CONTRIBUTORS
Editor-in-Chief .......... Brett Robinson
Managing Editor ....... Kelly Watson
Associate Editor Jean Cook
Editors Diane L. Godwin
Allison Allsup
Designer Chris McMillen
Writers Diane L. Godwin
Kelly Watson
Amy Roberson
Emma O’Bryant
ON THE COVER
Student at FORGE Career Expo participates in a simulation that replicates construction work on a job site.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to 2025’s spring issue of Connections magazine, entirely dedicated to celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) success across the state of Mississippi. As Connection’s editor-in-chief, I am thrilled to share a collection of stories all celebrating the achievements and milestones of our CTE students, teachers and industry partners.
This month, we are proud to showcase the collaboration between Pascagoula-Gautier’s Culinary Arts and Business Marketing program in creating Café Bridge. The Café serves as an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience within the food industry, while also creating a space for students, teachers and members of the community to gather and enjoy culinary excellence.
Another highlight of this issue is FORGE’s Skilled Trade Career Expo. Over 2,000 eighth grade students from nine different counties were exposed to the many different career paths related to the construction industry.
Furthermore, Center Hill High School hosted a field trip to the school’s farm for the district’s elementary students, where they were able to experience things outside of their normal curriculum.
We are also thrilled to highlight Valerie Smith’s Work-Based Learning program in Yazoo City. In her first year as a WBL coordinator, she has developed the existing program extensively and given students unique opportunities to get hands-on learning experiences.
Alongside our articles, we gave students a chance to voice what they enjoy about CTE and share how the programs they are involved in have shaped their educational paths. Within this feature, you will be able to use the QR codes provided to watch videos sent in from students across the state.
These stories, along with many others, can be found within this issue. As you read, we hope you celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our educators, students, programs and industry partners. Thank you for your continued support of Career and Technical Education within the state of Mississippi. Together, we will empower the next generation of Mississippi’s workforce.
Sincerely, Brett
Robinson
Associate State Superintendent Office of Career, Technical and Workforce Development Education
Café Bridge
Bridging the Gap Between Students and the Real World
Amy Roberson
Since its inception in 1976, the Pascagoula-Gautier School District has provided a culinary learning experience for its students; equipping them with cutting-edge experience in food safety, preparation and service. In
2021, at the urging of Chef D’Juana Garrison, the Culinary Arts program partnered with the school’s Business and Marketing program, headed by Leslie Lovell, to create a place for students, teachers and the community to learn from and enjoy. Café Bridge was born and, with the addition of Chef
DeShundra Beasley, students in both programs are learning what it means to get real-world experience in the food service industry.
The daily operation of the café is a joint effort with culinary and business students working together. Culinary students begin food preparation
the day before the café opens, assist in setting up stations and keep the grab and go display case stocked. Kitchen maintenance and cleaning also fall under their responsibility and when special catering events are scheduled, culinary students work as servers. Business students count money and create deposits, maintain the website and social media platforms, and design menu graphics for the café. After culinary students have completed the food preparation for each order, business students bag the orders and deliver them to the appropriate spot. The culinary team takes care of food storage and kitchen clean up at the end of each day while business students oversee breaking down the coffee station and making daily deposits to the bookkeeper.
Chef Garrison believes that her Culinary Arts students are getting the most valuable learning experience possible in the industry through their work with Café Bridge. “These students are not only learning to work with fresh ingredients and all the different culinary techniques, but they are also exposed to the stressors of a fast-paced work environment. The behind the scenes work of running a restaurant provides invaluable skills for any college or career bound student in both culinary and business programs,” said Garrison. Culinary student Maryanna Chavers agrees with Garrison, she said, “I have accomplished so much for my future career path, and I have gained so much experience for not only culinary and pastry arts but also for business management and customer service which is key for having a successful business.” Recipe costing, report building, menu development, purchasing,
Opposite page: Year two culinary students hand cutting french fries. Top: A business student opens the café for business. Above: Jackson County Chamber of Commerce members hosting an event for community and industry leaders.
Photos submitted by Pascagoula-Gautier School District
budgeting and marketing are all real-world experiences these students are receiving that will enhance their education and training.
