MCC hosts FlexFactor competition, showcasing MHS students’ STEM solutions
Meridian High School ninth graders meet the judges before their FlexFactor presentation.
With projects that address air and ocean pollution to projects that help student-athletes perform at their best, a group of nine Meridian High School ninth-grade teams showcased potential solutions to judges at Meridian Community College during a FlexFactor presentation.
FlexFactor is a project-based STEM learning program that allows students to create fresh ideas, develop marketing strategies, and implement them. Its mission is to inspire high school students to think creatively and prepare for future careers. FlexFactor is funded by Accelerate Mississippi, a government agency that is the state's leading office for workforce development.
"The students worked hard for months to research and develop their concepts. We held preliminary competitions at the school where 60 projects were presented," said Teresa Radcliffe, MS-Ships program manager at Meridian Community College, explaining from 60, nine projects were evaluated by the judges in a "Shark Tank"-style competition. The judges included Darren Bane, MCC director of workforce solutions; Neil Henry, regional president of Citizens National Bank; and Dr. Lori Smith, dean of workforce education.
Radcliffe continued, "Each project was inspiring in its own right; each one could genuinely benefit the life of someone someday."
"I look forward to following them for many years to see what they accomplish in life," she added.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/workforce.