EDA Career Coaches Host FAFSA Assistance Program

POSTED Monday, December 16th, 2024

The Career Coaches of the EDA of Jones County took an important step in supporting students and families by hosting a FAFSA Application Assistance Program on Thursday, December 5th. This county-wide initiative aimed to educate students and parents on the significance of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to provide hands-on assistance with completing financial aid applications.

Why FAFSA is Crucial for Students and Parents

FAFSA is a critical gateway for accessing financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Most colleges and universities require FAFSA submissions for students to qualify for institutional scholarships and federal or state financial aid programs. In Mississippi, colleges and universities maximize opportunities by stacking scholarships and financial aid up to the total cost of attendance. For families navigating the complexities of financial aid for the first time, events like these are invaluable.

An Event Designed for Success

Held across several schools in Jones County, the program brought together students, parents, and financial aid experts to simplify the application process and address common concerns. By demystifying FAFSA, the Career Coaches provided tools and resources to help families take their first steps toward college readiness.

The event featured insights and guidance from notable guests, including:

•Barbara Odom (Jones County School District)

•Christina Bracey (Get2College)

•Emma Brownlee (University of Mississippi – Ole Miss)

•Erin Cox (University of Southern Mississippi – USM)

•Shaterri Thompson (University of Southern Mississippi – USM)

•Valerie Gunnell (Northeast Jones High School)

These professionals played a pivotal role in making the event successful by answering questions and offering actionable advice on completing the FAFSA and State of Mississippi Financial Aid applications.

Empowering Families Through Education

The Career Coaches of the EDA of Jones County are committed to preparing local students for academic and career success. By hosting this program, they demonstrated the importance of financial literacy in the college application process. Equipping families with this knowledge removes financial barriers and opens the door to higher education for many.

Looking Ahead

The EDA of Jones County continues to support educational initiatives that empower students and strengthen the community. Through collaborative programs like this, the organization ensures families have the tools to make informed decisions about their children’s futures.

For more resources or to learn about future events hosted by the Career Coaches of Jones County, contact the EDA and follow the Jones County Chamber of Commerce social media channels.

Kick Off Your Career presented by Jones County Career Coaches

POSTED Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

The Jones County Career Coaches proudly hosted the “Kickoff Your Career” event on September 10th at Life Church in Laurel, Mississippi. This professional development event brought together local businesses, community leaders, and high school seniors across Laurel and Jones County to build connections, inspire the students, and prepare the next generation of leaders for successful careers.

A Day Dedicated to Professional Development and Career Exploration

The “Kickoff Your Career” event was designed to help local high school seniors gain valuable insights and practical experience in navigating their career paths. The event provided a dynamic environment where students could explore various career opportunities, interact with industry professionals, and enhance essential soft skills.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in a financial literacy session, resume critiquing, and networking sessions with representatives from diverse industries. These sessions aimed to provide students with hands-on experience and practical advice for entering the workforce. The event’s focus on skill-building and real-world application made it invaluable for all who attended.

Connecting Students with Local Industry Leaders

A significant highlight of the “Kickoff Your Career” event was the involvement of local industry leaders and vendors who shared their expertise and insights with students. Participation demonstrated the wide range of career paths in Jones County, from manufacturing and healthcare to education and finance.

These local employers offered students a unique opportunity to learn about different fields, understand the skills and qualifications required, and explore potential career paths. The event’s networking opportunities allowed students to make meaningful connections that could shape their careers.

The Role of Jones County Career Coaches

The Jones County Career Coaches help guide students through career exploration activities and provide personalized coaching sessions. These sessions focus on identifying each student’s strengths, interests, and career goals, ensuring they receive tailored advice on the next steps in their educational and professional journeys.

By working closely with the students, the Career Coaches helped bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping young talent with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Community Support for Workforce Development

The “Kickoff Your Career” event was a true community effort, demonstrating the strong spirit of collaboration that defines Jones County. We are grateful to Life Church for providing a welcoming venue and to all the participating businesses for their commitment to investing in our future workforce.

The involvement of local businesses and organizations is vital to our mission of fostering economic growth and workforce development in Jones County. Supporting events like “Kickoff Your Career,” our community partners are critical in preparing high school seniors for the professional world.