DCS Workforce Development
Phone: (662) 429.5271
DeSoto County Schools CTE Students Earn 520 National Industry Certifications!
We are proud to celebrate an outstanding accomplishment from our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students during the 2025-2026 school year. Together, our students earned 520 nationally recognized industry certifications, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence, technical skill development, and workforce readiness.
These valuable credentials prepare students for success in high-demand careers across multiple industry sectors. Certifications earned this year included:
ASE Certifications – Automotive Technology
NCCER Core – Construction, Welding, and Advanced Manufacturing
NCCER Carpentry Level 1 – Construction Technology
NCCER Welding Level 1 – Welding Technology
SolidWorks Certification – Engineering
CompTIA CertMaster Tech+ – Information Technology Foundations
CompTIA Network+ – Networking and Infrastructure
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification – Business, Marketing, and Finance
These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, the expertise of our CTE instructors, and the strong partnerships we maintain with business and industry leaders throughout our community.
By earning industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, our students are gaining a competitive advantage and developing the knowledge and skills needed for success in college, technical training, military service, and the workforce.
Congratulations to our students, teachers, and industry partners for helping make this a record year of achievement!
520 Certifications. Countless Opportunities. Endless Potential.
We are proud to celebrate an outstanding accomplishment from our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students during the 2025-2026 school year. Together, our students earned 520 nationally recognized industry certifications, demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence, technical skill development, and workforce readiness.
These valuable credentials prepare students for success in high-demand careers across multiple industry sectors. Certifications earned this year included:
ASE Certifications – Automotive Technology
NCCER Core – Construction, Welding, and Advanced Manufacturing
NCCER Carpentry Level 1 – Construction Technology
NCCER Welding Level 1 – Welding Technology
SolidWorks Certification – Engineering
CompTIA CertMaster Tech+ – Information Technology Foundations
CompTIA Network+ – Networking and Infrastructure
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) – Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification – Business, Marketing, and Finance
These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, the expertise of our CTE instructors, and the strong partnerships we maintain with business and industry leaders throughout our community.
By earning industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, our students are gaining a competitive advantage and developing the knowledge and skills needed for success in college, technical training, military service, and the workforce.
Congratulations to our students, teachers, and industry partners for helping make this a record year of achievement!
520 Certifications. Countless Opportunities. Endless Potential.
Each week, our Career Coaches connect students with real-world career experiences. Check out this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
Work-Based Learning is about more than a job—it’s about helping students explore future career opportunities.. Job shadowing experiences provide students the opportunity to learn more about careers connected to their interests and goals.
Just us for Free ACT Prep this summer
Come join our team as an HVACR instructor at CTC East!
Congratulations to the students who completed our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series.
This cohort represented a unique opportunity for students to explore a critical industry that plays a major role in supporting communities and infrastructure across our region. Throughout the series, students were introduced to the expectations, technical skills, safety standards, and career pathways connected to the utility workforce.
Today’s certificate presentations recognized not only completion of the program, but also the students’ willingness to step outside of the traditional classroom setting and engage in hands-on career exploration experiences tied directly to workforce needs.
Developing strong workforce pipelines requires meaningful collaboration between education and industry, and we are grateful to Northcentral Electric Cooperative for their partnership and investment in creating opportunities for our students. Their commitment to workforce development is helping students gain exposure to rewarding careers while strengthening the future talent pool for the industry.
We are proud of these students and excited to see where their future career journeys lead..
Cohort Series Completers:
Brandon Szewczyk
Carman Haymond
Gavin Hubbard
Keaton Henry
Levi Brown
Mason McPherson
Trenton Jenne
Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series – Session 3
Today marked the final session of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series, and students wrapped up the experience with a full hands-on field training day at Northcentral Electric Cooperative’s training facility.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the series through real-world activities and equipment demonstrations. In addition, students received valuable information regarding CDL licensing requirements, career pathways, and the next steps involved in pursuing a future in the utility industry.