Business and Marketing Instructor Leslie Lovell agrees that her students are gaining valuable learning experiences as well. She said, “My business students acquire key competencies in customer service, marketing and financial management while gaining firsthand exposure to the demands of a high-energy work setting. The processes of managing a restaurant provide valuable hands-
on experience and skills that seamlessly translate to academic and professional growth. This experience builds adaptability, sharpens problem-solving abilities and cultivates a strong work ethic.”
Located on the second floor of the College and Career Technical Institute, Café Bridge is open each Wednesday and Thursday for four to six weeks each term. The café is open to all Pascagoula-Gautier School District high school students, employees, community partners and first responders. Parent involvement, which has sometimes been
a challenge for the district, has seen gains since the opening of Café Bridge. Parents now come in and have lunch with their children. A growing number of district employees and community members are stopping in for a peaceful lunch alone or using the café as a base for working lunches with colleagues. Catered events held by different civic organizations give exposure to students, allow them to engage with adults and serve as fundraisers on occasion.
The future of Café Bridge looks bright. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District
Chef Beasley assists a student serving a salad.
is now implementing “work credits” for student café purchases. Students earn credits for shift work and can use these credits for the purchase of café items during non-working hours. The program recently acquired a refrigerated display case for grab and go items and future plans include a take-and-bake selection of items.
Program instructors are excited about what Café Bridge has brought to the district as well as the changes they have witnessed in their students. Garrison has noticed that students’
confidence soars as they navigate intense situations, build teamwork and engage with the community and said, “My heart is warmed by the friendships that blossom as these kids spend two, sometimes three, full years together on the project; they become a family.” Lovell has also seen a positive change in the lives of her students through this venture. She said, “I’ve witnessed an incredible transformation; their confidence soars, their creativity flourishes and their workforce skills have grown exponential -
ly. Seeing their evolution is nothing short of inspiring.” Asante Dawson, a business and marketing student, has only good things to say about the program as well. When asked about what she has gained from her work with Café Bridge, Dawson said, “Café Bridge has taught me valuable leadership skills and helped me enhance my social abilities. It has also shown me the importance of teamwork, as well as how to manage finances and organize food. I’m truly grateful for the experience.”
Students prepping the sides for the day. The prep board can be seen in the background.
Chopped Culinary Competition
Students prepping and chopping their entrées during the culinary competition.
Photos by Michael Stewart, EMCC
The Golden Triangle Chopped Competition and Culinary Knowledge event was coordinated through the East Mississippi Community College Culinary Arts program under the direction of Chef Jakiero Dismuke. High school students from West Point Career and Tech Center, Mill-
saps Career and Technology Center, McKellar Technology Center and the Lowndes County Career and Technical Center participated in this cooking competition and quiz bowl that took place at the Lion Hills Center and Golf Course. Students competed in timed cooking events at the
Lion Hills Center Annex, as well as a culinary knowledge quiz bowl at the Lion Hills Center. In the cooking portion of the contest, students were tasked with creating an appetizer, entrée and dessert. They were also given ingredients which had to be included in the dishes they cooked.
Students plating their appetizers during the contest.
Students participating in the culinary knowledge quiz bowl.
SKILLED TRADE CAREER EXPO
Kelly Watson
During FORGE’s fifth annual Skilled Trade Career Expo, students had the unique opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at everything the construction industry has to offer. Over the course of two days, 23 schools from nine different counties participated by bringing their eighth-grade students
to tour the expo at the East Mississippi Community College Communiversity Campus. Over 2,000 students were in attendance and able to participate in interactive booths ranging from operating heavy equipment and flight simulations to laying concrete and practicing drilling techniques. During the expo, students engaged with industry professionals and explored different career op-
portunities related to the construction industry. FORGE’s goal with this expo was to plant a seed of interest within the students, so they consider skilled-trade jobs when choosing a future career path.
FORGE was founded in 2018 by a group of locally owned small businesses that were looking to invest in the workforce of tomorrow. The founders saw a desperate need for workers
Photos by Michael Stewart, EMCC
within skilled trade occupations, and instead of competing against one another, they decided to band together to work toward a solution. As Gary Beeland, executive at Build Mississippi, said, “Right now in Mississippi alone, there are approximately 100,000 jobs within various skilled-trade positions waiting to be filled, but no one to fill them.” FORGE’s primary approach to filling this need by growing the workforce has been to partner with local schools and CTE centers to create strong relationships and reshape perceptions surrounding the skilled trade industry.
