Parks Coaches Marshall County Students into Stable Futures

AccelerateMS coaching strategy helps students, families, communities

Kaye Parks became an AccelerateMS high school career coach when she saw firsthand what a difference it made in the life of her own high school student.

“My daughter was struggling a little bit on what to do after she graduated,” Parks said. “She met with a career coach at her school, and it made all the difference on her outlook for the future.”

Parks, a career coach in Potts Camp High School in Marshall County, emphasizes to students that success is not measured only by a six-figure salary.

“I talk with students about their goals after high school, and you would be surprised how many say they want to be professional basketball players,” she said. “When I ask them how they think they will get there, I learn they don’t even play basketball at school or in the community. To set a path for success, we must establish what is attainable first.”

AccelerateMS launched the career coaching strategy in 2022 to connect Mississippians with transformative, high-paying careers and focuses on students enrolled in high school career and technical education programs.

Career coaches help students define their goals for the future and map out a plan to achieve them, whether it’s entering the workforce after graduation, continuing their education, or a combination. They also connect students with local employers through job shadowing, career fairs, field trips, and other activities to raise awareness about the growing demand for skilled workers.

Parks gives an example of how career coaching helped one bright student overcome obstacles to obtain a full-ride scholarship to Mississippi State. Even though the student made good grades and did well on the ACT, she didn’t think college was affordable and hadn’t set any goals for life after high school.

“When I met with her, she told me she’d been thinking of dropping out,” Parks said. “I arranged to meet with her and her parent, and we came to an understanding that she qualified for financial assistance and scholarships. Today, she has completed the first two years at MSU, and she’s taking this year off to work and save money.

“Not only would she have missed out on a future full of potential if she had dropped out, so would the community of Potts Camp and the state of Mississippi,” Parks said. “That’s why AccelerateMS is so vital.”

Career coaches also collaborate with businesses and industries across Mississippi to identify prospective employees in high schools. In neighboring Union County, Toyota Motor Manufacturing’s “Creating Your Future” program is a path for Potts Camp students to earn national certifications, complete orientation, and experience aspects of the production floor.

Students who enroll in the program complete a 15-week paid internship program that allows them to attend classes in the morning and report to their Toyota jobs in the afternoon. In addition to earning basic manufacturing skills certificates, students can become full-time employees after graduation.

“Toyota has a great platform, and it’s something that exposes students to career possibilities available in their own communities,” Parks said. “Attending college right out of high school isn’t for everyone. We’re promoting the message that students can choose a lucrative career path that matches their goals and interests, and many people in their own communities want to help them succeed.”

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/.