Summary
The Mississippi Department of Education has awarded The University of Southern Mississippi a significant grant of $1.5 million to establish a new Going Beyond Apprenticeship Program for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Hattiesburg High School. This program aims to enhance students' academic and technical skills through 150 hours of professional development, 40 hours of service-learning, and 450 hours of hands-on apprenticeship experience with community partners over their junior and senior years.
By integrating academic learning with practical work experience, this initiative not only prepares students for higher education but also addresses the underrepresentation of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in key fields like engineering and construction management. The collaboration between Hattiesburg Public Schools and USM underscores the importance of apprenticeship programs in fostering confidence, career readiness, and community engagement among students.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This story highlights the growing recognition of registered apprenticeship programs as vital pathways for students to gain practical skills while earning credentials. By facilitating partnerships between educational institutions and local industries, such initiatives are essential in developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the job market.
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