Gov. Phil Bryant said the Complete 2 Compete Initiative will help ensure that Mississippi remains attractive to businesses looking to locate in the state. Photo by Imani Khayyam.

Almost 300,000 Mississippians have received some college credit and finished courses from a public university or college without earning a degree in the last 15 years. Mississippi Public Universities is working to bring that number down with the launch of the Complete 2 Compete Initiative.

On Nov. 17, the State's higher-education officials and Gov. Phil Bryant announced the initiative to reach out to these former students in an effort for them to complete their degrees.

"Economic development is driven by a skilled, educated work force," Gov. Phil Bryant said in a press release. "This partnership will ensure Mississippi remains attractive to business and industry looking for a favorable tax climate and a workforce ready to excel on day one."

In his fiscal-year 2018 budget recommendation, Bryant suggests level funding financial aid as well as continued funding for work-force programs, like furniture academies. Bryant's budget recommendation would fund the state's community colleges and mean a 1.8-percent cut for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

Data from Mississippi Public Universities show that more than 10,000 students over age 25 have enough credits to earn a bachelor's degree with no additional coursework, while 60,000 could earn an associate's degree with no additional coursework.

Mississippi has seen recent gains in adult basic-education graduates, meaning they have completed high-school equivalency courses in the state.

The Complete 2 Compete Initiative will seek out adult students to help them complete their degrees, and a website with more program details will launch soon.

"Numerous studies show a correlation between the level of education attainment and lifetime earnings, health and economic vitality," Dr. Andrea Mayfield, the executive director of the state's community college board, said in a press release. "Education and training is (sic) the catalyst for employment, increased earnings, successful business, a thriving economy and a strong State budget."

Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at [email protected].