The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC) donated $2,500.00 to the Education Committee of the East Mississippi Business Development Foundation (EMBDF), which sponsors the local Mississippi Scholars program.  The money donated by the EMBDC was raised from ticket sales to their 19th Annual Meeting.

    The education committee will use the donation received to fund scholarships for Meridian and Lauderdale County’s Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters. The Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters Initiative is an education program managed by the Mississippi Economic Council, and sponsored locally by the EMBDF Education Committee.  There are 3 components to the Meridian/Lauderdale County Mississippi Scholars and Master Tech program:

    • Eighth grade classroom presentations by business leaders who provide the rationale to students to commit to a rigorous high school curriculum;

    • Senior recognition in the form of a seal on their diploma and transcript, a certificate and medallion to wear at graduation; and

    • Incentives in the form of cash scholarships.

    In addition, the Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters Initiative encourages good stewardship and responsibility through community services and attendance requirements. The goal of Mississippi Scholars to prepare students for post-secondary education, as well as high tech, military, and vocational programs will lead to a more qualified and competitive workforce for our community.