ABOUT:

The Jones County Career Coaching program began in 2022 when the EDA of Jones County was awarded a grant from AccelerateMS. In this inaugural year, the EDA hired two career coaches, each of whom had split their time between two of the four public schools in Jones County. Since then, the program has grown to add a third coach and hopes to add a fourth so one individual may serve each school.

PURPOSE:

The Jones County Career Coaching Program aims to provide students with career insight, resources, and opportunities (primarily Seniors and Juniors). The program’s main objectives are as follows:

Increase awareness of local industry opportunities
Help students align their interests and skills when selecting a career path
Prepare students for entering the workforce (must have a plan to “enroll, enlist, or employ”)
Provide on-campus professional development activities/workshops
Increase connections between community members/industry leaders and students
- Job shadows
- Events at the school
- Field trips
- Guest speakers
Develop soft skills to increase employability among students
Create a workforce pipeline to benefit local industries/employers