May 19, 2025
91福利 recently recognized students who are graduating from the Youth Spark program, a WIOA youth initiative designed to help those who may need a high school diploma as well as prepare for the future.
The ceremony was held at the Woodall Advanced Technology Center.
These graduates will be participating on in PRCC鈥檚 Adult Education graduation ceremony this Thursday (May 22) at the Marvin White Coliseum on the Poplarville Campus.
鈥淭he PRCC Youth Spark WIOA Out-of-School Youth Program is all about creating opportunities for young adults – whether that means building skills for the workforce or getting support as they take the next step into college,鈥� said聽Elisha Booth, PRCC鈥檚 Program Manager.听
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to celebrate our participants鈥� accomplishments and extend our sincere thanks to Paladin Systems for being a supportive and impactful work site host.鈥�
PRCC鈥檚 Youth Spark is an established program under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity ACT, signed into law in 2014.
The Southern MS Planning & Development District funds the program for individuals 16-24 years of age who are currently not attending school.
The program helps disconnected youth navigate into the educational and workforce systems. It places a strong focus on work experience and links services to the attainment of high school equivalencies or other occupational credentials as well as entry into postsecondary education or employment.
Designed to assist youth in overcoming a variety of employment barriers and developing a range of skills needed to make an effective labor market adjustment, the program鈥檚 goal is to provide young adults with a menu of services that will enable them to meet educational goals, learn about career pathways and develop skills to obtain meaningful employment.
Students recognized and their achievements included:
Rudi Perez Canela of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Bronze Level.
Tania Perez Chicas of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Adult Ed Graduate, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Gold Level and Smart Start Credential.
Brianna Dillard of Petal: Spark Program Completion, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Silver Level and Work-Based Learning Participant.
Shantel Gardner of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency.
Mazavia Walker of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Adult Ed Graduate, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Silver Level and Smart Start Credential.
Madison Warnke of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Adult Ed Graduate, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Bronze Level and Smart Start Credential.
Russell Carter of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion, Adult Ed Graduate, Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency, National Career Readiness Certificate-Silver Level and Smart Start Credential.
Helen Amaya of Hattiesburg: Spark Program Completion and Certificate of Work Ethic Proficiency.
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Article by Chuck Abadie.
