Classroom to Career: Internships Offer PRCC Students Learning Opportunities

All Locations – Students at Pearl River Community College have numerous resources that aid and support them on their academic journey.  Included in these resources is an internship program offered through PRCC’s Workforce Development Programs.  The internships are designed to enhance a student’s skill set while learning on the job training.  This training method conforms with and contributes to Mississippi’s state goal to develop a world-class workforce. Cheryl Frierson, Workforce Training Project Manager at PRCC said, “the program is designed to promote an “Earn While You Learn” initiative, the goal of the internship program is to help eligible adults, dislocated workers, and Career and Technical students to gain practical work experience and sharpen their leadership skills while earning a wage.”  

Participants within Workforce programs and students enrolled in Career and Technical Education at PRCC are eligible to participate in the program 

Stephanie Howze, PRCC Workforce Project Coordinator said, “Work-based learning opportunities, such as internships, affords students an opportunity to use knowledge and skills acquired in the classrooms, in a real-world application in the workforce.” This work experience can then be used on a student’s resume and lead to employment within the industry.  

In addition to providing a great opportunity for students, the program also holds benefits for local business owners.  “As for employers, particularly those looking to fill openings, the program aids in developing a pool of applicants for their industry, as they are encouraged to not only sponsor the intern but to provide input and field training, to the student as well,” said Howze.

The program is made possible through the state’s WET Funds (Workforce Enhancement Training) System.  The funding comes to workforce development departments at the colleges through MCCB.   Pay within the internship program starts at $8.00 per hour and participants can earn up to $1920.00 or 240 hours.

(Mr. David Bullen with PRCC Workforce Interns)

Local businesses that have participated in the program include: Bullen’s Trailer Sales-Poplarville, Eclectic Café-Poplarville, and Quality Welding and Fabrication-Columbia. Jimmy Peavy and Gabriel Key participated in the welding internship located in Columbia and were hired as full-time employees after the internship ended.

If you are a current PRCC student or a local business owner that is interested in learning more about the internship program, please call or email Stephanie Howze, PRCC workforce Project Coordinator at (601) 554-4643 or showze@prcc.edu or Cheryl Frierson, PRCC Workforce Training Project Manager at (601) 403-1113 or cfrierson@prcc.edu.  

Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.