East Central Community College 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 and Neshoba counties.
Participants begin with a three-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 Youth Program Coordinator Shavonn Pruitt. “This program builds their confidence and shows them they have options.”
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, preparing students for life after achieving employment.
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 200 hours, fully funded by the program. 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.”
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.
For more information, to register, or to become a worksite partner, contact Shavonn Pruitt at 601-635-6404. More details are available at www.eccc.edu.
