DCS Workforce Development
Phone: (662) 429.5271
Southaven High School Career Coaches and Work Base Learning coordinator are excited to host a collaborative event titled Chargers Hire Ready; a three-week Hiring Lab designed for our senior students.
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
The purpose of this event is to prepare students for the workforce following graduation. During the Hiring Lab, students will participate in sessions focused on résumé writing, professional introductions, interview preparation, mock interviews, and effective follow-up strategies. Each session is designed to provide students with real-world skills and confidence.
Session Schedule:
• April 16, 2026 –Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Building a Strong Résumé
• April 23, 2026 – Southaven High School Lecture Hall
✔️ Making a Great First Impression
✔️ Interview Preparation
✔️ Follow-Ups That Get Responses
• April 30, 2026 – Southaven High School Library
✔️ Practicing in a Real-World Mock Interview
Career Coach Highlight: La’Mya O’Bryant
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
Southaven High School is proud to nominate La’Mya O’Bryant for the SkillsUSA Signing Bonus, recognizing outstanding seniors who are stepping boldly into the skilled trades workforce after graduation.
La’Mya represents the very best of what it means to be focused, driven, and future-ready. With strong academic performance, exceptional time management, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom, she has set herself apart as a true leader among her peers.
As a young woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, La’Mya is not only chasing her goals—she’s breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow. Her determination, work ethic, and confidence speak volumes about the impact she is destined to make in the construction industry.
La’Mya plans to continue her journey at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Construction Engineering, where she will further develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand field.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate La’Mya’s accomplishments and her commitment to building a strong future through the skilled trades.
Each week, our Career Coaches connect students with real-world career experiences. Check out this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
From the classroom to the career field—our Career Coaches open doors for students each week. See this week’s opportunity in the flyer below!
Southaven Middle School invites community partners, professionals, and organizations to participate in our 8th Grade Career Fair on May 14 from 8:45–10:45 AM. This event provides an opportunity to inspire students as they begin exploring future career pathways and opportunities.
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Participants are encouraged to engage students through interactive booths, short presentations, or hands-on demonstrations that showcase their career field or industry.
Location: Southaven Middle School
Date: May 14
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM
For additional information or to participate, please contact:
Latoya.White@dcsms.org
Johnthan.Eison@dcsms.org
Cheryl.Thomas@dcsms.org
Alexandra.Whitfield@dcsms.org
Our Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) students recently had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into industry with an exclusive tour of HYOSUNG HICO in Memphis.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
During the visit, students:
Explored advanced manufacturing operations firsthand
Learned about transformer production and global energy infrastructure
Engaged with industry professionals about career pathways and workforce expectations
Gained insight into the skills needed to succeed in high-demand manufacturing careers
This experience provided a direct connection between the CMfgA training curriculum and real-world application.
We appreciate our partners at HYOSUNG HICO for investing in our students and helping us build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
Each week, we’re proud to showcase one of our students who’s building their future through Work-Based Learning. See how this student is gaining valuable experience and exploring career goals!
We are in the developmental stages of a new part time program to train seniors for our new Utility Line Worker program. Interested applicants to teach the program should contact Beth Turner for more information beth.turner@dcsms.org
DeSoto County Schools is proud to launch our Career Exploration Series for Utility Line Workers, creating a direct pipeline between student interest and high-demand workforce opportunities.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Today marked the first session with 15 seniors from across the district who are intentionally exploring this career pathway. Through strategic partnership with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, students engaged in an immersive, industry-aligned experience led by their safety team.
Participants were introduced to the cooperative business model and gained foundational knowledge of the utility line worker role with an emphasis on safety. Students also explored how utility line work and fiber splicing intersect to support critical infrastructure, culminating in an experience with the demonstration trailer.
This series reflects our continued commitment to aligning classroom experiences with real-world career pathways and providing students with meaningful exposure to essential industries that power our communities. Follow along for session 2 and 3 in April and May.
Session Two of our Aviation Career Exploration Series took students behind the scenes at FedEx for a firsthand look at aviation careers in action.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Students connected with pilots, instructors, and aviation mechanics while exploring the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They also rotated through a flight simulator, toured the emergency equipment room to learn about safety protocols, and walked through the hangar and maintenance areas to see daily operations up close.
These real-world experiences continue to play a critical role in preparing our students for high-demand careers and helping them make informed decisions about their future.
SkillsUSA: Building a Skilled, Workforce-Ready Generation
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
SkillsUSA is a national organization focused on preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and leadership roles. Through hands-on training, competitive events, and industry engagement, students gain real-world experience aligned with workforce expectations.
Members participate in leadership conferences, community service, and skill-based competitions across areas such as construction, healthcare, IT, and public speaking. These experiences strengthen technical ability, communication, and professionalism—while also opening doors to scholarships, career connections, and postsecondary opportunities. Competitions are offered at regional, state, and national levels, providing a clear pathway for student advancement.
At DeSoto County Schools’ CTC East Campus, SkillsUSA serves high school students in programs including Law & Public Safety, Fire Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Student Services. Students collaborate with instructors and industry partners to gain exposure beyond the classroom.
This year, students engaged in leadership conferences, community service initiatives, and regional competitions at Northwest Mississippi Community College—earning multiple top-three finishes and advancing more than 20 students to state competition.
Bottom line: SkillsUSA is not an extracurricular—it is a workforce development pipeline delivering measurable outcomes in student readiness, industry alignment, and career success.
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Southaven High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Olive Branch High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lewisburg High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lake Cormorant High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Lake Cormorant High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Horn Lake High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Horn Lake High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Hernando High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Hernando High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Desoto Central High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Desoto Central High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Academy Cohort!
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Center Hill High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
We are thrilled to introduce the outstanding students selected to represent their high schools in this year’s Bridge Academy in partnership with Southaven Chamber of Commerce—a leadership development program designed to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Through this program, these students will be paired with mentors, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and build essential career and leadership skills. Their hard work and dedication have earned them a spot in this prestigious program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
Join us in celebrating these future leaders from Center Hill High School! DeSoto County Schools eNews
Our students are preparing for the future—today! Through Work-Based Learning, they’re developing career skills, professionalism, and confidence in the workplace. Check out this week’s featured student making an impact!
