
| Household Size | Max Gross Monthly Income | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $627 | 
| 2 | $851 | 
| 3 | $1,074 | 
| 4 | $1,298 | 
| 5 | $1,522 | 
| 6 | $1,746 | 
| 7 | $1,970 | 
| 8 | $2,194 | 
| 9 | $2,417 | 
| 10 | $2,641 | 
How to apply and contact
- Apply and manage your case through MDHS; for questions, call 800‑948‑3050. County office finder is on the MDHS contact page. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing TWP appointments or activities—missed participation can cut your cash help and stall childcare support.
- Not telling your worker you’re in training—many activities can count, but it must be on your plan.
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you lose TANF due to earnings, ask about transitional child care and transportation help, and pivot to WIOA or Apprenticeship MS to keep momentum. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Child Care While You Train: Child Care Payment Program (CCPP)
Childcare is often the make‑or‑break. Mississippi’s CCPP can pay your licensed provider directly for 12 months at a time if you qualify.
What to know in 2025
- As of August 1, 2025, MDHS resumed inviting families from the waitlist to apply. When your email invite arrives, you have 10 days to complete it. Approved families receive 12 months of assistance. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Co‑pays: Some families pay 0∗∗;others(teenparents,somespecial‑needsfamilies,certainreferrals)paya∗∗0**; others (teen parents, some special‑needs families, certain referrals) pay a **10 maximum monthly co‑pay; most other families pay a sliding co‑pay by income and family size. See the co‑pay scale and exceptions. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Income thresholds: Generally up to 85% of State Median Income (SMI) for priority groups; “very low income” is ≤50% of SMI. MDHS posts the SMI table and priority rules. (mdhs.ms.gov)
How to apply and contact
- Parents page (apply, upload docs, find providers): CCPP for Parents. Call the CCPP call center at 800‑877‑7882. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the 10‑day deadline once invited—set alerts and check your spam folder for ccnotices@mdhs.ms.gov. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Choosing a provider that doesn’t accept MDHS subsidy—use the provider search and check the “Accepts MDHS Subsidy” filter. (mdhs.ms.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Use your local Resource & Referral Center to find the most affordable options and ask your training provider if they offer on‑site or sliding‑scale childcare. Then verify whether SNAP E&T or WIOA can reimburse some childcare costs while you train. (mdhs.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)
Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn
Paid training can be the best fit when you’re balancing work, kids, and bills.
Why this route works
- You start a job on day one, get scheduled wage increases, classroom learning, and a nationally recognized credential. The average apprentice starting wage is around 15/hour∗∗;completersaverageabout∗∗15/hour**; completers average about **60,000/year. Mississippi reports 22,994 apprentices supported since 2016 (as of March 31, 2025). (msapprenticeship.works)
How to get in
- Call the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program at 601‑321‑6000 or email apprenticesinfo@mdes.ms.gov to be matched to openings statewide. (msapprenticeship.works)
- If you’re on the Gulf Coast and want a women‑only path into construction and shipbuilding trades, Moore Community House Women in Construction runs free, short pre‑apprenticeships with OSHA‑10 and other credentials; childcare assistance may be available for eligible participants. Call 228‑207‑5265. (moorecommunityhouse.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your WIN counselor to pitch you to employers for OJT (they can be reimbursed up to 50% of your training wages). Then circle back to ETPL programs if you still prefer classroom training. (iccms.edu)
Community Colleges and Short Bootcamps
- Hinds Community College WIOA office can help you pair your career‑technical program with WIOA funding (ITA) if you qualify. WIOA covers tuition, books, and required fees for eligible programs. Contact campus WIOA staff. (hindscc.edu)
- Mississippi Coding Academies runs no‑cost tech training. Their “Workforce 360: Code to Career” is a self‑paced 360‑hour program designed to quickly build digital skills; they also operate longer full‑stack programs at no tuition to students. See locations and apply online. (mscoding.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If tuition is still a barrier, ask your WIN center about ITA funding caps or an OJT alternative, and check if Skills2Work can fill remaining gaps for books, tools, or transport. (mdes.ms.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)
