(Clarksdale, Mississippi) — Coahoma Community College proudly announces the expansion
of its Workforce Development Center—a transformative initiative that further solidifies
the institution’s role as a regional leader in workforce innovation, career readiness,
and economic development.
This significant investment extends beyond the bounds of infrastructure. It is a strategic,
mission-driven commitment to elevating lives through access to high-quality training,
education, and supportive services. The expansion is designed to meet the rising demand
for workforce-ready individuals while addressing the persistent gaps in employment
equity across rural communities in the Mississippi Delta.
“The expansion is a bold step forward in meeting the workforce needs of our region,”
said Dr. Valmadge Towner, President of Coahoma 
Community College. “It symbolizes our pledge to equip citizens with the tools to succeed
professionally while reinforcing our role as a transformative economic and educational
partner within the Mississippi Delta. This project is not just about physical space—it’s
about expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and preparing our people for the
future of work.”
Community College. “It symbolizes our pledge to equip citizens with the tools to succeed
professionally while reinforcing our role as a transformative economic and educational
partner within the Mississippi Delta. This project is not just about physical space—it’s
about expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and preparing our people for the
future of work.”With upgraded facilities, new instructional spaces, and enhanced technological capabilities,
the Workforce Development Center will offer expanded programming in high-demand sectors
such as healthcare, transportation, construction trades, information technology, and
advanced manufacturing. These efforts are reinforced by a network of community and
industry partners committed to aligning talent development with the rapidly shifting
needs of the modern economy.
Steven Jossell Executive Director of Workforce Development, spoke to the initiative’s
long-term impact: “This isn’t just an expansion of space—it’s an expansion of opportunity.
We’re building the foundation for future economic resilience by investing in the people
who make this region strong. With this added capacity, we can better serve our communities,
meet employer demands, and ensure that individuals have access to training that leads
to sustainable careers. We are preparing students not just for jobs—but for meaningful,
upwardly mobile careers.”
The expansion also enhances Coahoma's ability to provide wraparound services, including
career coaching, soft skills development, digital literacy, and job placement assistance—ensuring
that participants not only complete training programs but thrive in the workforce
beyond graduation.
As one of the most comprehensive workforce initiatives in the region, the expanded
center is poised to become a hub for collaboration, bringing together employers, educators,
economic developers, and civic leaders to cultivate a skilled talent pipeline. Through
this collective approach, the college aims to drive measurable outcomes in employment,
wage growth, and industry competitiveness.
This bold undertaking underscores Coahoma Community College’s belief that workforce
development is not merely a function of training—it is a catalyst for personal empowerment,
community transformation, and regional vitality.
As Coahoma forges ahead, the Workforce Development Center stands as a testament to
the enduring vision of the institution: to serve, to lead, and to uplift.