FORGE is focusing on finding longterm solutions for the workforce shortage. They start with eighth-grade students because they know this age group is getting ready for high school and thinking of making their schedules. The idea is that the students come to the FORGE expo and realize they might be interested in carpentry, so they talk to their school counselors who can get them set up in the CTE classroom. If FORGE were to advertise to 10th or 11th graders, they would miss the opportunity to take advantage of everything CTE can offer students.
FORGE wants to pique their interest in skilled trade careers by “dressing it up and making it look pretty,” as Beeland said. For this reason, they try to keep all the booths as interactive and hands-on as possible. It’s not a typical career fair, where you browse from booth to booth, getting a piece of candy or a pen; instead, students get to climb aboard a mini excavator or try-out a VR headset simulation. The goal is to provide exposure to the industry, while making it look fun for students.
Melinda Lowe, executive director at FORGE, noted that this year there was,
Opposite page: The TVA Robot Dog, Spot, is used in situations to determine the safety of an area during a disaster or an emergency event. Top: Student learns the correct technique to lay bricks on a construction site. Above: Student participates in a simulation that replicates dirt work on a job site.
“Over $8 million in equipment present at the expo, which is double the footprint from last year.” The expo has grown in attendance and participation every year. “Every piece of equipment and every person working the booths are off the job site. So, these companies are providing not only time, energy, equipment and people; they are
also losing dollars because all of that isn’t out there making money for them on a site. But our participants see the value of showing the next generation of perspective skilled tradesmen that this is an opportunity worth being interested in,” said Lowe. In addition to seeing the value of exposure, these businesses also see the importance of maintaining
strong relationships with each other.
Haylie Quatrevingt from Waters Truck reinforced this statement by saying, “We all depend on each other to operate; our businesses are all interconnected in some way and our successes will only draw more businesses and economic success to the state, but they can’t bring more companies in if they don’t have enough workers.”
Due to the high success of this event, FORGE is looking to expand its reach. Rather than having students bussed in from long distances, they are hoping to replicate this event in different areas around the state so that more students will gain exposure of these skilled trade jobs.
FORGE has much to celebrate this year, because they are finally seeing the
fruit of their labor. This is the fifth year that FORGE has held their expo, meaning the eighth graders that came to the inaugural expo are finally reaching the age where they can enter the workforce full-time. When asked what this means for them, Lowe responded, “All of our companies here today have either had interns or even workers who have participated in some form of FORGE event.
This year there was over $8 million worth of equipment present at the FORGE expo.
So, we are seeing how impactful the expo and our other events really are.”
The career expo is not the only way FORGE is garnering attention for and changing the perspective of skilled trade career paths. They also have a practice “Interview Day” that is hosted every spring where students can meet businesses and make connections while practicing their interviewing skills, and
FORGE offers financial literacy courses that can advise young people on smart ways to spend and invest their paychecks. Furthermore, they are trying to reach students as young as possible to shape a positive perspective of these career paths. FORGE has published two coloring books and bought bundles of construction related children’s books. They then will go out into schools to
read these books to Pre-K- third grade students and give away the FORGE coloring books. Lowe said, “In doing this, we are building their knowledge of the field and piquing interest at a very young age.”
FORGE is eager to show students that they have more options than they might realize, and this career expo is just one way to do so.
CTE VOICES: STUDENTS SHARE WHAT MAKES THEIR PROGRAMS SPECIAL
February is Designated as Career and Technical Education Month®
Diane Godwin
Mississippi joins Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs nationwide to celebrate the value and achievements CTE brings to our state and country. To highlight the impact of CTE in our state, we’ve invited students from across Mississippi to share what CTE means to them.
These students are developing technical, academic and employability skills and engaging in work-based experiences with industry partners.
The results speak for themselves: According to the most recent Mississippi CTE Fact Sheet, “Youth and adult learners in CTE programs are more engaged, graduate high school
at higher rates, earn industry-recognized credentials and have rewarding and family-sustaining careers. A noteworthy statistic, Mississippi has a 99.5 percent graduation rate for students who are CTE concentrators.”
To learn more about the role CTE plays in empowering students and driving economic growth in our state and nation, explore the links beside each CTE program’s photo. These videos feature students sharing, in their own words, what CTE means to them.
