Empower Mississippi, a local research and advocacy organization launched its new campaign, “Mississippi Ready,” today with a bold goal of expanding K-12 education opportunities for all families in the state. The initiative seeks to break down barriers to education and ensure every Mississippi family has access to a personalized learning experience.

Mississippi Ready responds to a growing concern: many students are leaving the education system without the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. This has led to employers struggling to find skilled workers and a shrinking labor force in the state. The campaign aims to reverse these trends by offering families more education options and better-preparing students for their futures.

“Advocating for a strong education system in our state has been one of our top priorities from the very beginning,” said Grant Callen, CEO of Empower Mississippi. “The Mississippi Ready campaign was developed to give families a platform to tell their stories and advocate for expanded education options so every family can match their children with the best school that works for them.”

The campaign’s mission is rooted in the belief that every child has unique learning styles and aspirations. Mississippi Ready is dedicated to creating an educational environment where every student can thrive, regardless of race, income, or location.

Leah Ferretti, Director of Mississippi Ready, highlighted the campaign’s focus on equal access to opportunities. “Imagine a child interested in STEM, but their school lacks resources; or, consider a student thriving in arts, now able to attend a school that nurtures their talent. We want families to have the power to choose the best school for their child,” Ferretti said.

Mississippi Ready will address various educational access issues in the coming years, from public school transfers to increased tuition-free options.

Empower Mississippi encourages the community and legislators to support school choice and education access reforms. For more information, visit MississippiReady.org.