The School of Lifelong is within the E. L. Thrash Education and Research Complex (Universities Center) on Ridgewood Road. This complex consists of a 90,000 square feet single story structure with offices, a library, several large conference rooms and smaller breakout conference rooms/classrooms. This complex houses degree programs in Business, Urban and Regional Planning, Social Work, and Public Policy and Administration. Continuing Education's mission is to make a quality difference in the urban community by extending the educational services of Jackson State University to those who wish to further the economic development of the state and the life-long learning experiences of the citizens of Mississippi and the region. There are six units within Continuing Education. They include: Business and Community Services, Continuing Education Learning Center, Special Academic Programs and Services, the Southwest Mississippi World Class Teaching Initiative's (SMWCTI), The Institute for Child Life Assessment, Studies and Services (I-CLASS), The Southwest Mississippi Education Consortium -Regional Education Service Center Congressional District IV (SMEC).