Local Organizations That Actually Help (training, job readiness, gear)
- Moore Community House – Women in Construction (Biloxi/Gulf Coast). Free pre‑apprenticeships; OSHA‑10; case management; some childcare help for eligible participants. Phone 228‑207‑5265. Program page. (moorecommunityhouse.org)
- Goodwill of South Mississippi Career Connections (Ocean Springs/Gautier). Job readiness, resume help, virtual reality training, and referrals to MGCCC programs. Call 228‑273‑4243 (Ocean Springs). Career Centers. (goodwillsms.org)
- Dress for Success Metro Jackson. Free interview outfits, suiting for first weeks on the job, and career workshops. 601‑364‑1722; by appointment. Contact & hours. (metrojackson.dressforsuccess.org)
- Mississippi Apprenticeship Program (statewide). One‑stop for paid apprenticeships; worker hotline 601‑321‑6000. MAP. (msapprenticeship.works)
- WIN Job Center mobile unit (statewide/rural). Watch for the May 2025 new unit—brings computers, workshops, and staff to your area. (mdes.ms.gov)
Diverse Communities: What to Know and Who to Call
- LGBTQ+ single mothers
 WIN Job Centers are equal opportunity providers; you have the right to nondiscrimination and access to services. If you experience barriers, ask to speak to the center’s EO officer and request reasonable accommodations or language assistance if needed. [MDES EO notice appears across programs]. (mdes.ms.gov)
- Single mothers with disabilities or moms of children with disabilities
 The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) can fund training, OJT, and supportive services (including AbilityWorks assessments) when a disability affects work. Use the MDRS location finder or call your district VR line (for example, District VII VR 866‑689‑7926). MDRS location finder + VR services. (mdrs.ms.gov)
- Veteran single mothers
 WIN Job Centers provide priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses. Ask for the veterans’ representative at your center and for referrals to veteran‑friendly apprenticeships. WIN centers. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms
 Many workforce services require work authorization. Bring your work permit if applicable. If English is a barrier, ask your WIN center about adult education/ESL tied to training (“Smart Start”) via community colleges. WIOA services. (mdes.ms.gov)
- Tribal citizens (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians)
 Choctaw Workforce Development offers vocational training, 8‑week work experiences, 90‑day job training, adult education, and a Choctaw WIN Job Center. Main line 601‑663‑7444; Employment & Training 601‑650‑7386. Choctaw Workforce Development. (choctaw.org)
- Rural single moms with limited access
 Use the MS Works app to job‑search, and ask about virtual appointments. Watch for the Mobile WIN Job Center in your county. MS Works registration/app • Mobile WIN announcement. (mdes.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)
- Single fathers
 All programs above are gender‑neutral (WinC is women‑only). Fathers on SNAP/TANF can also use Skills2Work, WIOA, CCPP (if eligible), and Apprenticeship MS. (mdhs.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)
- Language access
 WIN Job Centers and MDES provide auxiliary aids and language assistance on request. Ask for an interpreter if you need one. (mdes.ms.gov)
Tables You Can Use
A. Which program fits your situation?
| Your situation | Best first call | Why | 
|---|---|---|
| On SNAP, want short job training with help for books/transport/childcare | Skills2Work (SNAP E&T): 800‑948‑3050 | Adds $80 monthly support and barrier help while you train. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Need a paid route now | Apprenticeship MS: 601‑321‑6000 | Paid “earn while you learn,” wage increases, credential. (msapprenticeship.works) | 
| Already know your career program at a community college | WIN Job Center | Ask for WIOA ITA to cover tuition/fees/books. (mdes.ms.gov) | 
| On TANF and need childcare + training | TANF worker / TWP | Childcare via CCPP; work supports and training count. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Gulf Coast woman wanting trades | WinC (Women in Construction): 228‑207‑5265 | Free pre‑apprenticeship; OSHA‑10; case management; childcare help for eligible participants. (moorecommunityhouse.org) | 
B. Child care at a glance (CCPP)
| Topic | What to know | 
