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