SkillsUSA: Building a Skilled, Workforce-Ready Generation
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lake Cormorant High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lake Cormorant High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Horn Lake High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Horn Lake High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Hernando High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Hernando High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Desoto Central High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Desoto Central High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Center Hill High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Center Hill High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Our students are preparing for the future—today! Through Work-Based Learning, they’re developing career skills, professionalism, and confidence in the workplace. Check out this week’s featured student making an impact!
Now Enrolling: Manufacturing Skills Training Opportunity for Students
DeSoto County Schools is proud to partner with Northwest Mississippi Community College Workforce Development to offer students the opportunity to participate in a Manufacturing Skills Short Course.
This hands-on training experience allows students to build real-world skills, gain exposure to high-demand careers, and take the next step toward workforce readiness.
📍 Training will be held at the NWCC Workforce Training Center in Byhalia
Interested seniors should contact their career coach or Work Based Learning teacher at the high school.
Opportunities like this continue to strengthen our commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.
DeSoto County Schools is proud to partner with Northwest Mississippi Community College Workforce Development to offer students the opportunity to participate in a Manufacturing Skills Short Course.
This hands-on training experience allows students to build real-world skills, gain exposure to high-demand careers, and take the next step toward workforce readiness.
📍 Training will be held at the NWCC Workforce Training Center in Byhalia
Interested seniors should contact their career coach or Work Based Learning teacher at the high school.
Opportunities like this continue to strengthen our commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.
Great afternoon at the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce meeting!
Opportunities like this reinforce the importance of staying connected to our local business and industry partners. Our Work-Based Learning and Career Coach team is intentional about building and maintaining these relationships because they directly translate into meaningful opportunities for our students—whether that’s internships, job shadowing, or future employment.
Strong partnerships don’t happen by chance; they require consistent engagement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to workforce development. Today was another step forward in aligning what we do in our schools with the real needs of our local economy.
We were also honored to hear from Mr. Kenneth McKinney , retired principal from DeSoto County Schools. His perspective and continued investment in our community serve as a great reminder of the lasting impact of educational leadership.
Proud of the work our team is doing to connect classrooms to careers.
Opportunities like this reinforce the importance of staying connected to our local business and industry partners. Our Work-Based Learning and Career Coach team is intentional about building and maintaining these relationships because they directly translate into meaningful opportunities for our students—whether that’s internships, job shadowing, or future employment.
Strong partnerships don’t happen by chance; they require consistent engagement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to workforce development. Today was another step forward in aligning what we do in our schools with the real needs of our local economy.
We were also honored to hear from Mr. Kenneth McKinney , retired principal from DeSoto County Schools. His perspective and continued investment in our community serve as a great reminder of the lasting impact of educational leadership.
Proud of the work our team is doing to connect classrooms to careers.
Work-Based Learning Student Spotlight!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
Bridge Academy Program kicked off last night with a strong start!
We hosted a meet-and-greet to intentionally connect our mentors and mentees ahead of the first official session. During this hour, participants heard directly from Bridge Academy completers, gaining real insight into the value of the program and the impact it can have on their future.
Students were introduced to the key focus areas they’ll engage in throughout the program, while also having the opportunity to begin building meaningful connections with mentors and peers. Our Work-Based Learning team and Career Coaches were on-site to help facilitate intentional networking opportunities, ensuring students were not just meeting mentors—but beginning to build connections that matter. These early interactions set the tone for the level of professionalism and engagement we expect throughout the program.
This is what workforce development should look like—early exposure, strong guidance, and purposeful relationships that position students for success beyond the classroom.
We hosted a meet-and-greet to intentionally connect our mentors and mentees ahead of the first official session. During this hour, participants heard directly from Bridge Academy completers, gaining real insight into the value of the program and the impact it can have on their future.
Students were introduced to the key focus areas they’ll engage in throughout the program, while also having the opportunity to begin building meaningful connections with mentors and peers. Our Work-Based Learning team and Career Coaches were on-site to help facilitate intentional networking opportunities, ensuring students were not just meeting mentors—but beginning to build connections that matter. These early interactions set the tone for the level of professionalism and engagement we expect throughout the program.
