Searra Wilson Gains Internship Opportunity through ECCC’s Out-of-School Youth Program

Searra Wilson, a native of Philadelphia, has recently capitalized on ECCC’s Out-of-School Youth Program, securing an internship at the Philadelphia Community Development Partnership. 

 

Supported by SMPDD/TDWDA funding, ECCC’s Out-of-School Youth Program is aimed at aiding residents aged 16 to 24, who are currently not attending high school (be it public, private, or homeschool) or college, and fall within the low-income bracket. The program spans a four-week developmental course designed to enhance work skills and ethics, provide financial literacy training, offer resume and interview preparation, and extend job search assistance. 

 

Wilson expressed her gratitude for the program, stating, “This program came into my life at the perfect time. Following the pandemic's impact on me and my family, I found myself without work, and this program was instrumental in guiding me back on track.” 

 

Before beginning her internship, Wilson underwent four weeks of classroom training with career coach Cassie Hickman at the Integrated Technologies Training Center (ITTC) in Choctaw. 

 

Wilson commented, “Ms. Hickman was an exceptional instructor and formed a real connection with me. We worked on various aspects such as crafting resumes, honing job-seeking strategies, refining interview skills, and more. The classroom experience truly equipped me for the workforce, particularly in terms of interview preparation.” 

 

After completing her coursework, Wilson began working in her internship role in Philadelphia with the Community Development Partnership, which works on many fronts to promote the economy of Neshoba County. 

 

Following the conclusion of her internship, Wilson intends to continue collaborating with the Community Development Partnership. 

 

“I wholeheartedly recommend this program to all eligible individuals, and I frequently find myself informing the public about the myriad opportunities it has extended to me,” Wilson emphasized. “I received support at every part of the experience and felt a genuine willingness from everyone to assist me.” 

 

For further details about the Out-of-School Youth Program, please reach out to Youth Program Coordinator Shavonn Pruitt at spruitt@eccc.edu or call 601-635-6404.