Front: (L to R) Kanzaria Taylor and Zalayjah Jones. Back: (L to R) Lamaya Wade, Linsay Alvarez, Brandon Jones, Jemarius Lee and Sade Anderson.
tinyurl.com/kaCTEvoices
tinyurl.com/NeshobaCTEvoices
School of Career and Technical Education
tinyurl.com/naCTEvoices
Front: (L to R) Diana Cruz and Kay Culberson. Middle: (L to R) Anna Bailey, Madison Johnson and Skylar Cotton. Back: (L to R) Conner Jimmie, LaRyan Evans, Danh Pham and Dan Refre.
Front: (L to R) Jordan Brantley, Jake Newman, Lillian Culp and Nick Carter. Back: (L to R) Katie Kittrell, Leanna Jones, Amiya Williams and Ally Moore.
Front: (L to R) Zion Woods, Prarthana Patel, Kenzie Reed, Olivia Cross and Lela Trout. Back: (L to R) Adeline Bailey, Landon Hall, William Chosich, Donald Starks and Walker Robbins.
PETAL
SCHOOL Career and Technical Education Center
tinyurl.com/PopCTEvoices
Career and Technical Center
tinyurl.com/TupeloCTEvoices
Around the table: (L to R) Gracie Davis, Travis Smith, Isabel Alvarado, Briahna Burt, Kegon Hatfield, Rowan Smith, Madalyn Lander, Josey Davis and Micah Helmer.
Front: (L to R) Kendal Underwood, Felicity Schmall, Eleigh Sones, Kaziah Reed and Ava Keeton. Back: (L to R) Gracie Carr, Braylen James and Cayden Holder. tinyurl.com/PetalCTEvoices
Front: (L to R) BreAnna Trimble, Madison Griffin, Kamron Staples and Mariano Moralz. Back: (L to R) Peyton Cody, Andy Zacatenco, Eli Johnson and Jackson Martin. Seniors not pictured: Brandon Pizano, Haley Hamilton and Kohlee Venson.
Reverse, Reverse
Students from Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s Millsaps Career and Technology Center have flipped the script on the long-established forum of a career fair. Instead of browsing booth to booth, students manned their own booths to showcase their current skills and experience to potential employers, teachers and college representatives.
The students presenting came from various CTE classes, ranging from digital media and unmanned aviation to welding and horticulture. Classmates
prepared for the fair by making and presenting portfolios, which included resumes, cover letters, teaching philosophies and pertinent class assignments.
This reverse career fair gave students the chance to not only establish connections for their future career paths, but also help to improve interpersonal skills, like dress and interviewing.
April Dill, who planned the event, told The Dispatch, “This is an opportunity to have our industry come, but our students to be the focus, with the goal of networking and then practicing their
presentation skills and highlighting their resume and showing off the things we do in our classes.”
The school’s industry partners were invited to speak at the fair, along with college representatives and other local businesses. In this way, students had the opportunity to establish connections for their future careers.
While this was only the first year Millsaps CTE has hosted a reverse career fair, due to the success of the event, steps are already in place to host another next year.
(L to R) Chloe Jones, Clara Francom and Savannah Palmer enjoying the career fair.
(L to R) Health Science Teachers, Ellie Dempsey and Blakely Wright, browsing student booths.
Engineering student James Berry talks to someone from Yokahoma. Industry partners browsing student booths.
Photos submitted by Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
Toys for Tots
Students at the School of Career and Technical Education in New Albany joined workers from the Toyota plant to create a special holiday gift.
The Toyota-sponsored 4T Academy class recently launched a hands-on training program designed to place students directly into Toyota production jobs right out of high school.
Partnering with the Career and Technical Education School in New Albany, Toyota aims to teach students how to complete standardized work.
One recent project had members of the Advanced Manufacturing class in the career tech program apply their newfound knowledge to the task of building bicycles for the Salvation Army Toys for Tots program.
Bikes were taken to the Toyota plant once completed before being picked up
by the Salvation Army to take part in the holiday toy drive. The bike project not only gives back to the community but
showcases the students’ assembly and hands-on skills. Skills they will undoubtedly take with them into the future.
(L to R) Donald Starks and Tyler Liggins work to build a bike together.