This series has provided students with meaningful exposure to a high-demand career field while helping them build a stronger understanding of the training, professionalism, and technical skills required for success.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Northcentral Electric Cooperative for their partnership, leadership, and continued commitment to investing in our students and the future workforce. Opportunities like these are only possible through strong collaboration with business and industry partners who believe in preparing the next generation for success.
Today marked the final session of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series, and students wrapped up the experience with a full hands-on field training day at Northcentral Electric Cooperative’s training facility.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the series through real-world activities and equipment demonstrations. In addition, students received valuable information regarding CDL licensing requirements, career pathways, and the next steps involved in pursuing a future in the utility industry.
This series has provided students with meaningful exposure to a high-demand career field while helping them build a stronger understanding of the training, professionalism, and technical skills required for success.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Northcentral Electric Cooperative for their partnership, leadership, and continued commitment to investing in our students and the future workforce. Opportunities like these are only possible through strong collaboration with business and industry partners who believe in preparing the next generation for success.
Aviation Cohort – Delta State Visit (Final Session)
Our Aviation Cohort recently completed the final experience in our four-part aviation series with a visit to Delta State University.
A special thank you to Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations, for taking the time to show our students around and provide insight into the program. We also appreciate Avis Neal in Admissions for coordinating our visit and providing lunch for our group.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to tour the Delta State airport, runway, aircraft, and hangars, as well as experience the flight simulators. This was a valuable opportunity for students to see what college life and aviation training at Delta State could look like.
This visit marked the conclusion of a four-part Aviation Cohort series designed to expose students from all eight DeSoto County high schools to a variety of aviation pathways, including college programs, flight schools, and aviation maintenance trade programs.
Providing students with opportunities to explore different options and possibilities is invaluable as they make informed decisions about their future careers. We are grateful to all of our community and industry partners who helped make this series a success
Our Aviation Cohort recently completed the final experience in our four-part aviation series with a visit to Delta State University.
A special thank you to Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations, for taking the time to show our students around and provide insight into the program. We also appreciate Avis Neal in Admissions for coordinating our visit and providing lunch for our group.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to tour the Delta State airport, runway, aircraft, and hangars, as well as experience the flight simulators. This was a valuable opportunity for students to see what college life and aviation training at Delta State could look like.
This visit marked the conclusion of a four-part Aviation Cohort series designed to expose students from all eight DeSoto County high schools to a variety of aviation pathways, including college programs, flight schools, and aviation maintenance trade programs.
Providing students with opportunities to explore different options and possibilities is invaluable as they make informed decisions about their future careers. We are grateful to all of our community and industry partners who helped make this series a success
Career exploration looks different for every student. Through individual meetings, our Career Coaches help students explore options, ask the right questions, and gain clarity on postsecondary and career opportunities that align with their goals.
Congratulations Joselyn and Travis on your accomplishment!
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 district continues to leverage strong industry partnerships to provide students with meaningful exposure to real-world careers. Guest speakers like Amazon help bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce expectations.
Career Exploration Series: Utility Line Worker – Session 2
Today, DeSoto County School District students received valuable hands-on experience at the Northcentral Electric Cooperative training facility as part of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series.
Students participated in safety training and rotated through multiple stations where they practiced using industry equipment and learned directly from skilled professionals in the field. Experiences like these provide real-world exposure and help students better understand the skills, responsibilities, and career opportunities within the utility industry.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative and their ongoing investment in developing the future workforce. Strategic partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for our community.
Thank you to our local business and industry partners for helping prepare the next generation for success.
Today, DeSoto County School District students received valuable hands-on experience at the Northcentral Electric Cooperative training facility as part of our Utility Line Worker Career Exploration Series.
Students participated in safety training and rotated through multiple stations where they practiced using industry equipment and learned directly from skilled professionals in the field. Experiences like these provide real-world exposure and help students better understand the skills, responsibilities, and career opportunities within the utility industry.
