New Numbers Released On Unemployment Claims Filed The Week Of July 4

Today, the U.S. Department of Labor released data on the number of unemployment claims filed throughout the country for the week ending July 4.

During the week of July 4, 99,000 less unemployment claims were filed in the U.S., than the week prior to. In the state of Mississippi during the week of July 4, 11,850 claims were filed, which is more than 1,800 less claims filed in the week of June 27 and last week in Alabama, 18,498 unemployment claims were filed, down by 160 claims from the week of June 27.

As many continue to have their jobs impacted by the pandemic, Meridian Community College’s new “Become Essential” program is being offered to help provide hope for displaced workers, or people that have been laid off or furloughed after March 13.

“This program basically pays the tuition for one class that you chose to take during the fall semester that’s arriving in August, and so it’s only for that one semester. Its only for one class’s tuition, if there are any book fees or anything associated with that class, those will be the responsibility of the student, but we will cover the tuition rate of one class. We’re hoping this will give people the opportunity to come back to school, maybe they went at a previous time, and never finished, and then maybe somebody just needs to pick up and continue what they’re already doing,” said Shannon Coleman, WIOA Case Manager for MCC Community and Business Development.

She also shared that she believes more people will take advantage of the program, and the opportunity to possibly find a new career path.

“I do believe we’ll continue to see people between now and the time school starts on August 17, people continue to be at home and a number of people have not been called back to their jobs, and even some companies are continuing to layoff, because business has declined”, said Coleman.

For those interested in MCC’s “Become Essential” program, you are able to register online on MCC’s website and sign up for a free class for this upcoming fall semester.