April 6, 2023
Pearl River Community College’s partnership with 2nd Chance Mississippi has proven beneficial to many students looking to get an education and improve their quality of life.
Second Chance Mississippi is an initiative to raise money and awareness for Adult Education Programs in the state of Mississippi.
Prominent lawyer Dickie Scruggs is the driving force behind 2nd Chance MS. He partnered with the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training program (MIBEST), which provides a remedial education and marketable skills to students seeking a GED.
“We have a great relationship with 2nd Chance,” said Ruby Smith, Assistant Dean of Adult Education & Youth Services.
“We have a common goal of getting the most resources for our Adult Education to help students to be more successful in the future.”
PRCC had previously received $50,000 to pay for Workforce tuition, according to Smith.
“This year, we received another $12,500 to continue to help pay for Workforce tuition for Adult Ed students,” she said. “We also received a $25,000 marketing grant to help market our Adult Ed program.”
According to the 2nd Chance MS website, “We work in a collaborative effort with the Mississippi Community College Foundation to help provide a second chance to thousands of struggling Mississippians who lack a skill certification or high school diploma. Funds raised can be used to enhance instruction, pay testing and skill certification costs and provide supplemental support for adult learners who face barriers to their success.”
Funds are not only used for tuition. Smith said it also helps pay for supplies for class and, “helps with any barriers the student may have.”
Smith said 111 students have been helped with 2nd Chancefunds.
“These are Adult Ed students who continue to work towards earning their High School Equivalency Diploma and, hopefully, gain employment with the certification they receive in Workforce,” said Smith.
Roy Generette and Franklin Phillips are two PRCC students who benefitted from 2nd Chance MS.
Generette earned his HSE and EMT certification, and currently works for AAA Ambulance Service. Phillips earned his HSE and manufacturing Skills Certification. Thanks to 2nd Chance, he went through PRCC’s CDL program and is now driving trucks.
For more information about PRCC’s Adult Education program, call 601-554-5551.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Chuck Abadie.
