The Mississippi Continuous Improvement Program (MS-CIP) is a six-month intensive course offering hands-on training in project management, process improvement, and change management. Designed for state employees responsible for continuously improving their agencies through projects and processes, MS-CIP guides employees through the steps of a improving a real-world process from start to finish.
At the beginning of the course, participants will be divided into three-person teams. Rather than focusing on theory alone, participants work on improving an existing process at their agency. MS-CIP provides the time and the tools for staff to fix an existing "bottleneck" or a slow process that hinders daily operations. Participants move through three stages to turn a problem into a solution:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- LEAN Process Improvement
- Change Management
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Why apply? In MS-CIP's inaugural year, teams from eight state agencies used these tools to make real changes. Those participants estimate that their improvements will save the state nearly $500,000 in total costs and save staff countless hours of frustration. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open through March 6, 2026.
MS-CIP Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the goal of MS-CIP?
The goal is to learn the skills to stop "fighting fires" and start fixing systems. The program gives state employees the blueprint to lead change so agencies can work more effectively for the people of Mississippi.
- Who is eligible to participate in this program?
MS-CIP is designed for state employees who are currently in or who will fill a role responsible for continuous improvement in their agencies. Examples include division directors, project managers, and program specialists. However, employees in all job classifications are eligible to participate if accepted into the program.
MS-CIP participants must:- Be an employee of a Mississippi state government agency
- Be responsible for project management or continuously improving a process at his or her agency
- Be able to commit to the six-month course schedule
- Complete the application (including the project proposal) with his or her supervisor and agency head’s endorsements
- Be accepted by MSPB to participate in the program
- What is the application process?
Each participant shall provide a real-world process improvement idea, agreed to by their leadership, that may be implemented during the training. Individuals will work in teams with the aim of developing their ability to take on and lead continuous improvement efforts.
- If selected, will I work by myself or in a team?
The program is designed for participants to work in three-person teams. If three people from the same agency apply and are chosen to participate, they will most likely work together. Others will be placed in teams with similar project proposals. Team applications are encouraged; however, each team member must submit an individual application. Please note that all team members may not be accepted.
- If selected, will my team implement my proposed project?
Once teams are established, the team will choose which process to improve during the program. However, we do emphasize that the process is there to provide context for learning the tools and not the focus of the program.
- What is required of the participant’s agency?
Agency leadership is expected to support their team members. This includes:
Time: Providing dedicated time for participants to attend training and work on their projects.
Support: Providing the resources needed to finish the program and allowing the continued use of these skills to improve the agency after completion.
- What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program. However, agencies will be responsible for their participants’ applicable travel expenses for in-person sessions.
- What is the format of the program?
The course is comprised of both virtual and in-person sessions.
The curriculum is divided into three stages:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- LEAN Process Improvement
- Change Management
Each of the three stages will utilize the process of teaching a process and then coaching the team on applying that process to their project.
- What is the commitment required of this program?
To complete the program, participants must:
- Attend at least 90% of scheduled training sessions
- Complete all required assignments and project work
- Participate fully in team activitiesDeliver a final presentation demonstrating application of continuous improvement concepts
- Apply the skills and knowledge gained to support continuous improvement efforts after program completion
- Are all sessions offered virtually?
No. We will have some virtual classes and some in-person classes. Applicants must commit to attending both virtual and in-person sessions. If selected, applicants must attend 90% of the scheduled sessions.
- Is there a final exam?
No, but there will be a final presentation of the team's project improvement at the end of the program. This presentation is for the participants to demonstrate their ability to apply the content covered in the training. After completion of the training, graduates are expected to use their skills and knowledge gained to make on-going contributions to continuous improvement efforts in their organization.