The Skills Foundation of Mississippi has awarded $1,000 signing bonuses to 29 high school seniors at seven schools who are pursuing skilled careers.
Students entering industries like construction, healthcare, energy, IT, and manufacturing were eligible for the bonuses, meant to cover costs that come with starting a career.
The Skills Foundation launched “Skills That Pay” in 2022 to connect with Mississippi students, parents, and other stakeholders to educate them on the benefits of pursuing skilled careers out of high school.
“It’s been a great year for Skills That Pay, and we’re proud to have awarded signing bonuses to a record 29 students,” Skills Foundation executive director Clifton Carroll said. “Students going into these fields often don’t get the recognition they deserve, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their decisions to pursue high-demand careers and give them a boost as they begin their journey.”
The Skills That Pay signing ceremonies help celebrate the decisions of graduating students pursuing skilled careers. Winners applied by submitting videos outlining their career plans, reasoning for choosing a career, and how they would use the signing bonus.
Officials with the Skills Foundation use the ceremonies to highlight benefits of pursuing skilled careers such as above-average wages, long-term stability, quicker earning potential, high-quality employer benefits, and the ability to start a profession with little to no student debt. Additionally, many of the jobs in these industries are hiring in every corner of the state and beyond.
“It’s exciting to see high school seniors pursue skills training in high-growth industry sectors, increasing the likelihood they stay in Mississippi to live, work, and raise families,” Rebekah Staples, president of Free State Strategies, said. “We join in celebrating and congratulating these students and look forward to seeing even more young Mississippians enter these careers in the future.”
The following students were recognized during the ceremonies and awarded signing bonuses:
Hattiesburg High School
- Tristan Wesco
- Chloe Boney
- Robert Page
- Rhianna Blakney
- Maurice Sutton
Raymond High School
- Courtney Gilmer, Jr.
- Christian Martin
- Javeon Wilson
Petal High School
- Hayden Navarro
- Jake Creel
- Neli Mendoza
- Jada Jones
- Daniela Solana Melo
Warren Central High School
- Tatiana Jones
- Donovan Taylor
- Fredasia Harris
- Stanley Doyle, Jr.
Vicksburg High School
- Khyla Anessia Moss-Grant
- Keith Eric Anderson, Jr.
- Saniyya Brown
Itawamba Agricultural High School
- Tristam Sales Yant
- Ezekiel Matthew Lewis
- Benton Stanley
- Lana Garrett
Yazoo County High School
- Kellie Lipsey
- Ammar Sabri
- Dakota Blaylock
- Christopher Haggan
- Tykira Holiday