(L to R) Isaiah Simpson and Dale Johnson put the finishing touches on the bike they assembled together.
Front: (L to R) Sandria Richard, Georgia Loague, Kanesha Jackson, Kamari Johnson and Tyler Liggins. Back: (L to R) Justin Robbins, Xzavion McDonald, John Mason Copeland, Camelia Wilson, Donald Starks, Isaiah Simpson, Dale Johnson, Jeffrey Covington and Austin Lauderdale.
Photos submitted by New Albany School District.
Blooming Education
Four Oxford High School students from the Horticulture and Natural Science program competed and excelled in the state FFA competition held at Mississippi State University.
They won first place in the Floriculture Career Development Event, a competition that required them to identify various plants, craft flower arrangements, take a general floriculture knowledge exam and engage in a collaborative team activity that highlighted their knowledge and skills of the floriculture industry.
This momentum pushed them to work diligently and practice multiple times a week to prepare for the prestigious national convention. Oxford Floral Company aided in this endeavor by generously donating their time, expertise and supplies for the students to utilize when they practiced.
With a win under their belt, students Lilly Ambrose, Uno Estialbo, Meghan Goins and Anastasiia Sikorska traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to represent the state of Mississippi at the 97th annual National FFA Convention & Expo.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. By competing in events like these, students are able to showcase their skills as both individuals and as a team. Ken Hearn, Oxford High School’s horticul-
Oxford Floral Company employees work with Uno Estialbo and Anastasiia Sikorska to create flower arrangements.
ture teacher, states: “By competing in career development events, students demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have learned throughout my program and match them against students from across the state and nation.
It’s really impressive what these students are able to accomplish, and there is no doubt that they will benefit from this experience, regardless of if they decide to pursue a career in the horticulture industry or go into an unrelated field.”
Oxford Floral Company owner, David Naron, guides Meghan Goins, Lilly Ambrose, Uno Estialbo and Anastasiia Sikorska in creating bouquets.
Photos submitted by Oxford School District.
CULTIVATING EXCELLENCE CENTER HILL’S FARM FIELD TRIP
Kelly Watson
Every year, Overpark Elementary kindergarteners in the Desoto County School District find themselves on a highly anticipated field trip to the farm at the district’s high school, Center Hill. The trip allows the young students to
immerse themselves into fun, handson activities while serving as an opportunity for them to learn the value of resourcefulness. While they only get a glimpse into all the effort that goes into Center Hill’s farm, they gain exposure to a world outside of their normal curriculum by having the opportunity to
pet, hold and feed animals they might normally only see at a petting zoo. There’s also face painting, dancing and a nature table. The nature table consists of different elements that can be found in nature, such as shells, fossils and feathers. This allows the children to touch, feel and see things out of their
ordinary curriculum. The hope is that this exposure can lead to an interest in agricultural or animal science that will only grow as they get older.
Angel Pilcher, the Nutrition and Wellness and Resource Management instructor at Center Hill, started the farm 12 years ago with only two raised garden beds. It has since evolved into something much larger, now having greenhouses and shelters for all sorts of animals, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, bunnies, snakes and chinchillas. As far as vegetables and herbs, they grow anything and everything that can thrive within the area. Pilcher praises the generosity of donors and grants that have allowed the farm to develop this far along.
Some of the courses that utilize the farm are Nutrition and Wellness, Resource Management, Natural Resources and Cooking, as well as the Garden Club. The farm serves to support STEM education in several different aspects, as well as overall resourcefulness. Lessons include learning hydroponics, as well as using rain catchers for irrigation and compost for fertilizer. Other courses not directly related to the farm can also take advantage of the green space, such as English, art and self-contained classes. Pilcher expressed that it’s important for her to create a space where students can make mistakes and learn about life cycles while gaining a deeper appreciation for the field of agriculture. Pilcher said, “Yes, we learn agricultural and animal science, but we also learn responsibility and life skills while having the chance to promote mental wellness and connecting with nature.” She helps her students understand that mistakes are a part of life, and something to grow from rather than something to fear. This approach also boosts problem-solving skills and encourages criti-
Opposite page: The students were excited to meet all the animals on the farm, including the snake! Top: The nature table held different natural elements for the children to touch, feel and observe closely. Middle: Students were able to get up close and personal with the different animals on the farm. Bottom: Angel Pilcher started the farm at Center Hill 12 years ago, at the time it was only two raised garden beds.
