Every summer, a quiet transformation takes place on the historic campus of the Mississippi University for Women. Some of the most talented, curious, and driven rising high school juniors and seniors from across our state gather in Columbus. They aren’t there for a typical summer camp; they are there to challenge themselves, expand their horizons, and glimpse what the future of Mississippi can look like when our youth are given the space to lead.

This year, I had the privilege of seeing this magic firsthand. Serving as a faculty member, I taught a course on Applied Philanthropy—a “lab” environment where these young scholars explored how strategic giving, nonprofit governance, and community stewardship can solve real-world problems. I watched as teenagers wrestled with complex civic responsibilities, audited community needs, and realized that true leadership isn’t just about personal success, but about lifting up the places we call home.

The experience cemented a profound truth for me: The Mississippi Governor’s School (MGS) is one of the most vital educational assets our state possesses. Yet, if we want it to continue shaping the next generation of Mississippi leaders, we must step up our support from both the public and private sectors.

To understand the value of MGS, one must look at its deep roots. Founded in 1981 by Governor William Winter and the administration at The W, MGS was established with a visionary premise: to provide a tuition-free, residential environment where gifted students could engage in interdisciplinary learning. Governor Winter understood that keeping our brightest minds in Mississippi requires investing in them early, showing them that their intellect and creativity are valued right here at home.

For over four decades, The W has served as the perfect incubator for this mission. The campus provides more than just dormitories and classrooms; its rich history and intimate setting foster a unique, tight-knit community where academic rigor meets civic responsibility. Since its inception, MGS has served approximately 3,500 scholars, offering them a transformative experience—and free college credit—that alters the trajectory of their academic and professional lives.

However, vision requires adequate funding. While MGS remains a prestigious, tuition-free beacon for these families, maintaining this caliber of programming in a changing educational landscape is an ongoing challenge. The reality is that state allocations can only do so much. If we want to expand the reach of MGS, attract top-tier faculty, and ensure the curriculum remains cutting-edge, we must build a more robust, dual-funding model.

First, our state lawmakers must view funding MGS not as a line-item expense, but as a direct investment in Mississippi’s economic and civic future. Brain drain is a persistent challenge for our state, but programs like MGS act as a powerful anchor, connecting top students to state leaders, local universities, and regional opportunities before they ever look across state lines for college.

Second, the private sector must step into the gap. Philanthropy is not just an abstract concept taught in a classroom; it is the lifeblood of institutional excellence. Mississippi’s corporate citizens, private foundations, and individual donors have a golden opportunity here. By establishing endowments, sponsoring student cohorts, or funding specialized academic tracks, the private sector can ensure that MGS remains completely cost-free to all students, regardless of their financial background.

My time teaching Applied Philanthropy this summer confirmed to me that our youth are ready to inherit the challenges of tomorrow. They possess the intellect, the empathy, and the drive. What they need from us is the certainty that their state believes in them enough to fund their potential.

Let us honor the legacy of Governor Winter, celebrate the enduring hospitality of The W, and invest generously in the Mississippi Governor’s School. Our state’s future leaders are watching, waiting, and ready to build a better Mississippi. We just need to give them the tools.

If you are interested in learning more about MGS, and ways to support the program, please contact, MUW’s Director of the Center for Education Support , Penny Mansell, at [email protected] or call (662) 328-7191.

Keith Gaskin holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership with over 30-years of experience in institutional advancement in higher and secondary education, and as a fundraising consultant. He serves as a member of the East Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees and is the former Mayor of Columbus.