Mississippi’s first Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology Data Center Pathway Program.

Friday marked an important step forward for Meridian and Mississippi as Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College launched Mississippi’s first Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology Data Center Pathway Program.

The 14-week program will provide hands-on training for high-demand careers supporting the growing digital infrastructure industry. No degree or previous experience is required, and Compass Datacenters is providing full-tuition scholarships for the inaugural class, removing a major barrier for people ready to build a new career.

This partnership brings together Compass Datacenters, Meridian Community College, the State of Mississippi and the City of Meridian, Mississippi with one shared purpose: preparing local people for competitive jobs and creating opportunities that can transform individuals, families and future generations.

Mayor Percy Bland joined MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner, Compass Datacenters representatives and state leaders for today’s announcement.

“Major investment must be matched by workforce preparation,” Mayor Bland said. “It’s not enough to attract new development. We must ensure that our citizens are trained, qualified and positioned to benefit from it. Success requires strong partners serving in key leadership roles, and we are grateful to Compass Datacenters,

Meridian Community College and our state leadership for working together to create real opportunities for our people.”

This is what it means to build Meridian, Mississippi as a city of momentum: education, industry and government working together to prepare our people for the jobs of tomorrow, right here at home.