POPLARVILLE – Members of the Pearl River County Home Builders Association visited Pearl River Community College Wednesday, Jan. 27, to renew the organization’s support of career and technical programs.
The association presented PRCC with $2,650 to be used for a full-tuition, one-year scholarship for a student in a program related to home building and construction.
“We’re losing the trades in the building industry,” member Mark Wallace said. “We see a decline in the young people going into the industry. This shows the Pearl River County Home Builders Association’s dedication to helping students.”
The association has been active in supporting construction-related programs at PRCC for several years, including sponsoring a crawfish boil during the spring 2015 semester and helping form a student chapter of the association.
Drafting and design instructors Jesse Walker and Rodney Clark are sponsors of the student chapter.
PRCC offers several programs that can lead to jobs in the construction industry – drafting and design technology, electrical technology, electronics technology, heating and air conditioning and masonry.
“In talking to county and city officials in both Poplarville and Picayune, it seems home building is picking up after a long slump,” said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, PRCC vice president for workforce and economic development.
At the same time building is increasing, more and more skilled workers are retiring, he said.
“This helps to fill the pipeline,” Alsobrooks said. “This is just helping with that need.”
The association also plans to assist PRCC with expenses in sending students to state and national Skills USA competition, Wallace said.
As part of that effort, the association is sponsoring a five-gun raffle for $10 a ticket. Winners will be drawn during the March 4 Hunter Appreciation Night at Davis Sports and Outdoor in Picayune.
The Pearl River County Home Builders Association presented $2,650 to Pearl River Community College for a one-year, full-tuition scholarship for a student in a home building-related field. Pictured are, from left, Charles Lee and Glen Rayburn, association board members; Dr. Ed Pinero, PRCC career-technical director; Ernie Lovell, PRCC Development Foundation director; Scott White, association secretary; Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, PRCC vice president for workforce and economic development; Mark Wallace, association member; Debbie Sharff, association board member; Judy Lassere, association executive director; Byron Hill, association member; PRCC drafting instructor Jesse Walker, Dr. Adam Breerwood, PRCC vice president for Poplarville campus and Hancock Center; and PRCC drafting instructor Rodney Clark.
PRCC Public Relations photo
