The grant will be used to fund the efforts of Meridian Community College, East Central Community College, and other lineworkers that they train. They also help fill the jobs required by Mississippi Power and East Mississippi Electric Power Association. These colleges are located about 30 miles from each other and serve six rural counties, including Scott, Scott, Neshoba. Ryan Miller, Accelerate Mississippi executive director, said that this program is designed to train and equip utility lineworkers in their region. They provide an amazing service. They are first responders in our eyes.” Accelerate Mississippi manages millions of dollars. This includes a $25 million pot that was collected through an unemployment tax on businesses, called “WET” funds. The office gave nearly $1 million last year to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for funding a diesel technician program. This is another high-demand field. Mississippi Power and East Mississippi Electric Power Association expressed a need to colleges for skilled workers to install broadband cables, as the state expands internet access to rural areas. In their application to the workforce bureau, the colleges stated that many jobs had been lost in “one the most economically distressed areas” due to layoffs and closures of businesses. The colleges identified energy, advanced manufacturing and health care as the areas with the greatest potential for employment. However, there is a disconnect between the demand for certain jobs in the region and the skills available to their residents. Miller said that Miller was referring to two community colleges joining forces to apply for WET funding. Miller said, “It’s exactly the vision we have: let’s collaborate on resources to address a need that exists.” Each 16-week session will see 48 utility workers trained by the colleges. According to the state employment security officer, trainees can get jobs that pay between $21.75-$31.56 an hour. The program will equip students with the necessary skills to do electrical work underground and high up.