The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth program is designed to assist economically disadvantaged youth to overcome barriers that may hinder success in achieving education and employment goals. Through education, training and work experience, the Twin Districts Workforce Development Area’s youth programs provide comprehensive services that lead youth to self-sufficiency. The Twin Districts Workforce Development Area provides services to out of school youth (ages 16-24) and in school youth (ages 14-21).
Out of School Programs
Cares of Mississippi
Counties Served: Jackson
Contact: Marty Perkins, Executive Director
Phone: 228-769-2323
Email: martyperkins2@gmail.com
Climb Community Development Corporation
Counties Served: Harrison
Contact: John Whitfield, Executive Director
Phone: 228-864-6677
Email: jwhitfield@climbcdc.org
East Mississippi Community College
Counties Served: Kemper
Contact: Dr. Raj Shaunak, Vice President of Workforce and Community Services
Phone: 662-243-1911
Email: rshaunak@eastms.edu
Jones College
Counties Served: Greene and Wayne
Contact: Jennifer Hughes, Out-of-School Youth Coordinator
Phone: 601-477-3287
Email: jennifer.hughes@jcjc.edu
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Counties Served: Stone, George and Harrison
Contact: John Shows, Associate Vice President Career/ Technical Education and Community Campus
Phone: 228-897-4373
Email: john.shows1@mgccc.edu
Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District
Counties Served: Hancock, Jones, Marion and Scott
Contact: Shonta Duncan
Phone: 601-545-2137
Email: sduncan@smpdd.com