MIBEST program event welcomes, encourages students
College officials and program leaders welcome MIBEST potential students.
“All of you are a priority. You matter to us.”
That’s what Nikitna Barnes, Mississippi Community College Board assistant director of adult education grants and special programs, said to potential students who gathered at Meridian Community College’s Adult Education Center.
Barnes and MCC administrators and personnel celebrated the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program week. MIBEST allows individuals without a traditional high school diploma to train for a career and earn a high school equivalency at the same time.
At MCC, students who qualify and earn a GED/High School Equivalency through the MIBEST Program can enroll in career and technical education programs such as Truck Driving, Welding, Culinary Arts, Phlebotomy, Health Care Assistant, Medical Office Technology and Entrepreneurship.
The students got a first-hand look at a wide variety of the career and technical programs as a part of a campus tour. “It’s a good opportunity for you, and it’s a good opportunity for us to show you what we can do and how we can help move you forward,” said MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner.
Another speaker applauded the students. “I want to commend you for coming here today,” said Joseph Knight, MCC vice president for workforce solutions. “You come to the classroom with life experiences. Y’all keep pressing on,” he urged.
“As you go throughout your journey, starting today, you have three options,” said Cedric Gathings, MCC vice president for engagement. “You could just be a character, you could be a narrator, or you could be an author, who narrates that character, who narrates life. It's up to you,” he said to the students.