An estimated $40,000-plus in scholarships will be presented to Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars this year.

Program director Rob McCreary said the amount takes into consideration local donations and scholarships already committed by colleges.

The Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars Program is the only chapter in the program that provides a scholarship to every student who participates.

The local program began in 2005, knowing that the state’s economic outlook depends on developing a better-prepared, more educated workforce. Mississippi Scholars provides an academic model that motivates students to pursue a more rigorous course of study, and adds other requirements like attendance, community service and minimum grade point average and ACT score.

The Mississippi Scholars Tech Master designation recognizes students who have completed the academic training along with career and technical curriculum.

“The goal of our program is to have a college and career-ready graduate,” McCreary said. “Each student is going to get something. We want to fund every kid. Our plan is a minimum of $250 per student.”

In 2022, 138 high school graduates received the Mississippi Scholar and/or Tech Master designation. Collectively, they served more than 18,000 volunteer hours in their communities. All eligible graduates were awarded scholarships of at least $250 each at the April awards ceremony, totaling more than $92,000.

All donors are invited to participate in the April 23 awards ceremony at Easthaven Baptist Church.

“It’s a great program,” said McCreary. “It’s helping our kids.”