Harris Returns to Starkville High School as AcclerateMS Career Coach

SHS graduate helps students while strengthening workforce development

For many high school students, thinking about life after graduation can be overwhelming. That’s why Quantella Harris enjoys helping students transition to the next step with confidence as an AccelerateMS career coach at Starkville High School. 

“This job is a good match because I had to learn a lot on my own about applying for college and financial aid so that I could continue my education,” Harris said. “I’m showing students there are so many pathways to their future, and that they can excel at whatever they put their minds to. I’m here to help them be successful.”

Harris works with career and technical education students at Starkville High School and was one of more than 100 AccelerateMS career coaches deployed last year into high schools across Mississippi. As the state’s lead workforce development office, AccelerateMS develops strategies to connect Mississippians with transformative, high-paying careers.

SHS students attending the Millsaps Career and Technology Center can choose from 17 four-year programs and earn diploma endorsements for successful completion. Programs are grouped under three Academic Houses: Technology, Engineering and Construction; Health and Human Services; and Communication, Arts and Business. 

 An alumna of Starkville High School, Harris earned a CTE certificate in business technology when she graduated in 2001. This year, one of her daughters is an SHS sophomore enrolled in the health science program.

“CTE has come a long way since I was in high school—there are so many more programs for students to choose from,” Harris said. “There’s also lots of hands-on instruction now. Nursing students are taking blood pressure, engineering students are designing projects, and culinary classes are cooking with professional chefs and learning how to work safely in the kitchen.”

The core focus of Harris’s job is working with seniors to identify goals for the future and develop a plan to achieve them, whether it’s entering the workforce after graduation, continuing their education, enlisting in the military, or a combination of options. She also works with students to strengthen soft skills and professional behaviors that are valued in the workplace.

Helping students complete applications for college admission, scholarships and financial aid is another important part of her job. Nearly 100 seniors, or a third of the SHS graduating class, have already applied to college, and several others have enlisted in the military. 

In addition, Harris and fellow career coach Nakesha Weaver stay busy building relationships with community employers and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership to connect students with after-school jobs and job shadowing and internship opportunities. 

Several area employers and college representatives attended a recent career expo at Starkville High School to interact with students and discuss career opportunities. During the school year, students also take field trips to area workplaces and college campuses to raise awareness of post-graduation possibilities. 

Despite school and community support, some students still struggle to find pathways into the future. Career coaches work individually with students to understand their unique situations and find resources and solutions to help them succeed.

“Last year, we learned of a student who was planning to drop out, but she ended up graduating with the help of career coaching,” Harris said. “We also helped her enroll in community college and continue her education. She’s the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college.” 

A native of Starkville, Harris received social work degrees from East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of West Alabama. She is also a certified mental health therapist.

“I’m passionate about helping students make positive changes in their lives,” Harris said. “I also enjoy working with community partners and getting professional people on board who can offer more opportunities for students. We have a very supportive school and business community in Starkville, and it feels good to be back in the home of the Yellowjackets.”

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 coaches.acceleratems.org/.