Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

On Friday, July 25, ten students from Hinds Community College, Holmes Community College, and Copiah-Lincoln Community College completed the 8th annual Nissan North America Summer Internship Program in Canton, Mississippi. This milestone marks more than the end of an internship—it’s a launch into meaningful, high-wage careers in fields like robotics, automation, electrical systems, and welding.

Powered by WIOA and AccelerateMS, and supported by outstanding career coaches and faculty mentors, the program represents a strong example of how public-private partnerships can change lives through skills-based learning.

A Summer That Changed Everything

Over eight weeks, students immersed themselves in hands-on training in PLC programming, robotics, electrical fundamentals, welding, and leadership. While technical skills were central, the most significant growth came in confidence, teamwork, and career clarity.

“I came to Nissan with knowledge, but I left with a whole lot more,” said John Flynt-Ceciliano of Holmes Community College, who especially enjoyed learning Stick Welding and robotics.

Brandon Whitehead of Co-Lin shared, “I came in with knowledge, but I’m leaving with understanding.” He noted that extended time on Nissan's training equipment helped deepen what he’d learned in the classroom.

Teamwork, Growth, and Laughter

From Day One, the group gelled. Nissan instructors and Career Coaches watched them evolve from cautious individuals into a highly competitive, highly supportive team.

“They weren’t just a team—they became a family,” said Jason Derryberry, leader at the Nissan Training Facility. “Everything became a competition, and this group kept everyone laughing.”

Students like Elijah Quinones-Morrison, who moved from Buffalo, NY to Mississippi, credited the program with boosting his confidence and helping him find a circle of peers who “want me to succeed.”

SMART Goals, Real Progress

The interns each set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—and saw real outcomes.

• Tristan Dear (Co-Lin) mapped out his path in PLCs
• Thomas DeWeese (Holmes) used his goal to purchase his first truck
• Matthew Galloway (Holmes) explored AI in manufacturing and set his sights on a future at Nissan or AWS

These were not just academic exercises—they were tangible stepping stones.

A Message from the Workforce Director

Robin Parker, Director of South Central Mississippi Works, addressed the graduates with encouragement and a challenge:

“Each of you rose to the challenge. You probably made more money this summer than you ever have—and you earned every bit of it. That’s what happens when you choose a high-skill profession, build a strong foundation, and walk through doors that others helped open. But make no mistake—you walked through with work ethic, positive attitudes, and purpose. And you walked through in power.”

Preparing Mississippi’s Next Workforce

Programs like the Nissan Internship, Step Up, and Reconnect aren’t just about workforce training—they’re about transformation. They connect students to high-demand, high-wage pathways in advanced manufacturing, energy, construction, IT, and more. And they do it with the backing of committed funders like AccelerateMS and WIOA, and the support of training leaders at Hinds CC, Holmes CC, Copiah-Lincoln CC, and Mississippi State University's CAVS-Extension.

As Latoya Wright, a Nissan trainer, put it:

“We not only teach these students—we challenge, motivate, and build confidence through application.”

They came as interns. They leave as skilled professionals—with grit, and with growth.