Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

From Uncertain Futures to Skilled Careers — Gage Henry and Jeremy Jones Thrive Through the Step Up Program and Hinds Community College

When Gage Henry and Jeremy Jones were approaching their senior year at Pearl High School, both had vague plans for the future—architecture, maybe engineering—but no clear path forward. That all changed when they connected with Ms. Becky Tullos, the Career Coach at Pearl High School, and learned about the Step Up Program.

With Ms. Tullos’s guidance, Gage and Jeremy enrolled in a sequence of workforce training opportunities that not only opened doors—they reshaped their lives.

The Step Up Program

The Step Up Program, funded by Accelerate MS, the state’s office of workforce development, is a targeted training and career readiness initiative designed to prepare high school and college students for high-wage, high-demand careers in sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, transportation, and logistics. Administered by the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), Step Up connects students with non-credit workforce training, paid internships, and continued education opportunities such as WIOA-funded scholarships. Through hands-on learning, coaching, and employer partnerships, the program equips participants with industry-recognized certifications and real-world skills, creating clear pathways from the classroom to full-time employment.

A Launchpad for Success

Their journey began with the Basic Manufacturing Skills course at Hinds Community College, a workforce training program offered after school at the Rankin Campus of Hinds Community College. There, they earned industry-recognized certifications in CPR, forklift operation, and basic safety. The program paid them $10 an hour to participate—an added incentive that made learning even more rewarding.

“It was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had,” said Gage. “We were learning, having fun, and getting paid in high school.”

That summer, they took part in advanced hands-on training through the CAVS Extension at Mississippi State University, gaining exposure to robotics, industrial systems, and advanced manufacturing concepts.

Going Further with Hinds Community College

Thanks to a WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA), both students were able to transition seamlessly into credit-bearing workforce programs at Hinds Community College—Gage in Mechatronics and Jeremy in Diesel Technology. The ITA covered all tuition, books, and tools, acting as a “last dollar” scholarship so they could focus entirely on learning.

What set Hinds apart was not just the quality of the curriculum, but the exceptional faculty and staff who went above and beyond to ensure student success.
“The teachers at Hinds really care,” Gage shared. “Every time a company came looking to recruit students, my instructor would pull me aside and give me advice—telling me how the companies were looking for skills that we just learned in class. They made sure we were ready to talk with industry.”

In the Mechatronics Program, Gage thrived in a hands-on environment—learning hydraulics, pneumatics, gear systems, and electrical control systems. Because of his hard work and dedication, Gage will participate in an internship at Nissan this summer. He is preparing to graduate with both academic knowledge and workplace experience under his belt.

Jeremy, meanwhile, found his niche in the Diesel Technology Program, where he trained to diagnose, disassemble, and rebuild heavy machinery engines. Through a recruitment visit to Hinds, he decided to enroll in the Diesel Technology Program. Because of the hands-on work the program offered, he landed a job at Puckett Machinery, where he now works on a team maintaining diesel engines for Caterpillar equipment. He is currently completing his Diesel program while also working at Puckett

“The teachers in the Diesel Academy, like Mr. Stephen Smith, treat you like an adult,” Jeremy said. “They help you stay focused and grow. It’s where I really started to feel like a professional.”

Looking Ahead

Both students are on track for meaningful, high-demand careers. Gage plans to complete his final mechatronics classes this fall and pursue employment in advanced manufacturing. Jeremy hopes to rise through the ranks at Puckett and become a field technician, traveling to work on engines in real-world environments.

They credit the Step Up Program, Ms. Tullos’s guidance, and the dedication of Hinds Community College faculty as the key pillars of their success.

“Without this, I probably would’ve done something I didn’t really want to do,” said Gage. “This gave me the opportunity to find a career I love.”

“The advice I’d give?” added Jeremy. “Finish your training. Don’t let anyone pull you away from it. That certificate and degree is worth it.”

In fact, the two returned to Pearl High School recently to speak to the current senior class—and many juniors—about the Step Up Program and their outstanding experience at Hinds Community College, inspiring the next generation of students to follow in their footsteps.

A Model for Workforce Success in Mississippi

Gage and Jeremy’s story is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships—between community colleges, workforce boards, and industry—can create real opportunities for Mississippi’s young people. Programs like Step Up don’t just train workers; they change lives.