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Working/training parents who meet work hours and income rules; priority groups include special‑needs and very low‑income families. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Co‑pays | 0∗∗forsome;∗∗0** for some; **10 max for certain groups; otherwise sliding scale by income/size. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| 2025 updates | Waitlist invites resumed Aug 1, 2025; you get 10 days to finish the app; benefits last 12 months. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| How to apply | [CCPP Parents page] (apply/upload/find providers) or call 800‑877‑7882. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
C. TANF basics you’ll actually use
| Rule | Detail | 
|---|---|
| Time limit | 60 months lifetime (with important rules if not meeting activities). (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Income screen | See verified 2025 gross monthly limits table above. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Work activities | Job search/readiness, work experience, GED/HS, vocational education, job skills training. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
| Supportive services | Transportation stipend, childcare via CCPP, work‑related items if eligible. (mdhs.ms.gov) | 
D. Where to find official training options
| Tool | What it shows | Link | 
|---|---|---|
| ETPL (Eligible Training Provider List) | All programs approved for WIOA ITAs; search by region/school/program; view wage info | Mississippi ETPL (mdes.ms.gov) | 
| MDES WIOA overview | What WIOA pays for; services menu | WIOA services page (mdes.ms.gov) | 
| WIN center phone list & map | Local center addresses and numbers statewide | WIN map & contacts (etpl.mdes.ms.gov) | 
| Apprenticeship Mississippi (MAP) | Paid apprenticeship openings and contacts | MAP (msapprenticeship.works) | 
E. Sample timeline (typical, not guaranteed)
| Step | Expect | 
|---|---|
| WIN intake + docs ready | 1–2 weeks depending on appointments | 
| Career assessments + plan | 1 week (sometimes same day) | 
| ITA approval + class start | 2–6 weeks based on program start dates and local policies | 
| OJT set‑up with employer | 1–3 weeks after employer agrees | 
Note: ITA amounts and timelines vary by local workforce board; your WIN center will give you the current rules. (mdes.ms.gov)
Application Checklist (bring copies or clear photos)
- Photo ID for you; Social Security numbers for everyone in your case
- Proof of Mississippi address (lease, bill)
- Last 30 days of pay stubs or proof of job loss; unemployment letters (if any)
- SNAP/TANF decision letters (if any)
- High school diploma/GED or transcripts; WorkKeys/NCRC if you have them
- Training acceptance letter or class schedule; program printout from ETPL
- Childcare provider details (name, address, provider ID) for CCPP
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting classes before your funding is approved—most agencies can’t backdate tuition help.
- Missing a Skills2Work, TWP, or WIN appointment—your case can be closed or your SNAP reduced.
- Choosing a program that’s not on the ETPL—WIOA funds won’t pay.
- Not asking for OJT or apprenticeship—paid routes can reduce childcare and transport stress.
- Letting childcare invites expire—CCPP invitations give you 10 days to complete the application. (mdhs.ms.gov)
“If This Doesn’t Work” — Plan B Options after each step
- WIOA says “no” or delays: Ask about OJT (employer reimbursed 50% of your wages) or Apprenticeship MS (601‑321‑6000). Ask for a referral to Skills2Work. (iccms.edu, msapprenticeship.works, mdhs.ms.gov)
- SNAP E&T not available in your area or you don’t qualify: Go back to WIN for ITA options and ask about scholarships at your community college workforce office; check tech or trades nonprofits like WinC or Mississippi Coding Academies. (moorecommunityhouse.org, mscoding.org)
- TANF support ends: Ask about transitional child care via CCPP and move to WIOA or Apprenticeship for sustained earnings. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- Childcare blocked: Use the CCPP provider search and Resource & Referral Centers; ask Skills2Work or WIOA about short‑term childcare support. (mdhs.ms.gov)
Regional Contacts You Can Call Today
- Jackson / Central MS (Southcentral MS Works): Jackson WIN 601‑414‑7796 • Pearl WIN 601‑936‑1903 • Vicksburg WIN 601‑619‑2841. Full list on the CMPDD page. (cmpdd.org)
- Gulf Coast (Twin Districts): Gulfport WIN 228‑897‑6900 • Hattiesburg WIN 601‑584‑1202 • Pascagoula WIN 228‑762‑4713 • Meridian WIN 601‑553‑9511 • Laurel WIN 601‑399‑4000. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- Delta (South Delta PDD): Greenville WIN 662‑332‑8101 • Greenwood WIN 662‑459‑4600 • Clarksdale WIN 662‑624‑9001 • Cleveland WIN 662‑843‑2704. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
- North/Northeast (Mississippi Partnership): Tupelo (Belden) WIN 662‑842‑4371 • Oxford WIN 662‑236‑7201 • Corinth WIN 662‑696‑2336 • Columbus (Communiversity) 662‑243‑1751. (etpl.mdes.ms.gov)
10 Mississippi‑Specific FAQs
- Will WIOA pay my whole tuition?