This is what workforce development should look like—early exposure, strong guidance, and purposeful relationships that position students for success beyond the classroom.
Our Student Services Coordinator is helping students build confidence and sharpen their skills with engaging, hands-on prep.
Be sure to check out the flyer—it’s a snapshot of the great work happening to get our students ready for success!
Be sure to check out the flyer—it’s a snapshot of the great work happening to get our students ready for success!
DeSoto County Schools juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to connect directly with local business and industry leaders during the upcoming Business Connections Event, hosted in partnership with the Southaven Young Professionals.
Students will hear from a keynote speaker and participate in breakout sessions focused on real-world skills such as interviewing, professional communication, financial responsibility, mentorship, and personal branding.
This experience provides students with practical insight into today’s workplace while building meaningful connections with professionals across our business community.
Interested students should contact their Career Coach or Work-Based Learning teacher for additional information.
Students will hear from a keynote speaker and participate in breakout sessions focused on real-world skills such as interviewing, professional communication, financial responsibility, mentorship, and personal branding.
This experience provides students with practical insight into today’s workplace while building meaningful connections with professionals across our business community.
Interested students should contact their Career Coach or Work-Based Learning teacher for additional information.
Career Coach Connection – Weekly Spotlight
Each week, we highlight a unique opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning with real-world career pathways. Our Career Coaches work directly with local industries, community partners, and educators to create hands-on experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Check out this week’s connection in the flyer below!
Each week, we highlight a unique opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning with real-world career pathways. Our Career Coaches work directly with local industries, community partners, and educators to create hands-on experiences that prepare students for success beyond graduation.
Check out this week’s connection in the flyer below!
On May 14th from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Ranger Center, we will host our Graduate Hiring Event designed specifically for graduating seniors seeking full-time, entry-level employment.
We are calling on local and regional businesses that are actively hiring to reserve a seat at the table. Employers will have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with motivated young adults who are workforce-ready and eager to contribute.
This is more than a hiring event. It is a strategic investment in our community’s future talent pipeline. When we connect graduates to meaningful employment, we strengthen families, businesses, and the long-term economic outlook of DeSoto County.
Businesses interested in participating may register using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/KsHQeqYxEE
If your organization is hiring entry-level talent and values work ethic, reliability, and a strong foundation, we invite you to partner with us.
Let’s work together to move students from graduation to gainful employment—without missing a step.
We are calling on local and regional businesses that are actively hiring to reserve a seat at the table. Employers will have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with motivated young adults who are workforce-ready and eager to contribute.
This is more than a hiring event. It is a strategic investment in our community’s future talent pipeline. When we connect graduates to meaningful employment, we strengthen families, businesses, and the long-term economic outlook of DeSoto County.
Businesses interested in participating may register using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/r/KsHQeqYxEE
If your organization is hiring entry-level talent and values work ethic, reliability, and a strong foundation, we invite you to partner with us.
Let’s work together to move students from graduation to gainful employment—without missing a step.
Work-Based Learning Student Spotlight!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
Each week, we’re highlighting outstanding students gaining real-world experience through DeSoto County Schools’ Work-Based Learning program. Meet this week’s featured student below!
DeSoto County School District proudly hosted the Second Annual Junior Class College Fair today at the Landers Center, bringing together college and university representatives to engage directly with our students.
Throughout the event, juniors had the opportunity to explore admissions requirements, financial aid options, academic programs, campus housing, and the full college experience while building meaningful connections with institutions from across the region and beyond. Events like this ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge, access, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their postsecondary pathways.
We appreciate our college partners for investing their time and expertise in supporting the future of DeSoto County students and helping us continue to expand college and career readiness opportunities across the district.
Throughout the event, juniors had the opportunity to explore admissions requirements, financial aid options, academic programs, campus housing, and the full college experience while building meaningful connections with institutions from across the region and beyond. Events like this ensure our students are equipped with the knowledge, access, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their postsecondary pathways.
We appreciate our college partners for investing their time and expertise in supporting the future of DeSoto County students and helping us continue to expand college and career readiness opportunities across the district.
