By Debbie Burt Myers

Neshoba Now!

Neshoba Central and Philadelphia High School students will have greater access to college and career-readiness opportunities this academic year, thanks to two grants awarded by Neshoba Now!.

The community-driven foundation awarded the Neshoba County School District a $150,130 grant and the Philadelphia Public School District an $86,620 grant.

Neshoba Central will use $96,800 of its grant to provide eligible juniors and seniors with an opportunity to take two dual-credit courses per year at no cost to the student or parent.

An additional $31,055 will fund ACT assessment and preparations, while $22,275 will be used for ACT WorkKeys assessment.

Philadelphia High School will use $30,800 for dual-credit opportunities, $29,000 for ACT assessments and preparation and $26,820 for ACT WorkKeys assessment.

Dual-credit courses allow students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Research has shown that dual enrollment can reduce college costs, shorten time to require earn a degree and improve students’ success in post-secondary education.

ACT WorkKeys measures foundational workplace skills that employers seek, including applied math, graphic literacy and workplace documents.

Students who perform successfully on the WorkKeys assessments can earn the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate, a credential designed to help demonstrate workplace readiness and skills.

The ACT assessment remains an important tool for college admissions, course placement, scholarship opportunities and measuring academic readiness.

 Josh Perkins, Neshoba County Superintendent of Education, said the investment from Neshoba Now! will have a direct impact on students by supporting dual-credit opportunities and ACT and WorkKeys assessments.

“These are opportunities that help prepare students for college, the workforce and life beyond high school,” Perkins said. “We are extremely grateful to Neshoba Now! for recognizing the importance of investing in our students and, ultimately, the future of our community.”  

The Philadelphia Public School District is also grateful for the Neshoba Now! grant, Dr. Shannon Whitehead, superintendent, said.

“This investment is going to open doors for our children -- whether that door leads to college, a career, or another opportunity after graduation. It also speaks directly to our Philly Promise E3 initiative, -- our commitment to ensuring that every student leaves us prepared to be enrolled, employed, or enlisted for their next step,” she said.

“As superintendent, I know we cannot do this work alone, and I never take partnerships like this for granted.  I feel truly blessed that Neshoba Now! sees what we see in our students -- their potential.”

Whitehead said the grant was a huge investment in Philadelphia Public Schools, “but more importantly, it is a huge investment in our children and their futures. We are thankful, we are excited, and we are ready to put these resources to work for kids.”

Dr. Stacie Collins, assistant superintendent, shared her excitement.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership with Neshoba Now! will bring to our students as part of our Philly Promise initiative,” she said.

 

“This funding will help ensure that every Philadelphia High School student graduates prepared for their next step -- whether enrolled in higher education, enlisted in the military or employed in the workforce. We deeply appreciate Neshoba Now!’s investment in the Philadelphia Public School District and their shared commitment to creating a path of success for the future leaders and citizens of our community.” 

 

Neshoba Now!’s focus is building culture, empowering futures and improving the quality of life across Neshoba County. The non-profit, private foundation is made possible through the generosity and vision of Neshoba County natives Dan Davis and Dick Molpus. 

 “Dan and Dick truly believe in the people of their home community,” Joey Kilgore, executive director, said. “They envision a future where the quality of life in Neshoba County is so strong that our young people will choose to return and raise families.

 

 “Their success in business has been matched by a commitment to philanthropy and to giving back to the community that helped shape their lives. Their investment in Neshoba Now! reflects a belief that education, the arts and community connection can create lasting opportunities for generations to come.

“As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to ensuring that Neshoba County continues to be a place where talent is nurtured, creativity is celebrated and every individual has the chance to thrive,” Kilgore said.

Neshoba Now! is also looking forward to working with the Choctaw Tribal Schools very soon in order to determine their needs and how we can be a part of their continued success, he said.

Neshoba Now! partners with the public schools in Neshoba County, including Choctaw Tribal Schools. The foundation also uses the arts as a bridge to bring together residents of different cultures, races and generations to celebrate creativity, heritage and shared identity, through music, visual arts, and performance and community events.

Among Neshoba Now!’s most recent community projects are a community chorus and band, an Entrepreneur Club for students and a camp for the Boys and Girls Club.

For more information about Neshoba Now! go to neshobanow.org.