 Sometimes. ITAs can cover tuition, fees, and books for approved programs on the ETPL, but caps vary by local workforce area. Your counselor will tell you the current limit and any exceptions. (mdes.ms.gov)
- Can I get paid while I learn?
 Yes—consider Registered Apprenticeships (start around 15/hr∗∗,completersaverage∗∗15/hr**, completers average **60k/yr) or ask your WIN counselor to set up OJT (employers can be reimbursed up to 50% of your wages while you train). (msapprenticeship.works, iccms.edu)
- I receive SNAP. What extra help can I get?
 Skills2Work (SNAP E&T) can add tuition support, supplies, childcare/transport, and a $80 monthly support stipend while you train. Ask your SNAP caseworker. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- I’m on TANF. Will training count and will childcare be covered?
 Yes. Many training and work prep activities count under TWP; childcare is available via CCPP when eligible. Remember the 60‑month TANF limit. (mdhs.ms.gov)
- How do I find an approved training program?
 Search the ETPL by school or program and filter by your region. Bring the printout to your WIN appointment. (mdes.ms.gov)
- I live far from a WIN center. What are my options?
 Use the MS Works app for job search and watch for the Mobile WIN Job Center launched May 2025. (mdes.ms.gov, mdes.ms.gov)
- I need interview clothes and coaching. Who helps with that?
 Dress for Success Metro Jackson suits women for interviews and early weeks on the job, by appointment (601‑364‑1722). (metrojackson.dressforsuccess.org)
- Are there free or low‑cost training options on the Coast?
 WinC (Women in Construction) offers free pre‑apprenticeships; Goodwill of South MS Career Connections provides job readiness and connects to MGCCC programs. 228‑207‑5265 (WinC) • 228‑273‑4243 (Goodwill). (moorecommunityhouse.org, goodwillsms.org)
- I’m a Choctaw Tribal member. Does the Tribe have training?
 Yes. Choctaw Workforce Development runs vocational training, job placements, and a Choctaw WIN center. Main line 601‑663‑7444. (choctaw.org)
- What if I was denied or told to wait?
 Ask for the reason in writing. Request referrals to Skills2Work, Apprenticeship MS, or a different ETPL program that starts sooner. Then reapply when funding opens. (mdhs.ms.gov, msapprenticeship.works)
Real‑World Example Paths (fast sketches)
- Healthcare in 90–180 days: ask WIN about Certified Nursing Assistant on the ETPL; if on SNAP, layer Skills2Work for books, gas, and the $80 monthly stipend. Use CCPP for childcare. Move into hospital apprenticeship or phlebotomy next. (mdes.ms.gov, mdhs.ms.gov)
- CDL with paid practice: if you prefer paid learning, ask Apprenticeship MS to match you to a transportation employer; if not, pursue ETPL CDL at a community college with WIOA help; Skills2Work can fill gaps. (msapprenticeship.works, mdes.ms.gov)
- Tech pivot: enroll in Mississippi Coding Academies’ no‑cost Workforce 360 while you wait for a longer WIOA‑funded program—or move into their tuition‑free developer track if accepted. (mscoding.org)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from Mississippi Department of Human Services, MDES, USDA/US DOL, Mississippi community colleges, and established nonprofits. It was produced under our Editorial Standards using only official or well‑established sources, updated regularly, and not affiliated with any agency. We can’t guarantee individual outcomes.
- Our research approach: we verify against government pages, link to application portals, and track policy changes.
- E‑E‑A‑T: we cite primary sources and update promptly when policies change.
- Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.
- Corrections? Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll investigate within 48 hours.
Editorial Policy. (Updated August 2025.)
Disclaimer
Program rules, dollar amounts, and timelines change. Always confirm with the official agency before you enroll or spend money. We link to agency pages and phone numbers so you can verify quickly. This site provides general guidance, not legal advice. For your privacy and security, never share full SSNs or bank info by email or text; use official portals or secure phone lines listed above.
🏛️More Mississippi Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Mississippi
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
