Woodward Hines Education Foundation Unveils The Mississippi’s Skills Navigator

For Immediate Release: January 28, 2025
Contact: Morgan Miller, (601) 321-5527; mmiller@woodwardhines.org  

A Transformative Career Exploration Tool

JACKSON, MISS. – The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) proudly announces the launch of the Mississippi’s Skills Navigator, an innovative career exploration resource developed in collaboration with Ascent to 55%, the Mississippi Economic Council, and Strada Education Network. Created by Roadtrip Nation, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals define their own paths in life, this new tool delivers inspiring stories from role models across the Magnolia State, along with actionable tools and educational opportunities to support Mississippians in achieving their career goals. 

“As we continue our work to expand access to education and workforce opportunities in Mississippi, the launch of the Mississippi’s Skills Navigator represents a significant step forward,” said Jim McHale, President and CEO of WHEF. “This resource bridges the gap between aspiration and opportunity, ensuring that every learner can see a path to success.” 

The Mississippi’s Skills Navigator serves as a dynamic career exploration resource where users can explore career pathways, discover majors, engage with interactive activities, watch video interviews with professionals, and create personalized action plans to guide their journey forward. Designed for learners and career-seekers aged 16 and up, the Skills Navigator blends professional development tools with engaging, youth-centered video content. The platform brings careers to life, connecting young adults with relatable role models and actionable workforce insights. 

The Skills Navigator integrates Roadtrip Nation’s Emmy-nominated video content with statewide workforce resources and national O*NET career data. This combination provides an empowering experience where users can: 

• Identify and articulate their existing skills gained through life, school, and work.
• Explore how these skills align with in-demand local careers.
• Watch engaging “Day in the Life” videos featuring Mississippi professionals.
• Access curated workforce resources and training opportunities. 

The Skills Navigator helps users create a personalized skills profile—a downloadable tool they can use to highlight their abilities in resumes, cover letters, job applications, and more. It also connects users with Mississippi-based resources to find training programs and gain new skills for rewarding careers. 

“The Skills Navigator is designed to help all Mississippians explore high-demand careers in the state and chart their path to success. It provides a clear route to better opportunities through education after high school and career development resources,” said McHale. 

For more information and to explore Mississippi’s Skills Navigator, visit: roadtripnation.com/workforce/mississippi.   

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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation 

Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org. 

About Get2College 

Get2College, the flagship program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, is committed to providing excellent college planning services to Mississippi families to help students get to college and be successful there. The program offers free, comprehensive help to plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school as well as support for students to persist through and complete their education. Get2College also offers direct support to high school counselors and college-planning training to high school counselors, educators, and school leaders. Learn more about Get2College by visiting www.get2college.org.