Career Coach Appreciation Day spotlights difference makers in Mississippi

High school career coaches recognized for strengthening workforce development

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves joined legislative, education, and workforce development leaders from throughout the state to celebrate the efforts and impact of career coaches during an April 11 visit to the State Capitol in Jackson.

Proclaimed by the governor as “Career Coach Appreciation Day,” state leaders spotlighted the nearly 180 career coaches charged with preparing high school graduates for the jobs of tomorrow and ensuring that Mississippi has a skilled, prepared workforce for the future.

“Mississippi’s career coaches are doing a fantastic job connecting students with the high-paying careers of the next 50 years,” Reeves said. “I’m proud to proclaim today as Career Coach Day in Mississippi. Thank you for working hard to create a better future for our state.”

Modeled after community-based programs that have achieved success in northeast Mississippi and on the Gulf Coast, the career coaching strategy gained momentum after being funded by the State Legislature in 2022. Since that time, career coaches have been deployed into high schools by AccelerateMS, the state’s lead workforce development office. 

Career coaches are already making a difference by helping students identify high-paying career pathways that align with their goals and interests and building relationships with local employers and community colleges and universities to connect students with jobs, internships, work-study programs, scholarships, and financial aid.

For students interested in entering the workforce after graduation, career coaches raise awareness about in-demand, skilled trade professions with high earnings potential, including many occupations with aligned training opportunities in high school career and technical education programs.

Data suggests that students with CTE-related associate degrees or certificates can boost their average earnings by $5,000 to $15,000 a year while providing a skilled workforce to benefit businesses and communities throughout Mississippi.

“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the value that career coaches are adding to college and career preparation,” said Lori Nail, AccelerateMS youth programs manager. “We’re thankful for the support that Gov. Reeves and the State of Mississippi have provided to expand the career coaching strategy and connect more high school graduates with rewarding careers and futures in Mississippi.”

To learn more about career coaches and the impact they’re making in communities throughout Mississippi, visit https://www.coaches.acceleratems.org/ourstories.

AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.

Learn more at www.coaches.acceleratems.org/.