Explore the CTE Policy Atlas

Career readiness, in context.

Explore the policies, partnerships and pathways behind college and career readiness. Start nationally, then follow the evidence in a state.

Select a state to inspect its evidence
Alabama · Priority 1 · Validate firstALAlaska · Priority 2 · Develop programsAKArizona · Priority 2 · Develop programsAZColorado · Priority 3 · Rebuild funding caseCOFlorida · Priority 1 · Validate firstFLGeorgia · Priority 2 · Develop programsGAIndiana · Priority 1 · Validate firstINKansas · Priority 2 · Develop programsKSMaine · Priority 2 · Develop programsMEMassachusetts · Priority 2 · Develop programsMAMinnesota · Priority 2 · Develop programsMNNew Jersey · Priority 2 · Develop programsNorth Carolina · Priority 2 · Develop programsNCNorth Dakota · Priority 2 · Develop programsNDOklahoma · Priority 2 · Develop programsOKPennsylvania · Priority 2 · Develop programsPASouth Dakota · Priority 2 · Develop programsSDTexas · Priority 1 · Validate firstTXWyoming · Priority 2 · Develop programsWYConnecticut · Priority 2 · Develop programsMissouri · Priority 1 · Validate firstMOWest Virginia · Priority 2 · Develop programsWVIllinois · Priority 2 · Develop programsILNew Mexico · Priority 2 · Develop programsNMArkansas · Priority 1 · Validate firstARCalifornia · Priority 2 · Develop programsCADelaware · Priority 2 · Develop programsHawaii · Priority 2 · Develop programsHIIowa · Priority 1 · Validate firstIAKentucky · Priority 2 · Develop programsKYMaryland · Priority 1 · Validate firstMDMichigan · Priority 2 · Develop programsMIMississippi · Priority 2 · Develop programsMSMontana · Priority 2 · Develop programsMTNew Hampshire · Priority 2 · Develop programsNew York · Priority 2 · Develop programsNYOhio · Priority 1 · Validate firstOHOregon · Priority 2 · Develop programsORTennessee · Priority 2 · Develop programsTNUtah · Priority 2 · Develop programsUTVirginia · Priority 2 · Develop programsVAWashington · Priority 2 · Develop programsWAWisconsin · Priority 1 · Validate firstWINebraska · Priority 2 · Develop programsNESouth Carolina · Priority 2 · Develop programsSCIdaho · Priority 2 · Develop programsIDNevada · Priority 2 · Develop programsNVVermont · Priority 2 · Develop programsLouisiana · Priority 2 · Develop programsLARhode Island · Priority 2 · Develop programs

Alaska and Hawaii inset. Use “Choose a state” for a list alternative. Geography source

← National overview

Mississippi

Priority 2 · Develop programs

Explore this state’s research by topic.

Industry & workforce evidence

State context and local findings retain their original scope. Program priorities do not establish current vacancies or an unmet need in every community.

State-submitted adult education / WIOA Title II report. Local examples retain their stated scope; not representative of every employer or all K–12 learners.

Reading, writing and applied mathematics

Program priority

The OAE prioritizes foundational academic skills alongside Smart Start and MIBEST pathways.

MS state narrative — National Reporting System, PY2024 ↗

PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates · Checked 2026-09-12
Introduction; IELCE; or Section 6: Integrated Education and Training

Digital literacy for training and work

Program priority

The state identifies essential digital skills for academic participation, online learning and workforce engagement.

MS state narrative — National Reporting System, PY2024 ↗

PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates · Checked 2026-09-12
Introduction; IELCE; or Section 6: Integrated Education and Training

Workplace competencies and career progression

Program priority

Smart Start and MIBEST combine employability preparation with technical training and stackable credentials.

MS state narrative — National Reporting System, PY2024 ↗

PY2024 / 2024–25; may include later implementation updates · Checked 2026-09-12
Introduction; IELCE; or Section 6: Integrated Education and Training

Reviewed local industry & workforce findings

No reviewed local industry or workforce findings have been integrated for this state yet.

Detailed workforce and proposed product crosswalk →

Policy • pathways • opportunity

National Watch

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How to read the map & priorities

All 50 states have one of three priority colors. Evidence gaps are noted separately in each state brief.

Why 39 states in Priority 2? This is a broad development pool, not 39 equally qualified opportunities. Inspect the evidence groups →

State policy evidence and proposed Pearson fit are shown separately. Open a state brief for needs, solutions and Government Relations representation.

Public-source screen · September 12, 2026Product eligibility, buyer funds, and procurement timing require Pearson validation.