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative and their ongoing investment in developing the future workforce. Strategic partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for our community.
Thank you to our local business and industry partners for helping prepare the next generation for success.
The Bridge Academy had an outstanding Session 2 at the Landers Center in Southaven!
A special thank you to Debbie Mendenhall, Executive Director, for kicking off our visit with an engaging overview of the many career paths and leadership opportunities within the Landers Center, along with updates on current construction. We also appreciate Greg Presley (Director of Food & Beverage), Joel Crews (General Manager/COO), and Allison Mitchell (Director of Tourism, DeSoto County Convention Center) for sharing insights into their roles and career journeys.
Thank you to Stan Mendenhall, Head of Security, for guiding us on a behind-the-scenes tour where students explored the kitchen, suites, executive offices, locker rooms, arena floor, and new construction.
We are grateful to Debbie Mendenhall and Greg Presley for providing a delicious lunch for our students—those cookies were a favorite!
The day concluded with an informative session on AI from Aaron Cozort (Wisdom Integrators) and Kayce Orr (Director of AI & Digital Engagement, Brown Missionary Baptist), equipping our students with valuable knowledge for the future.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful, real-world learning experience possible!
A special thank you to Debbie Mendenhall, Executive Director, for kicking off our visit with an engaging overview of the many career paths and leadership opportunities within the Landers Center, along with updates on current construction. We also appreciate Greg Presley (Director of Food & Beverage), Joel Crews (General Manager/COO), and Allison Mitchell (Director of Tourism, DeSoto County Convention Center) for sharing insights into their roles and career journeys.
Thank you to Stan Mendenhall, Head of Security, for guiding us on a behind-the-scenes tour where students explored the kitchen, suites, executive offices, locker rooms, arena floor, and new construction.
We are grateful to Debbie Mendenhall and Greg Presley for providing a delicious lunch for our students—those cookies were a favorite!
The day concluded with an informative session on AI from Aaron Cozort (Wisdom Integrators) and Kayce Orr (Director of AI & Digital Engagement, Brown Missionary Baptist), equipping our students with valuable knowledge for the future.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful, real-world learning experience possible!
We are excited for a final short term training course for our graduating seniors. The Intro to Welding short course offered by Northwest MS Community College Workforce Solutions is starting soon!
Interested students may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher at their high school for more information.
Interested students may contact their Career Coach or Work Based Learning teacher at their high school for more information.
DeSoto County School District Aviation Cohort students recently completed Session #3 of their ongoing Career Exploration Series with a full day of industry experiences.
Students began at Olive Branch Airport with a tour arranged by Derrick Hill and Dave Taylor, including a special visit with retired FedEx pilot Steve, who showcased his historic 1940 UPF-7 aircraft.
The group then visited Luke Weathers Flight Academy for a presentation by Greyson Coleman, coordinated by Dartenya Davis. Students also toured Air Venture Flight Center, where Jessie Sawyer hosted the group, led tours of the school and aircraft, and generously provided lunch.
The final stop was Northwest Mississippi Community College Aviation Maintenance, where Calvin Cooper and David Lindsey shared valuable insight into careers in aircraft maintenance and Kelsey Baker provided information on the application and selection process.
We appreciate all of our business and education partners for helping students explore high-demand aviation careers and future opportunities.
This week, we are proud to recognize a group of students who are gaining valuable real-world experience through our Work-Based Learning program. Their dedication and growth are building strong futures.
Career exploration looks different for every student. Through individual meetings, our Career Coaches help students explore options, ask the right questions, and gain clarity on postsecondary and career opportunities that align with their goals.
Southaven High School Career Coaches and Work Base Learning coordinator are excited to host a collaborative event titled Chargers Hire Ready; a three-week Hiring Lab designed for our senior students.
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
Career Coach Highlight: La’Mya O’Bryant
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
