SENATOBIA — AccelerateMS announced the first group of graduates from its new statewide talent development academy, marking the launch of a program aimed at strengthening workforce training across Mississippi.
The program, known as the Facilitation Academy for Certified Excellence in Training, or FACET, is designed to build instructional and facilitation skills among learning and development professionals. The pilot cohort included 14 instructors in career and technical education and workforce training from Northwest Mississippi Community College.
Graduates completed a five-day training program delivered in two phases from December 2025 through January and earned the inaugural Mississippi Certified Workforce Facilitator professional certification, issued by AccelerateMS.
The academy was delivered by The Career Brand as a beta program in partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia.
“This first cohort proves what’s possible when Mississippi invests in the people who lead learning,” said Ty McCearley, senior manager of learning and development strategy at AccelerateMS. “These graduates didn’t just complete a rigorous program; they helped set a new statewide standard.”
Participants described the training as intensive and practical, with applications across education and workforce development.
“I love this program. It was full of material, constant learning, and constant improvement,” said Stacy Scott, workforce coordinator at Northwest Mississippi Community College. “It would benefit teachers, facilitators, and anyone in the organization.”
Anthony Dandridge, an HR instructor at Amplify Cell Technologies, said the program helped him improve content development skills.
“FACET is about raising the standard for how workforce training is delivered in Mississippi,” said Trey Smith, director of talent solutions at AccelerateMS. “By strengthening the people who train our workforce, we’re helping employers access better-prepared talent.”
Additional certifications are in development, with future offerings planned for industry and business partners later this year.
AccelerateMS serves as Mississippi’s lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, working to connect residents with high-paying careers and support long-term economic growth across the state.
