Video: Okolona High School Students Attend Expo To Prepare Them For Life After Graduation

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OKOLONA, MISS. (WCBI) -Preparing for life after high school can be challenging, especially for disadvantaged youth. But a non profit organization is bringing valuable skills and leaders to young people. WCBI’s Allie Martin has more from Okolona.

These Okolona High School students dressed for success at this career and education expo. The half day event is a partnership between Itawamba Community College and Jobs for Mississippi Graduates.

The thirty or so students at this expo were selected by their counselor. They get a crash course in preparing for the real world.

“How to sit, walk, talk, the etiquette all over,” said LoWanda Butler, with Jobs for Mississippi Graduates.

This is the first time Jobs for Mississippi Graduates has held an expo in the area. Organizers say it’s important to help students focus on life after high school.

“We as Americans have to be able to compete, globally and if our students are not prepared for the 21st century and beyond then America will not be prepared,” Butler said.

Students learned what it takes to become a student at ICC.

And several of them took part in mock job interviews.

Students we spoke with appreciated the workshop and the opportunity to role play .

“I think the mock interview process just gets you ready for a real one, it gives you tips on what to do and what not to do, it gives you your strengths and weaknesses and also how to abide by the rules, common ground rules of the interview,” said OHS Senior Tyson Eddie.

“I think it was great, they actually persuaded me to come to ICC to attend the business management for two years, then I will transfer to either Jackson State or Valley State,” said OHS Senior Taniasia Johnson.
Organizers hope to hold similar expos at schools throughout the area.

For more information on Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, go to www.jmgms.org