Greenville Career Coach Connects Students with Successful Futures

Engagement and goal setting are key factors in workforce development 

Not long after teacher Traci Sims-Sprouse retired from the Greenville Public School District, she began missing daily interactions with students. Thanks to an innovative program introduced by AccelerateMS, she’s back in school again—this time as a career coach at Greenville High School. 

Sims-Sprouse is part of a statewide team of career coaches deployed by AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s lead workforce development agency. Career coaches are trained to step in where traditional school counselors’ duties end, introducing students to a variety of career pathways and helping them develop actionable plans for their future.

“Too often, students don’t look beyond high school because they may not be aware of career opportunities, or they may not be interested in a four-year degree,” said Sims-Sprouse, who taught in the district for nearly three decades. “As a career coach, I’m helping them find a sense of direction so by the time they graduate, they’re ready to take the next step, whether it’s joining the workforce, continuing their education, or both.”

With more than 199 seniors and 202 juniors at Greenville High, Sims-Sprouse has a full schedule as she works with students to develop individualized career plans. Many of her conversations center on programs offered by the Greenville Technical Center, including health sciences, engineering, diversified agriculture, early childhood education and other in-demand careers.  

“One of my students who doesn’t want to attend college was surprised to learn about the welding program at the Tech Center and how much money welders make,” she said. “I showed him the steps involved in earning his certification and how we can connect him with employers in Mississippi who need welders.”

Sims-Sprouse routinely schedules business and industry field trips and has taken students to Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College to observe their career and technical education programs. 

She also invites guest speakers to the high school talk to students about local job opportunities in manufacturing, trucking and other fields. 

In addition to interacting with students, Sims-Sprouse engages with parents to raise awareness about career pathways, assist with financial aid and college applications, and ensure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed after graduation.  

Sims-Sprouse has found that being a career coach often means giving students and families a more positive outlook about the future and working with them to overcome obstacles. 

“One of my students works at a fast-food restaurant and is raising a child,” said Sims-Sprouse. “When she told me she didn’t want to go to college, I reassured her that it was possible to be a mother and get an education. Now she’s more aware of resources to help her continue her education, and she’s interested in registering for classes at a community college.

“I’m thankful to be back in a position where I can motivate and inspire students,” she added. “Being a career coach is very fulfilling.” 

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.