DeSoto County Schools had a strong seat at the table today during the Atlas Roundtable discussion at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Our Workforce Development team, Career Coaches, and Work-Based Learning Coordinators were fully engaged in strategic dialogue focused on talent alignment, regional workforce readiness, and sustainable pipeline development.
We were also joined by the DeSoto Economic Council, reinforcing a unified, countywide commitment to advancing workforce strategies that drive economic vitality and long-term talent sustainability. Their presence further strengthened the collaborative framework needed to keep our region competitive.
This type of cross-sector convening underscores our district’s focus on operational excellence and long-range workforce planning. By leveraging best practices and deepening partnerships with higher education, industry, and local economic leadership, we continue to position our students for high-value career pathways and real-world skill acquisition.
Proud to see DeSoto County Schools represented and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of workforce development in our region.
We were also joined by the DeSoto Economic Council, reinforcing a unified, countywide commitment to advancing workforce strategies that drive economic vitality and long-term talent sustainability. Their presence further strengthened the collaborative framework needed to keep our region competitive.
This type of cross-sector convening underscores our district’s focus on operational excellence and long-range workforce planning. By leveraging best practices and deepening partnerships with higher education, industry, and local economic leadership, we continue to position our students for high-value career pathways and real-world skill acquisition.
Proud to see DeSoto County Schools represented and contributing to the conversations shaping the future of workforce development in our region.
DeSoto County Schools is excited to announce that Jessica Burgess, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Center Hill High School, has been selected to participate in the Leadership DeSoto Class of 2026.
Leadership DeSoto is a flagship community leadership program designed to strengthen civic engagement, deepen participants’ understanding of countywide operations, and build cross-sector networks that drive long-term community impact. The program has a long-standing track record of shaping professionals who contribute meaningfully to workforce, economic, and community development.
Mrs. Burgess' selection represents a strategic advantage for our district. As a Work-Based Learning Coordinator, her role hinges on cultivating strong relationships with local employers, industry partners, and civic leaders. Embedding her in a cohort of emerging community leaders positions her to expand those partnerships, elevate our district’s workforce initiatives, and create additional high-value opportunities for students across DeSoto County.
This is a high-caliber professional development experience, and Jessica’s participation underscores our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, community alignment, and building sustainable talent pipelines for our students.
We are proud of Jessica for earning this opportunity and look forward to the impact her leadership will continue to make on behalf of our district.
Leadership DeSoto is a flagship community leadership program designed to strengthen civic engagement, deepen participants’ understanding of countywide operations, and build cross-sector networks that drive long-term community impact. The program has a long-standing track record of shaping professionals who contribute meaningfully to workforce, economic, and community development.
Mrs. Burgess' selection represents a strategic advantage for our district. As a Work-Based Learning Coordinator, her role hinges on cultivating strong relationships with local employers, industry partners, and civic leaders. Embedding her in a cohort of emerging community leaders positions her to expand those partnerships, elevate our district’s workforce initiatives, and create additional high-value opportunities for students across DeSoto County.
This is a high-caliber professional development experience, and Jessica’s participation underscores our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, community alignment, and building sustainable talent pipelines for our students.
We are proud of Jessica for earning this opportunity and look forward to the impact her leadership will continue to make on behalf of our district.
Lewisburg Middle School is taking a strategic step forward in early career readiness. This week, sixth graders met with their counselors to complete a career exploration survey using Naviance through PowerSchool—a college- and career-readiness platform that helps students identify their interests, explore potential pathways, and align their strengths with future opportunities. It serves as a centralized hub for interest inventories, goal-setting, and long-term academic planning, giving students a structured starting point as they chart their course.
We’re also featuring a student spotlight from LMS sixth grader Asher Turner, who shares how this experience helped him begin thinking about his future.
DeSoto County Schools continues to advance high-impact initiatives that build a strong workforce pipeline by equipping students with meaningful tools and experiences from the very beginning of their journey.
Today we’re amplifying student voices across DeSoto County Schools as they reflect on the value of real-world exposure through job shadowing. These experiences create a direct line of sight from the classroom to the workplace, allowing students to benchmark expectations, observe industry standards, and gain clarity on future pathways.
A student testimonial is featured on the accompanying flyer.
A student testimonial is featured on the accompanying flyer.
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!
Building the Bridge from School to Career
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!
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!
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!
Center Hill High School Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Mock Interviews
Today, Center Hill High School hosted a series of mock interviews designed to prepare students for future success in the workforce. This hands-on event was coordinated by Three Rivers Career Coach Nikki Hill and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Jessica Burgess. The event provided participating students with the opportunity to experience a professional interview setting and receive constructive feedback from local business and industry partners.
Mock interviews are an essential part of career readiness. They allow students to practice communication skills, refine their resumes, and learn how to present themselves with confidence. These skills are critical for success whether entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or competing for scholarships.
This event was made possible through the strong partnerships DeSoto County Schools maintains with community employers who volunteered their time to meet with students, share professional insight, and help shape tomorrow’s workforce.
DeSoto County Schools extends sincere appreciation to all participating business and industry partners for their continued investment in our students and their futures. These collaborations ensure that our graduates are not only prepared but competitive as they take the next step toward their career goals.
Today, Center Hill High School hosted a series of mock interviews designed to prepare students for future success in the workforce. This hands-on event was coordinated by Three Rivers Career Coach Nikki Hill and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Jessica Burgess. The event provided participating students with the opportunity to experience a professional interview setting and receive constructive feedback from local business and industry partners.
Mock interviews are an essential part of career readiness. They allow students to practice communication skills, refine their resumes, and learn how to present themselves with confidence. These skills are critical for success whether entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or competing for scholarships.
This event was made possible through the strong partnerships DeSoto County Schools maintains with community employers who volunteered their time to meet with students, share professional insight, and help shape tomorrow’s workforce.
DeSoto County Schools extends sincere appreciation to all participating business and industry partners for their continued investment in our students and their futures. These collaborations ensure that our graduates are not only prepared but competitive as they take the next step toward their career goals.
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.
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!
