Meridian Community College has received a $475,000 grant from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission under the State Economic and Infrastructure Development program.
The grant, which was the only one issued to an educational institution in Mississippi, is earmarked for the College’s Transportation Technology Training Center.
“This is great news, and we are truly excited,” said MCC President Tom Huebner. “This grant accelerates our vision for high-quality training in transportation technologies. It strengthens our ability to give students relevant, hands-on skills while helping employers find the talent they need to grow.”
Three years ago, MCC received a special state appropriation of $2 million for construction and a federal grant of approximately $615,000 to purchase equipment for a new Transportation Technology Training Center. Those funds enabled the College to acquire a former car repair business and initiate renovations to the facility, which would house the new diesel and automotive technology programs.
Although the College’s original plan was to cover all construction costs within its existing budget, the opportunity to apply for the SEID grant arose, and the grant application was subsequently approved.
The TTC will provide hands-on training in diesel, automotive, and aviation maintenance for East Mississippi, addressing critical workforce shortages. College officials predict that partnering with nine employers, the TTC will prepare students for high-demand careers, support 159 new jobs, and leverage $32.9 million in regional investment.
Students interested in enrolling in the Diesel Mechanic Technology or Automotive Technology for the August 2026 start date may contact Deborah Nettles, advisor, at 601.553.3404 or email Deborah.Nettles@meridiancc.edu.
The SCRC grant program is designed to revitalize communities and spur economic development across counties in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.