Photos by Kelly Watson, RCU
cal thinking within her classroom.
Along with those lessons, the students can see that producing food isn’t as simple as going to the grocery store. After taking her class, they have witnessed the long and complicated process of farming, as well as how much hard work and dedication goes into growing the food that they eat. Abigail Ingram, an 11th grader, pointed out how this class is the only opportunity for her to do this kind of work saying, “In our Natural Resources and Cooking class, we use what we grow and the eggs we collect from the chickens to cook ‘farm to table’ which I would never usually do.” Although Ingram doesn’t plan to pursue a career path in agriculture, she is getting the opportunity to learn these important life skills.
Having a place where students can feel connected to nature is extremely beneficial to overall mental wellness, as Jonathan Hernandez, a senior student, said, “It’s always great when we get to take a break from our desk and come outside to work on the farm.” His favorite aspect
on the farm is with the animals, especially the bunnies. Ingram agrees with him saying, “My favorite part about helping with the farm is the hands-on work we get to do with the animals here. We provide them with everything they need: food and a cozy environment.”
When asked why Pilcher felt the need
to embark on such a labor-intensive project by starting the farm at Center Hill High School, she emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning by saying, “How much more can you learn when you touch, smell, taste and see?
When you use all five of your senses, you learn five times as much.”
Top: High school students across several different classes volunteered to help facilitate the field trip. Above: Johnathan Hernandez showing the young students how to pet and feed the turkey.
Duck, Duck, Build
Carpentry student, Gaylon Turner, building one of the duck houses.
Vicksburg Warren Career and Technical Center students enrolled in the Carpentry and Construction program took part in a collaboration effort with the Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort. Their goal was to increase the natural beauty of Raymond Lake and its adjoining pond as they border both the Hinds Community College golf course and Eagle Ridge Conference Center &
Resort. After considering several ideas, a decision was made to collaborate with Mark Mitchell, secondary carpentry instructor at the Vicksburg Warren Campus. Mitchell coordinated with his students and tasked them with building several wooden duck houses as part of their in-class projects using materials provided to them by the college. Brock Hass, director of Eagle Ridge Confer-
ence Center & Resort, said, “Having the duck houses would encourage migration of native duck species and increase the serenity and beauty of the lake.” Twelve of the duck houses have since been built and placed along the perimeter of Raymond Lake while another six reside at McKenzie Pond. With excellent craftsmanship, the duck houses have proved a valuable addition to the college.
One of the 12 birdhouses placed at Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort.
Photos submitted by Vicksburg Warren School District.
The Larry Summers Career and Technical Center’s Work-Based Learning program the Future Workforce Shaping
Emma O’Bryant
A Work-Based Learning (WBL) program in Yazoo City, Mississippi is creating meaningful opportunities for students at Larry Summers Career and Technical Center. The WBL program is headed by Coordinator Valerie Smith. She describes WBL programs as a “chance to make a meaningful impact on students’ career readiness,” and she has done just that by facilitating oppor-
tunities for her students to prepare for the next step. Smith has coordinated a wide range of internships and apprenticeships for her students. These experiences cover several fields including “healthcare, technology, law and public safety, automotive, education, construction, manufacturing and calibration.”
One advantage to WBL is the handson learning environment cultivated. Smith said, “By coordinating internships, apprenticeships and job-shad -
owing opportunities, I can create pathways that make learning more practical and impactful.” Therefore, students can obtain more information through this structure of learning. WBL creates a setting where lessons are easier to digest for students because they have a first-hand look on the job. Smith said, “Students involved in the program seem more motivated and engaged as they see how their learning directly connects
Opposite page left: Kiara Ousley and Kemora Butler assist the Martha Coker Nursing Home staff in making beds and doing other daily activities. Opposite page right: Jaylon Davis is learning to use diagnostic tools and software to identify vehicle issues at Mark Performance Automotive Shop. Above: Chauncey Epps and William Washington assisted in organizing community outreach events and the preparation of education materials for community presentation with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department.
to real-world applications.” Students can get this real-world experience by doing things like going to a nursing home, a housing authority, doing ride-alongs with the sheriff’s department and being in a courtroom.
