Delta Compass Awards $50,000 to South Delta Planning and Development District to Support Electric Lineman Training Program

Jul 22, 2025

Delta Compass Awards $50,000 to South Delta Planning and Development District to Support Electric Lineman Training Program

Greenville, MS — Delta Compass, a nonprofit dedicated to building opportunity and resilience across the Mississippi Delta, has awarded a $50,000 grant to the South Delta Planning and Development District (SDPDD) to expand its Electric Lineman Training Program. This investment will directly support workforce development in the energy sector and create pathways to stable, high-wage careers for Delta residents.

The Electric Lineman Training Program, based in the South Delta region, equips participants with the technical skills, certifications, and safety training needed to enter the electric utility field—a sector that is rapidly growing and critically important to rural infrastructure and resilience. The program is especially vital in a region where access to reliable power is essential for economic development, disaster preparedness, and daily life.

“This investment in the lineman program is about more than just jobs—it’s about building the backbone of our region’s future,” said Justin Archer Burch, President & CEO of Delta Compass. “By supporting this training program, we’re not only giving people access to meaningful careers in the energy industry—we're also helping to strengthen the systems that power our communities.”

The grant will help fund new equipment, instructional resources, and participant stipends, with the goal of expanding enrollment and increasing graduation rates. This partnership is part of Delta Compass’s broader initiative to build an inclusive energy workforce in the Mississippi Delta, preparing the region for both the challenges and opportunities of a modern energy economy.

For more information about the Electric Lineman Training Program or Delta Compass’s work in workforce and infrastructure development, visit www.deltacompass.org.

Media Contact:
Hillary Boggs
Delta Compass
hboggs@wceams.com
(662) 378-3141