For years, the message to students has been clear: attend college or risk being left behind. But families across Mississippi are starting to ask a different question: Is a four-year degree really the only path to success?
With the average Mississippi student borrower carrying more than $36,000 in student loan debt and the state ranking fourth in the nation for student borrowers per capita, parents and educators alike are rethinking what “college readiness” really means.
And today’s students are paying attention to these stats. Gen Z is showing a strong interest in skilled trades, drawn by hands-on learning, clear career paths, and the opportunity to earn a living without incurring decades of debt. Many students seek practical education that leads somewhere, and careers in construction do exactly that.
Private schools can lead the way by expanding the scope of education and offering career training programs that prepare students for both life and the workforce.
Construction Electives Give Students Options
Through Build Mississippi, private schools can now offer high school construction electives that provide hands-on training and real-world career exposure at no material cost to the school.
Available elective pathways include:
Construction Core
Carpentry
Electrical
HVAC
Plumbing
Welding
These programs don’t replace college preparation but rather expand it. Students gain confidence, problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and technical knowledge that applies whether they attend college, enter the workforce, or pursue their own business.
Support That Makes It Easy to Start
Launching a new elective program can feel overwhelming, but Build Mississippi provides a turnkey solution for private schools. Eligible schools may receive up to $45,000 in startup funding and full program support, including:
- Instructor training or help finding an instructor
- Curriculum, textbooks, certifications, and assessments
- Classroom resources and presentations
- Equipment assistance
- One-on-one support from a dedicated Build Mississippi representative
- Connections with local construction professionals
This allows schools to offer meaningful workforce development without straining budgets or staff.
Preparing Students for More Than One Road
College will always be the right choice for some students, but not all. Construction electives recognize that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. They provide students with a pathway to purpose, income, and independence, all without years of debt.
Private schools across Mississippi are already utilizing these programs to enhance student outcomes and foster community ties. Now it’s your turn.