Hands-on learning in action!
DeSoto County Schools seniors are gaining valuable technical experience through the NWCC Workforce Development Manufacturing Skills Short Course which began in October. Students are training in the skills lab weekly, developing the foundational knowledge needed for success in today’s manufacturing industry and connecting with industry partners.
We’re proud to partner with NWCC Workforce Development to provide these real-world learning opportunities that prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce.
📍 NWCC Workforce Training Center: Byhalia, MS
DeSoto County Schools seniors are gaining valuable technical experience through the NWCC Workforce Development Manufacturing Skills Short Course which began in October. Students are training in the skills lab weekly, developing the foundational knowledge needed for success in today’s manufacturing industry and connecting with industry partners.
We’re proud to partner with NWCC Workforce Development to provide these real-world learning opportunities that prepare our students for tomorrow’s workforce.
📍 NWCC Workforce Training Center: Byhalia, MS
When students hear directly from professionals in the field, it bridges the gap between education and employment. We appreciate our Workforce Team at Hernando High School for coordinating impactful guest speaker sessions that spark career interest and broaden horizons. See the flyer for a Guest Speaker highlight.
College dreams become reality when students have the right support. Our Career Coaches provide guidance and tools to help every student reach their postsecondary goals. Learn more in this week’s flyer through our Career Coach Connection.
Work-Based Learning wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated teachers and industry partners who mentor students each day. Meet this week’s featured student who’s thriving thanks to hands-on experience and community support!
Our Career & Technical Education programs are where learning meets doing. Each week, we’ll highlight one program that is opening doors for students through hands-on training and industry connections.
See this week’s CTE spotlight in the flyer below, and discover how our students are preparing for the future.
See this week’s CTE spotlight in the flyer below, and discover how our students are preparing for the future.
We’re proud to showcase our CTE alumni who are making an impact in their careers and communities! Check out this week’s featured graduate below.
Our industry partners are the backbone of workforce development. By hosting job shadows, they give students the chance to experience authentic workplace environments and discover the skills needed for success.
We are grateful for the collaboration that connects students to meaningful, hands-on learning. Together, we are building strong pathways from high school to career.
We are grateful for the collaboration that connects students to meaningful, hands-on learning. Together, we are building strong pathways from high school to career.
"Seeing a professional in action makes all the difference." Job shadowing connects classroom learning to real-world application, helping students better understand what it takes to succeed in their chosen field.
Thank you to our industry partners for mentoring our students and showing them what it means to be workforce ready!
Thank you to our industry partners for mentoring our students and showing them what it means to be workforce ready!
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
Our Career Coaches bring career exploration to life every week. Discover this week’s featured connection in the flyer below!
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
Hands-On Learning in Action!
Our new Law and Public Safety program at Hernando High School is off to an incredible start! Year 1 students recently participated in a crime scene investigation lab, putting their critical thinking and teamwork skills to the test.
Through hands-on experiences like this, students gain valuable insight into the fields of law enforcement, forensics, and public safety, building a strong foundation for future careers that serve and protect our communities.
A big thank-you to our CTE instructor, Angela Fletcher, for bringing real-world learning to life at Hernando High!
#WorkforceDevelopment #LawAndPublicSafety #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
Our new Law and Public Safety program at Hernando High School is off to an incredible start! Year 1 students recently participated in a crime scene investigation lab, putting their critical thinking and teamwork skills to the test.
Through hands-on experiences like this, students gain valuable insight into the fields of law enforcement, forensics, and public safety, building a strong foundation for future careers that serve and protect our communities.
A big thank-you to our CTE instructor, Angela Fletcher, for bringing real-world learning to life at Hernando High!
#WorkforceDevelopment #LawAndPublicSafety #HandsOnLearning #CareerReady
CTE Alumni Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of our outstanding Career & Technical Education alumni who continues to make a difference beyond the classroom!
Our CTE programs prepare students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and work ethic to succeed in today’s workforce , and this graduate is a shining example of that success.
See AJ's flyer below for the full story.
We’re proud to highlight one of our outstanding Career & Technical Education alumni who continues to make a difference beyond the classroom!
Our CTE programs prepare students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and work ethic to succeed in today’s workforce , and this graduate is a shining example of that success.
See AJ's flyer below for the full story.
CTE Middle School Tours: Connecting Students to Future Courses and Careers
DeSoto County Schools is gearing up for an exciting series of middle school tours of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These visits give eighth-grade students a firsthand look at the diverse opportunities available to them in high school and beyond.
Throughout the fall, students from across the district will step into our CTE classrooms to explore programs that align with their interests, talents, and future career goals. Each tour provides an up-close look at programs such as Health Sciences, Engineering, Digital Media, Culinary Arts, and more—helping students make real-world connections between classroom learning and career possibilities.
These experiences are a vital part of helping students make informed decisions about their upcoming high school course selections. By engaging with instructors, participating in demonstrations, and seeing hands-on learning in action, students begin connecting their passions with potential career pathways.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between middle school curiosity and high school opportunity, ensuring every student understands how CTE programs build a strong foundation for success in both college and the workforce.
For more information about CTE upcoming tours, please contact each CTE campus.
