Transformational workforce initiative aims to reach communities along the Interstate 20 and 55 corridor
MEMPHIS, Tenn., October 15, 2026 – A coalition of five nationally recognized STEM and tech education nonprofits today announced the launch of Future 20-55, a $4 million workforce initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to expand access to technology training and build the tech workforce across the Mid-South.
Led by Memphis-based nonprofit CodeCrew,Future 20-55 will place more than 500 people from the Mississippi Delta and the metro areas of Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi in technology roles over the next three years. The initiative’s name reflects the communities it will serve along the I-20 and I-55 corridors between central Mississippi and Memphis.
Addressing Rural Delta Distress
Future 20-55 addresses the critical workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries across the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). In Yazoo, Sharkey, Quitman, Humphreys, and Grenada counties, 25 to 31 percent of residents live below the poverty line, two to two-and-a-half times the national rate. Within driving distance, employers in Memphis and Jackson have IT roles that start at $37,650 and lead to an $88,760 mean for systems administrators (Mississippi Department of Employment Security, June 2026). The two rural communities where Future 20-55 will site training hubs include Grenada and Yazoo City, which sit in distressed counties.
“People in rural communities have always had the drive and ability to succeed in tech, but too often the training they need has been out of reach” said Meka Egwuekwe, CEO and Co-Founder of CodeCrew. “Together with a coalition of partners, we’re bringing hands-on training, certifications and employer connections to people across the region, so they can build tech careers.”
The award, the largest workforce grant in CodeCrew’s history, establishes a new tech and workforce coalition that draws on each partner’s strengths:
- CodeCrew will serve as fiduciary sponsor of the award and lead Metro Memphis, Grenada, and Metro Jackson training sites
- The Bean Path will lead Metro Jackson and Yazoo City training sites
- STEM NOLA – will provide a high school pathway program at training sites, building on its signature STEM Fellows program
- The Hidden Genius Project will offer data insights and tracking of participants
- Ed Farm will lead educator professional development and provide dual enrollment support
The coalition also brings together partners in education, workforce development and industry, including: Tech901, Southwest Tennessee Community College, Hinds Community College, the region’s workforce boards, and eight employer partners.
Technology and AI are reshaping banking and nearly every other industry, and the people in the small towns we serve across the South deserve a path into that future,” said Bo Allen, Regional President, First Horizon Bank. “Through our support of Future 20-55, we’re helping them build the skills for a technology career without distance standing in the way.”
About CodeCrew
Founded in 2015, CodeCrew empowers individuals from communities with untapped potential to lead, innovate, and create opportunity in the tech economy through computer science, AI, and technology-driven education. CodeCrew has trained more than 18,000 students and adult learners, delivered more than 600,000 hours of computer science education, and helped pass legislation guaranteeing computer science education for every Tennessee student. Learn more at code-crew.org.
About The Bean Path
The Bean Path is a tech nonprofit based in Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated to bridging the digital divide. They empower individuals and organizations with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a digital world.
About STEM NOLA
Founded by Dr. Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA is dedicated to exposing, engaging, and inspiring students in grades K-12 to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on programs and immersive learning experiences, STEM NOLA provides opportunities for students to build the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in STEM fields. STEM Global Action, the nationwide expansion of STEM NOLA, aims to bring these experiences to communities across the U.S. and help develop a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.
About Ed Farm
Launched in partnership with Apple and Alabama Power Foundation in 2020, Ed Farm is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers educators, students, and adult learners to not only thrive in today’s digital age, but prepare for the advancements of tomorrow. Through tech-focused programming, leading-edge learning environments, and innovative tools, Ed Farm is on a mission to close the growing digital skills gap in communities across the southeast and beyond. Learn more at edfarm.org
About The Hidden Genius Project
The Hidden Genius Project, a national nonprofit organization, trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Through their student-centered, project-based approach, they invest in young Black men, give them access to technology training, and plug them into an ecosystem of innovation and empowerment.
