From the time we are small children, we are presented with the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
It’s a question more than 4 in 10 U.S. teens are still trying to answer upon high school graduation. According to a study by YouScience, 42% of graduates have no confidence or very little confidence about their career path. Seventy-two percent reported they were rarely or only sometimes exposed to a variety of career options. Sixty-four percent had five or fewer conversations with teachers or counselors about the various post-high school opportunities available.
A statewide program, funded through grants from AccelerateMS, hopes to address these deficiencies by providing career coaches in local school districts throughout the state. The program started in 2022, using $8 million in ARPA funds. State funding increased to $15 million this year.
To better manage the program, the state is divided into regions.
On Tuesday, coaches and the manager from Three Rivers Planning and Development District, which consists of 27 counties including the Golden Triangle, discussed the program and its progress with the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors.
Three Rivers has received $5.6 million this year, money it has used to hire coaches and provide other support services designed to help students develop a clear idea and strategy for their entry into the workforce, whether it be immediate or after trade school or college education.
Between June and August, Three Rivers recorded 335 one-on-one conversations with students, 7,733 group interactions (career exploration, financial literacy, resume building, etc.) and 90 parent workshops with a combined attendance of 3,325.
Career coaches go beyond the classroom, connecting students with local employers with an emphasis on the growing demand for skilled workers, as well as helping students connect with community colleges and universities.
In many cases, career coaches help students access hands-on education through internships and work-study programs. They also help students with scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
For too long, there has been something of a disconnect between K-12 education and the workforce. Through this program, students are far more likely to make a seamless transition from student to worker, whatever that might turn out to be.
No doubt, many adults would love to have had the kind of guidance these career coaches provide.
The state’s track record in education has often been less than stellar, so this program represents a real step in the right direction.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
