The Career Coaching program, funded by Accelerate MS through the South Delta Planning and Development District, aims to connect and prepare high school students with Mississippi’s most in-demand careers.
Career coaches assist students in identifying career goals through personal and group consultations.
Utilizing leadership, advocacy and collaboration, career coaches promote academic and personal success by implementing a comprehensive program that encompasses areas of personal and social development of students as well as academic and career needs.
This program was implemented at Charleston High School in partnership with South Delta Planning, CenterPoint Energy, Entergy, the Meek Foundation and Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley.
Shaquita Prince, a Charleston native, was chosen for this position and began in October 2022. Since October, Prince has scheduled more than a dozen campus and industry related tours; visited with half of the junior and senior students at CHS assisting them with ACT prep, college applications and scholarship and financial aid applications; and has been instrumental in developing the CHS Career Club.
Ayden Brooks, a senior at CHS, spoke highly of Prince.
“Ms. Prince is wonderful and very helpful. I have enjoyed all the college visits she’s arranged and all I have learned about career opportunities available to me,” Brooks noted.
“The Meek Foundation was excited to work with South Delta Planning and Accelerate MS to get Prince in East Tallahatchie,” said Meek Foundation Executive Director Meg Sinervo. “The work she is doing is remarkable and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be involved. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the district, the school board, CenterPoint Energy, Entergy or Mr. Presley’s introductions. We are excited to see what we can accomplish this year and look forward to more programming and providing more career opportunities and exposure to the students at Charleston High School.”
Prince attended the University of Mississippi and received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is the Mississippi director for Exquisite Pearls of Excellence, as well as a mentor in the organization; president of Women United; and a member of the TeamMates Mentor Memphis Grizzlies program. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
She lives with her 12-year-old son, Treston, and loves to travel and shop. Her favorite color is purple, and she is an avid New Orleans Saints fan.
“One of my favorite quotes,” Prince said, “is ‘It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.’ I enjoy getting to help these students find career paths and postsecondary programs they are interested in and will thrive in for years to come.”
The Meek Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to Prince. She has been instrumental in ensuring the success of students at Charleston High School.
