East Central Community College (ECCC) is helping young adults take their first steps toward a brighter future through its Out-of-School Youth Program, funded by the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD). The program serves individuals ages 16 to 24 who are not currently working or enrolled in school and live in Newton, Neshoba, or Leake counties.
Participants begin with a four-week job training course focused on building the skills needed for long-term employment. Students attend class four days a week, learning resume writing, interview preparation, financial literacy, and workplace etiquette. They are paid $20 per day for attending and receive gas compensation. “It’s a rural area, and a lot of them don’t know where to go,” said Program Coordinator Shavonn Pruitt. “This program builds their confidence and shows them they have options.”
Eva Reynolds
The classroom experience includes “Plan Money Smart,” a fun, game-based course that teaches students how to manage personal finances, budget, and plan for big purchases like a car or home. Youth Career Coach Dee Dee McCraw leads the training, helping students prepare professional resumes and build real-world skills. “We start talking about resumes in week one,” said McCraw. “They draft it themselves, and then I help them fine-tune it. We want them to be prepared when they walk into that first interview.”
Donovan Lloyd
After completing the four-week course, students are placed into paid internships with local businesses. They earn $10 an hour and can work up to 600 hours, fully funded by the program. Internship placements are flexible, with some starting at 200 or 400 hours depending on the employer’s needs. Students are always paired with a supervisor and are treated like staff members, learning through hands-on experience. “They’re not just observing—they’re doing real work,” said Pruitt. “That helps them grow.”
Brandy Gambill
Several students have already turned their internships into full-time jobs. Donovan Lloyd was hired at Carthage Animal Medical Clinic after completing his placement. Brandy Gambill found permanent work at the Kemper/Newton Regional Library. Stefany Culpepper recently finished her internship at Hometown UrgentCare, and Eva Reynolds is currently gaining experience at the Mississippi Community Development Partnership in Philadelphia. “One student told me she used to be shy,” Pruitt recalled. “Now she’s answering phones and talking with clients—she came out of her shell through this program.”
The program also assists students who have not earned a high school diploma. If eligible, they can dual-enroll in adult education to pursue their GED while participating in the internship program. To apply, students must complete an application and provide documentation such as a birth certificate and Social Security card. The program is open to low-income youth who meet eligibility requirements.
Stefany Culpepper
For more information or to become a worksite partner, contact Dee Dee McCraw at 601-635-6265 or Shavonn Pruitt at 601-635-6404. More details are available at www.eccc.edu.
