CHOCTAW, Miss. – The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has begun construction of a new Workforce Training Center that will include more than 37,000 square feet of space for vocational and technical job training. The Center is expected to open in December of 2026.
Funding for the Workforce Training Center was provided by a $5.8 million grant by the US Economic Development Administration. The Center will include spaces for classrooms, computer labs, flex labs, offices, an exhibit hall, a small business incubator, and a maker space.
“Workforce development is a primary focus for our Tribe,” said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. “We have undertaken many projects to help our community members prepare to face a challenging and ever-evolving job market. This Workforce Training Center is a key component of our strategy to increase the skills of our Tribal community, whether choosing a career on or outside of our Tribal lands.”
“We have a long-term plan to achieve our goals in the workforce development arena,” said Economic Development Director John Hendrix. “This facility will greatly enhance our efforts to provide instruction in a variety of areas, specifically vocational HVAC and Electrical certifications, computer/digital skills, healthcare, and management training.”
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, under the leadership of Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. With over 11,000 members, Choctaw lands cover over 35,000 acres in 10 counties. Providing permanent, full-time jobs for over 5,000 Tribal-member and non-Indian employees, the Tribe is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Learn more at www.mschoctawbusiness.com.
First Mississippi Coding Academies Class at Choctaw Central High School is a Success
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The MS Coding Academies class at CCHS concluded on May 14, 2021. Shonda Wesley served as Teacher Aide and MS Coding Academies Facilitator, and the coding students were Jaylen Bell, Joe Bell, Jr., John Clemons, Keziah Frazier, Jacob Jim, Xative...
Three Native American Tribes Form Unprecedented Economic Development Partnership Through New Hotel Investment
May 17, 2021 – Cherokee, NC – Three of the most successful Native American tribes in the Southeastern United States have entered into an investment partnership with DreamCatcher Hotels. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the...
Chief Announces Hotel Partnership
A message from Chief Ben: Halito, hello. I want to take this opportunity to share exciting news about a venture that we are about to undertake. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will enter into a partnership with the Cherokee and Seminole tribes on a luxury...
NCCER Electrical Core Curriculum Students Appreciated
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Brian Robinson’s National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrical Core Curriculum class had breakfast and a visit from Chief Cyrus Ben to show appreciation for their work and determination in class. Students include Michael...
Choctaw Teacher Selected as Mississippi Coding Academies Facilitator
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Shonda R. Wesley is from the Pearl River Community but currently is living in Edinburg, MS. Ms. Wesley’s parents are Deborah Tubby, Stepdad Sandy Tubby, and the late Kenneth Wesley. She has three brothers and three sisters and many nieces and nephew....
Mississippi Choctaws’ Economic Development Office Offers Virtual Tours to Prospective Partners
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- As COVID-19 continues to hinder the in-person site selection process, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians' Office of Economic Development is responding by offering virtual tours online of its available sites and buildings. In its recently...
Choctaw Opportunity Zones Could Boom In 2021
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ two Opportunity Zone designations are expected to garner attention in the coming months as a result of a projected big boost from the new administration in Washington. The MBCI was able to secure Opportunity...
MBCI Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Mississippi Coding Academies TechShare Program
CHOCTAW, MS -- On January 19, 2021, the Mississippi Coding Academies (MCA) and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Office of Economic Development had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the MCA TechShare program that will be taught at Choctaw. Choctaw is one...
Mississippi Choctaws’ Educational Efforts Boosted by New Markets Tax Credit
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently closed a New Markets Tax Credit transaction related to its two new early childhood education centers and an elementary school expansion -- resulting in a $2.3 million benefit to the Tribe. “We...
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
jhendrix@choctaw.org
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350
Tribal Businesses
