Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

At just 17 years old, Jeremy Pennington from Clinton High School is already putting his future in motion. With a head start on high-demand industry certifications, strong support from his career coach, and hands-on training from Hinds Community College, Jeremy is an example of hard work, focus, and career readiness in action.

Driving Success in High School: Mastering Automotive Technology

Jeremy has always been mechanically inclined, and he made the most of that passion through his high school’s automotive technology program, completing 720 hours of instruction. His dedication led to earning nine ASE junior certifications, putting him well ahead of his peers.

“There are three of us—two of my friends and me—that passed all the exams,” he shared. That credential not only gives him real-world credibility but positions him for immediate employment in the automotive field if he chooses.

“Jeremy wasn’t just checking a box,” said Coach Jana Carter. “He was always going the extra mile—staying engaged, asking questions, and really taking pride in his work.”

Taking a Big Step: Enrolling in Step Up with Support from Coach Carter

With his sights set on advancing his skills and expanding his career options, Jeremy enrolled in the Step Up Program and signed up for the Basic Manufacturing Skills Training course—thanks to encouragement from Coach Carter.

“Coach Carter came to me and thought it’d be a good idea to further my career,” Jeremy said. “With her help, I decided to do it.” That decision opened the door to a new level of training and professional readiness.

Carter recalls those early conversations clearly: “He knew he wanted something more, but he wasn’t sure how to get there. We walked through all his options together. When he committed, he committed 100%.”

Learning That Sticks: Hands-On Training and Industry Certifications

Jeremy thrived in the Hinds Community College training course, which blended interactive instruction with hands-on learning. One highlight was a cellular manufacturing simulation, where students were tasked with producing PVC pipe projects in under four minutes.

“We had to get twenty of them done—it was fun and helped us use what we learned in a competitive way,” he said.

Jeremy earned a stack of valuable industry certifications:

• OSHA 10
• Forklift (non-operator, due to age restriction)
• CPR, First Aid and Defibrillator use
• Basic Manufacturing Skills Certification

The program also prepared students for interviews and resume building. Jeremy appreciated the $10/hour stipend that helped cover gas to and from class. “It was a motivator—who doesn’t want money? But it really helped,” he said. The stipend, funded through Accelerate MS, made participation more accessible.

“Those certifications aren’t just paper—they’re stepping stones,” Carter added. “He walked out with real skills, confidence, and a resume that tells a story.”

Building the Future: Diesel Mechanics, Night Classes, and Career Goals

After graduation, Jeremy is headed to Hinds Community College to study Diesel Technology—already enrolled in night classes so he can work full-time during the day.

“A lot of jobs are nine to five. With night classes, I can earn a steady paycheck and get a job experience while I’m working on my degree,” he explained.

Jeremy’s long-term dream? Working for Puckett Machinery or Stribling Equipment—two regional leaders in industrial equipment. “We’ve got tractors, hay fields, and chicken houses. I’ve spent hours on tractors. I want to take what I’ve learned and step it up to something bigger.”

Students who complete the Basic Manufacturing Skills course are well-positioned to enter fields like Precision Machining, Electro-Mechanical, and Automotive Technology—all programs offered through Hinds. “The course gives them a foundation to build from, regardless of where they go next,” said Lackey. “If they’re interested in continuing, the best next step is to reach out to the Recruiting Office at Hinds.”

Roots and Responsibility: Giving Back Through Search and Rescue

Even with his full schedule, Jeremy is committed to giving back. He’s a volunteer with Woods and Water Search and Recovery, a nonprofit his father founded. This summer, he plans to earn his drone operator certification so he can assist in air-based search missions.

The organization conducts water rescues, scuba diving, and land searches with dogs. “We don’t have the ability to search with a drone yet, so I figured I’d find my spot in the nonprofit and help it grow,” Jeremy said.

His strong work ethic isn’t just evident in his achievements—it’s noticed by others. When an elderly community member needed help moving, Coach Carter immediately thought of Jeremy.

“He was the first one that popped into my head,” she said. “He just stands out. And the lady who he helped? She called me to say how respectful, kind, and hardworking he was. That’s who Jeremy is.”

Guided by a Mentor: How a Career Coach Made All the Difference

Jeremy credits much of his success to the guidance of his Career Coach, Jana Carter. “She’s helped me in ways I can’t even describe,” he said. “From figuring out the right path to paperwork to actually get on the path—without her, I’d probably still be confused about what I wanted to do.”

Coach Carter stayed connected throughout his training at Hinds Community College, checking in often, bringing encouragement (and even Chick-fil-A) to the training class to celebrate his wins.

“Every time I talked to him,” she said, “he said, ‘I’m so glad I did this.’ That meant everything. He’s not just finishing—he’s thriving.”

A Model for Workforce Development

Robin Parker, Workforce Director at South Central Mississippi Works, sees Jeremy’s story as a model for what’s possible when support, strategy, and drive align.

“Jeremy embodies the mission of workforce development,” Parker said. “He’s earned credentials, he’s career-ready, and he’s making a difference in his community. This is why we invest in programs like Step Up—because students like Jeremy are the future of Mississippi’s workforce.”

Dr. Stephen Vacik, President of Hinds Community College, echoed that vision on a broader scale, “Working closely with our state partners to expose high school students to career pathways within the state of Mississippi is the key to building a competitive economy and a compelling culture. This is the vision for Hinds Community College. To make it reality, we have to present workforce opportunities to students, ones available now and in the immediate future – especially those in manufacturing and informational technology. Seeing the results thus far is very encouraging.”

Jeremy’s journey—from high school training to college coursework and community service—is what the Step Up program is all about. With braided funding from Accelerate MS and WIOA, and strong partnerships across education and industry, young people like Jeremy aren’t just preparing for jobs—they’re shaping Mississippi’s workforce future.