Kemora Butler, a student who interns
at Martha Coker Nursing Home, says, “The workers have welcomed me with open arms since I started my 11th grade year and have given me the opportunity to learn from them during my senior year before I go off to college to major in nursing.” The
education gained from experiences like Butler’s is unlike anything a student could grasp while sitting in a classroom. Through Larry Summers CTE Center’s WBL program, students can take an active, hands-on approach to learning.
Photos submitted by Mississippi Achievement School District.
The effects of this program and Smith’s work have been evident. Smith states, “Students have shared that they feel more prepared and confident about their future careers after participating in the Work-Based Learning Program.” This change in student’s mindsets is the purpose of WBL. Some essential skills have also been developed by students, including “communication, teamwork and problem-solving,” according to Chauncey Epps, a student intern at the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department who witnessed “firsthand the challenges and responsibilities of being a deputy sheriff.” Epps said, “It was fascinating to see the coordination and teamwork among the officers, as well as their interactions with the community.” He also said, “I was struck by the professionalism and dedication of the officers.”
Moreover, students are also benefiting in other areas as a result of WBL. Smith said, “I’ve noticed that some students are more motivated in their studies, as they see the direct connection between their education and career goals.” Student Jaylon Davis who interns for Mark’s Automotive Performance Shop says the instruction he received “made the learning process
“Preparing students for the workforce is crucial, and I see this role as a chance to equip them with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed in their careers.”
- Valerie Smith
simple and rewarding.” The hands-on learning approach has enabled Davis to understand how he learns best and which areas of study he is most interested in. Therefore, WBL is bettering their education through making the students become more motivated and focused. This program is especially impressive because the coordinator, Smith, is only in her first year heading it. Before she started in this position, the school district had one other coordinator who was only on the job for one month. Smith inherited a young, undeveloped program and turned it into an invaluable opportunity for students. She was able to do so through
being “passionate about helping students discover and develop their skills, talents and career interests.”
She recognizes the importance of WBL programs for students. She said, “Preparing students for the workforce is crucial, and I see this role as a chance to equip them with the skills, confidence and networks they need to succeed in their careers.” Smith also made sure to note how she, as a coordinator, has benefited through her experience. She says, “Personally, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see students gain confidence and skills through the Work-Based Learning experiences, which has deepened my sense of purpose in this role.” Larry Summers CTE Director Yolanda Strong is also impressed with Smith’s work, and states, “She has motivated her students to identify their skills, career goals and areas of interest. Her students are now aware of the value of gaining practical experience through internships, apprenticeships and job experience.” Coordinators like Valerie Smith enable Mississippi youth to be confidently prepared and make an informed decision regarding their future career paths.
LCSD CTC Health Science and Cosmetology Collaboration
Cosmetology students are performing consults with Health Science “clients.” Standing: (L to R) Makalyn Harris, Maddie Brown and Lily Cate Gray. Sitting: (L to R) Alexis Gipson and Reanna Reyes.
Cosmetology students are interviewing their “clients” (H.S. students) as part of the skin care consultation. Standing: (L to R) Taylor Nicholson and Emily Sherrod. Sitting: (L to R) Kaitlin Lampkin and Qiana Jennings.
Katelyn Hill is reviewing her research card to prepare for her skin care consultation. Other Cosmo students are performing skin care consult evaluations. Standing: (L to R) Kaliya Neal, Lily Gray, Taylor Nicholson, Emily Sherrod, Makya Brown, Emma Willis and Skyler Pitts. Sitting: (L to R) Katelyn Hill, Kaitlin Lampkin and A’launa Lang- Ellis.
De’Asia Wells is reviewing the skin consultation paperwork with her “client” Gage Price as part of the skin care consultation.
The Lowndes County School District Career Technology Center Health Science and Cosmetology students recently worked together to learn more about skin disorders, conditions and diseases. The Health Science students acted as mock cosmetology clients with certain skin conditions. The cosmetology students preformed a consultation on the health science students to determine if the client should see a physician, or if they could continue on with the client’s desired service. This activity was organized by Cosmetology Instructor Jessica Allen-Boulware and Health Science Instructor Anne Clemmons. Through this activity, students were given the opportunity to gain real world experience, and further their education through collaborating with another program.
Photos submitted by Lowndes County School District.
