Woodward Hines Education Foundation Recaps Key Outcomes from the 2026 Legislative Session
Friday, May 22, 2026
JACKSON, MISS. – Following the conclusion of the 2026 Mississippi Legislative Session, several higher education and workforce measures advanced that align with ongoing efforts to expand postsecondary access, strengthen workforce readiness, and improve attainment outcomes across the state.
Despite a challenging fiscal environment shaped by competing pressures on Medicaid, PERS, tax policy, and school choice initiatives, lawmakers advanced meaningful policies that support students, adult learners, and statewide workforce alignment.
“We are encouraged by the progress made during the 2026 session and appreciate the continued engagement of lawmakers, institutions, workforce leaders, and partners committed to strengthening educational opportunity across Mississippi,” said Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) President & CEO Jim McHale. “Continued collaboration will be critical as the state works to translate these policy advancements into long-term attainment and workforce gains.”
Several policy changes this year could have a meaningful impact on students and adult learners across Mississippi, including:
Passage of SB 2368: HELP Grant Eligibility Expansion removed the HELP grant core curriculum requirement, expanding access to state financial aid for more Mississippi students. This change removes a barrier that prevented some otherwise eligible students from accessing aid and could help more students pursue education and training after high school.
Passage of SB 2524: The Mississippi Postsecondary Attainment Council (MPAC) created a new statewide body focused on aligning education, workforce, and economic development efforts in support of Mississippi’s Ascent to 55% attainment goal. MPAC is intended to bring together leaders across sectors to help coordinate statewide strategies around postsecondary attainment and workforce needs. The Council could play an important role in shaping long-term policy conversations around credential value, workforce alignment, and educational opportunity.
HB 562: UPSKILL Mississippi established a new workforce-focused financial aid grant program designed to support adult learners pursuing high-demand credentials at Mississippi community colleges. The UPSKILL program creates a new pathway for adults looking to return to school, gain new skills, or transition into high-demand careers. While the initial rollout is limited in scope, the program establishes a foundation that could expand future opportunities for adult learners and workforce-focused financial aid. Continued conversations around workforce development, credential alignment, and long-term student financial aid sustainability. As new programs and workforce initiatives continue to grow, questions around funding, implementation, and student support will remain important. These conversations will likely continue shaping higher education and workforce policy discussions in future legislative sessions.
Throughout the session, WHEF collaborated with institutional, workforce, business, and community partners by sharing data and expertise, convening stakeholders, and advocating student-centered approaches to postsecondary access, attainment, and workforce alignment.
The newly established UPSKILL program represents an important first step in expanding workforce-aligned financial aid opportunities for adult learners seeking to return, restart, or reimagine their educational pathway. The initial pilot will focus on supporting individuals pursuing credentials tied to high-demand fields, with future opportunities for expansion as additional investments are explored.
At the same time, several policy and funding issues remain important to monitor, including implementation guidance for newly enacted programs, long-term sustainability of state financial aid investments, and broader fiscal pressures that may shape future higher education appropriations.
As implementation and future policymaking continue, WHEF remains committed to advancing policies and partnerships that expand opportunity, strengthen attainment pathways, and improve outcomes for Mississippi students and adult learners statewide.
For more information about the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, visit woodwardhines.org.
About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to expand college access and entry for Mississippians and supports promising practices that lead to persistence, completion, and pathways to family-sustaining work. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can access education and training beyond high school to improve their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future. Learn more about Woodward Hines Education Foundation by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.