DCS Workforce Development
Phone: (662) 429.5271
Each week, our Career Coaches connect students with real-world career experiences. Check out this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
From the classroom to the career field—our Career Coaches open doors for students each week. See this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
Southaven Middle School invites community partners, professionals, and organizations to participate in our 8th Grade Career Fair on May 14 from 8:45–10:45 AM. This event provides an opportunity to inspire students as they begin exploring future career pathways and opportunities.
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Our Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) students recently had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into industry with an exclusive tour of HYOSUNG HICO in Memphis.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
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!
We are in the developmental stages of a new part time program to train seniors for our new Utility Line Worker program. Interested applicants to teach the program should contact Beth Turner for more information beth.turner@dcsms.org
DeSoto County Schools is proud to launch our Career Exploration Series for Utility Line Workers, creating a direct pipeline between student interest and high-demand workforce opportunities.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Session Two of our Aviation Career Exploration Series took students behind the scenes at FedEx for a firsthand look at aviation careers in action.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
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.