DeSoto County Schools is gearing up for an exciting series of middle school tours of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These visits give eighth-grade students a firsthand look at the diverse opportunities available to them in high school and beyond.
Throughout the fall, students from across the district will step into our CTE classrooms to explore programs that align with their interests, talents, and future career goals. Each tour provides an up-close look at programs such as Health Sciences, Engineering, Digital Media, Culinary Arts, and more—helping students make real-world connections between classroom learning and career possibilities.
These experiences are a vital part of helping students make informed decisions about their upcoming high school course selections. By engaging with instructors, participating in demonstrations, and seeing hands-on learning in action, students begin connecting their passions with potential career pathways.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between middle school curiosity and high school opportunity, ensuring every student understands how CTE programs build a strong foundation for success in both college and the workforce.
For more information about CTE upcoming tours, please contact each CTE campus.
🎥 Spotlight on Career Exploration | Hernando High School
Hernando High School senior Alyssa Rhea recently toured FOX13 News to explore her passion for broadcasting and production. Having completed courses in Broadcast Journalism, Digital Media Design, and Digital Media Technology I, Alyssa continues to build on her skills and experiences that align with her future career goals.
The behind-the-scenes tour provided an informative and inspiring look into the fast-paced world of television production, confirming Alyssa’s commitment to pursuing a career in this dynamic field.
A special thank-you to FOX13 News and Lindsay Krosnes, Community Affairs Manager, for welcoming our student and supporting the next generation as they explore opportunities beyond the classroom.
The DeSoto County Workforce Development Program remains focused on connecting education to real-world experiences, helping students like Alyssa turn classroom learning into career success.
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
📣 Calling All High School Juniors in the Northcentral service area!
Northcentral Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Program!
This statewide leadership initiative gives students the chance to:
✅ Learn how electric cooperatives power our communities
✅ Grow their leadership and communication skills
✅ Experience democracy firsthand at the state and national levels — including an all-expense-paid Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Program Dates:
Cooperative University – January 15, 2026 (Olive Branch)
Cooperative Leaders Workshop – February 25–27, 2026 (Jackson)
Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. – June 13–19, 2026
Application Deadline: November 9, 2025
Students must submit an online application and a short video introduction.
All expenses are fully covered by Northcentral Electric Cooperative.
Don’t miss this opportunity to represent DeSoto County and Mississippi on a national stage!
🔗 Apply: https://form.jotform.com/252446890789071
Contact Dee Russum for questions: 662.932.3451 or drussum@northcentralelectric.com
Northcentral Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the 2026 Cooperative Youth Leaders Program!
This statewide leadership initiative gives students the chance to:
✅ Learn how electric cooperatives power our communities
✅ Grow their leadership and communication skills
✅ Experience democracy firsthand at the state and national levels — including an all-expense-paid Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Program Dates:
Cooperative University – January 15, 2026 (Olive Branch)
Cooperative Leaders Workshop – February 25–27, 2026 (Jackson)
Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. – June 13–19, 2026
Application Deadline: November 9, 2025
Students must submit an online application and a short video introduction.
All expenses are fully covered by Northcentral Electric Cooperative.
Don’t miss this opportunity to represent DeSoto County and Mississippi on a national stage!
🔗 Apply: https://form.jotform.com/252446890789071
Contact Dee Russum for questions: 662.932.3451 or drussum@northcentralelectric.com
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!
🍰 Calling All Cake Lovers! 🍰
The CTC-West Culinary Arts Program invites you to our Cake Swap Event — Saturday, November 15, in the CTC-W Culinary Area!
What’s a Cake Swap? It’s simple — it’s a celebration of all things cake! Come taste a variety of homemade creations or bring your own masterpiece to share.
Tickets Options:
Bring a cake — $5
Just eat cake — $20
CTC students entering a cake = FREE
(Required for ages 3 and up. Tickets sold at the door are cash only.)
🍰 Everyone gets to sample at least five cakes — probably more!
📥 Cakes accepted 1:00–1:45 PM. No late entries, please.
📅 Cake registration closes Nov. 14.
Register your cake: forms.office.com/r/SLPd9wsEdY
🎟 Purchase tickets: eventbrite.com/e/cake-swap-ctc-w-registration
All proceeds support CTC-W’s Culinary Arts Program. Help us spread the word — and come celebrate cake with us!
The CTC-West Culinary Arts Program invites you to our Cake Swap Event — Saturday, November 15, in the CTC-W Culinary Area!
What’s a Cake Swap? It’s simple — it’s a celebration of all things cake! Come taste a variety of homemade creations or bring your own masterpiece to share.
Tickets Options:
Bring a cake — $5
Just eat cake — $20
CTC students entering a cake = FREE
(Required for ages 3 and up. Tickets sold at the door are cash only.)
🍰 Everyone gets to sample at least five cakes — probably more!
📥 Cakes accepted 1:00–1:45 PM. No late entries, please.
📅 Cake registration closes Nov. 14.
Register your cake: forms.office.com/r/SLPd9wsEdY
🎟 Purchase tickets: eventbrite.com/e/cake-swap-ctc-w-registration
All proceeds support CTC-W’s Culinary Arts Program. Help us spread the word — and come celebrate cake with us!
