DeSoto County Schools Teacher Career Fair
at the Landers Center in
Southaven, MS
February 24th, 2026
from 2-4 pm
URL to register:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4PrgwCLoSkibGvvVcj4kCpHjjQjnunxFn3hoN3BeIMlUMVBLTlRKVElVWTZHMzBUSDhEVlQ1V05QQy4u&origin=QRCode
at the Landers Center in
Southaven, MS
February 24th, 2026
from 2-4 pm
URL to register:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4PrgwCLoSkibGvvVcj4kCpHjjQjnunxFn3hoN3BeIMlUMVBLTlRKVElVWTZHMzBUSDhEVlQ1V05QQy4u&origin=QRCode
At DeSoto County Schools, we’re growing the local workforce of tomorrow—one student at a time. This week’s Work-Based Learning Spotlight features a student making strides in their chosen career path!
Gator Grind is a high-energy marketplace event where LCHS student entrepreneurs showcase their businesses and ideas to local business leaders. Students gain real-world insight, encouragement, and connections from entrepreneurs who know what it takes to build something from the ground up.
We’re looking for local entrepreneurs and industry leaders willing to spend a couple of hours visiting booths, talking with students, and sharing practical advice. No formal judging—just encouragement, interaction, and inspiration. Recognition shout-outs will celebrate student potential and growth.
If you’re interested in participating or can recommend someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to Career Coach, Shana Blakely at sblakely@trpdd.com.
We’re looking for local entrepreneurs and industry leaders willing to spend a couple of hours visiting booths, talking with students, and sharing practical advice. No formal judging—just encouragement, interaction, and inspiration. Recognition shout-outs will celebrate student potential and growth.
If you’re interested in participating or can recommend someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to Career Coach, Shana Blakely at sblakely@trpdd.com.
Our Work Based Learning teacher also help our students through the college-going process — from applications to scholarships and everything in between. Check out this week’s college access highlight in the flyer below!
Thank you to Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto for providing high-quality clinical experiences for our health science students. This partnership reflects a strong industry commitment and a meaningful investment in the future healthcare workforce. Opportunities like these give students real-world exposure, reinforce classroom learning, and set clear expectations for professional excellence. We value and appreciate industry partners who consistently step up, support our programs, and help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Building the Bridge from School to Career
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
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 story from the LHS WBL program.
CTC Open Houses – Plan Ahead for the 2026–2027 School Year
DeSoto County School District invites current 9th- and 10th-grade students and their parents to attend upcoming CTC Open Houses at both CTC campuses. These come-and-go events are designed to help families make informed decisions about career and technical programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
🔹 CTC West
📅 Thursday, January 8
⏰ 4:30–6:30 p.m.
🔹 CTC East
📅 Tuesday, January 13
⏰ 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Students and parents will have the opportunity to explore program offerings, ask questions, and gain clarity on expectations. CTC counselors will be on site to provide guidance on program selection, scheduling, and the application process.
No registration required. Attend at your convenience and take a proactive step toward future-ready planning.
DeSoto County School District invites current 9th- and 10th-grade students and their parents to attend upcoming CTC Open Houses at both CTC campuses. These come-and-go events are designed to help families make informed decisions about career and technical programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
🔹 CTC West
📅 Thursday, January 8
⏰ 4:30–6:30 p.m.
🔹 CTC East
📅 Tuesday, January 13
⏰ 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Students and parents will have the opportunity to explore program offerings, ask questions, and gain clarity on expectations. CTC counselors will be on site to provide guidance on program selection, scheduling, and the application process.
No registration required. Attend at your convenience and take a proactive step toward future-ready planning.
Save the Date! If you are interested in helping with the event or facilitating a session, please contact Nici Hill, Career Coach at nhill@trpdd.com, or Jessica Burgess, Work-Based Learning at jessica.burgess@dcsms.org.
Hernando High School hosted a high-impact Lunch and Learn today, drawing 20 students eager to explore career pathways in the skilled trades. Feedback was strong—one student called it “one of the best opportunities given at school,” already preparing to sign up in May. Two seniors followed up afterward to share how encouraged they were by the job prospects presented.
We extend our appreciation to Chris Mathis, Training Director for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of Plumbing and Pipefitting, for delivering a high-value session. His industry insight and clear roadmap for entering the trades resonated with our students and reinforced the competitive opportunities available in our region.
Strategic partnerships like this move the needle for our workforce pipeline and give students a line of sight to real, sustainable career options.
We extend our appreciation to Chris Mathis, Training Director for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of Plumbing and Pipefitting, for delivering a high-value session. His industry insight and clear roadmap for entering the trades resonated with our students and reinforced the competitive opportunities available in our region.
Strategic partnerships like this move the needle for our workforce pipeline and give students a line of sight to real, sustainable career options.
This week, we’re taking a moment to spotlight a key member of our support infrastructure: our Student Services Coordinator. This role keeps our CTE pipeline running smoothly by providing students with targeted guidance, program navigation, and wraparound support.
Career pathways come alive through Work-Based Learning! Each week, we highlight a student applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Learn more about this week’s featured student below!
Building the Bridge from School to Career
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
Our Career Coaches work hard each week to connect students with meaningful career experiences and industry leaders. These partnerships provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
See this week’s connection in the flyer below!
For more information or to help with the event, please contact Loren Burse, Olive Branch High School Career Coach at lburse@trpdd.com
Our CTE Counselors will be on-site at DCS schools during lunch on scheduled days to provide high-touch support for students exploring next-step pathways.
They will be available to:
• Address program-specific questions
• Provide strategic guidance on selecting the best-fit CTE pathway
• Assist with the application process for all CTE programs
We encourage students to leverage this on-campus touchpoint and take decisive action toward their long-term career trajectory. Your future workforce journey starts here.
They will be available to:
• Address program-specific questions
• Provide strategic guidance on selecting the best-fit CTE pathway
• Assist with the application process for all CTE programs
We encourage students to leverage this on-campus touchpoint and take decisive action toward their long-term career trajectory. Your future workforce journey starts here.
CTE Application NOW Open!
DeSoto County Schools Career & Technology Centers are excited to announce that the application for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! Students interested in exploring career pathways, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing for postsecondary opportunities are encouraged to apply.
Our Career Tech programs offer industry-aligned instruction, certifications, and real-world learning experiences designed to support students as they prepare for college, careers, and beyond.
The application will remain open through Friday, February 6. All interested students should submit their application before the deadline to be considered for program placement.
Congratulations to our seniors who completed the NWCC Workforce Development Manufacturing Skills Program. This partnership continues to strengthen our talent pipeline and equip students with real-world skills for the regional workforce. #CareerReady
Engaging with industry professionals is a critical component of preparing students for long-term career success. Thank you to Rickie for bringing firsthand insight that supports our district’s workforce readiness goals.
#WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReady
#WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReady
We’re proud to highlight graduates who leveraged high-school opportunities and industry connections to launch meaningful career pathways. Meet this week’s featured alum below.
DeSoto County Schools announces Dual-Credit Partnership with Mississippi University for Women
#TeamDCS #BeTheStandard
#TeamDCS #BeTheStandard
