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.
Celebrating Student Success in Manufacturing!
DeSoto County Schools is proud to recognize five outstanding juniors and seniors who have successfully earned their Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential!
Through our partnership with AccelerateMS, these students completed 25 rigorous online training modules covering:
✔️ Safety & OSHA regulations
✔️ Blueprint reading & inspection
✔️ Robotics & CNC fundamentals
✔️ Lean manufacturing & 5S principles
✔️ Measurement, quality, and troubleshooting
By completing the full curriculum and earning this nationally recognized certification, these students have demonstrated initiative, discipline, and workforce readiness. The CMfgA credential signals to employers that they possess foundational skills for entry-level careers in high-demand manufacturing fields.
This achievement is a launch point for strong wages, career advancement, and long-term opportunity.
Please join us in congratulating these five students on setting the standard and leading the way for future cohorts!
DeSoto County Schools is proud to recognize five outstanding juniors and seniors who have successfully earned their Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential!
Through our partnership with AccelerateMS, these students completed 25 rigorous online training modules covering:
✔️ Safety & OSHA regulations
✔️ Blueprint reading & inspection
✔️ Robotics & CNC fundamentals
✔️ Lean manufacturing & 5S principles
✔️ Measurement, quality, and troubleshooting
By completing the full curriculum and earning this nationally recognized certification, these students have demonstrated initiative, discipline, and workforce readiness. The CMfgA credential signals to employers that they possess foundational skills for entry-level careers in high-demand manufacturing fields.
This achievement is a launch point for strong wages, career advancement, and long-term opportunity.
Please join us in congratulating these five students on setting the standard and leading the way for future cohorts!
DeSoto County School District is proud to host our annual College Fair tomorrow for the Class of 2027!
This event provides our current juniors with direct access to representatives from colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions across the region and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore academic programs, discuss admissions requirements, and begin mapping out their next steps after graduation.
We believe early exposure and intentional planning are critical to student success. Tomorrow’s College Fair is another strategic step in ensuring our students are informed, prepared, and positioned to make confident decisions about their futures.
We look forward to a productive day of meaningful conversations and expanded opportunities for our juniors.
This event provides our current juniors with direct access to representatives from colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions across the region and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore academic programs, discuss admissions requirements, and begin mapping out their next steps after graduation.
We believe early exposure and intentional planning are critical to student success. Tomorrow’s College Fair is another strategic step in ensuring our students are informed, prepared, and positioned to make confident decisions about their futures.
We look forward to a productive day of meaningful conversations and expanded opportunities for our juniors.
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!
Today marked the first of four immersive experiences for the inaugural DeSoto County Schools Aviation Cohort. Sixteen students—two from each of our eight high schools—were selected to participate in this new career exploration series focused on aviation pathways.
The cohort began the day at Memphis International Airport, followed by exclusive tours with the Federal Aviation Administration at both the Memphis Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) radar facility. Students concluded the experience at the University of Memphis, where they learned about collegiate aviation programs and career opportunities.
Aviation continues to be a high-demand, high-skill industry with critical workforce needs across multiple career pathways. Experiences like this help students see firsthand the opportunities available and the preparation required to enter this essential field.
The DeSoto County Schools Department of Workforce Development is grateful for the strong support of our community partners who made this experience possible. Special thanks to Lisa M. Spinelli, Lori Morris, and Laura Rainey with the Memphis Airport Authority; Nathan Partridge and Dwight Jackson with the FAA Memphis Air Traffic Control Tower; and Cade Forbes, Mary Ewart, and Captain Kim Coryat with the University of Memphis.
Our students had an outstanding day exploring aviation careers firsthand. We look forward to the next cohort experience in this four-part series.
Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!
Every week, we’re showcasing a different Career & Technical Education program offered in our district. These programs equip students with the skills, certifications, and real-world experiences they need to thrive after graduation.
Take a look at this week’s featured program in the flyer and see how it’s shaping tomorrow’s workforce today.
Take a look at this week’s featured program in the flyer and see how it’s shaping tomorrow’s workforce today.
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!
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
See this week’s 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!
Join us for the STEAM night at Overpark Elementary School on March 5, 2026. This event provides an opportunity for OES students and their parents to explore different careers within the community and introduces students to Career and Technical Education programs available in high school.
