His wife discovered a 6-to-8-week residential wiring course in Marks, not long after he started his search. He applied for it because it was free. “I would have had to pay for the online class. This was the right course for me. I get hands-on experience. It saved me time and money,” Washington said to Mississippi Today over the phone. “I took the class because my son is an electrician. I said to him that I would be able help him. It inspired me to do it.” This is part of the Career Empowerment Center’s job training program for adults 18 years and older in Quitman County, and nearby counties. The Marks Project, a non-profit organization that empowers residents with skills and resources, manages the program in partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College and Coahoma Community College. The Marks Project was established in 2018 with the mission to eliminate poverty through education, recreation and quality of life. According to U.S. Census data, the median household income in Quitman County, where the organization is situated, is $25,283. The program was launched in 2019 and offers training in residential electric wiring, welding, forklift operation, screen printing, report writing and basic computer skills. The classes are offered by both community colleges. Each class must have at least five students. The building is 24,000 square feet and it is owned by Quitman county. Steven Jossell is the executive director of Coahoma Community College Workforce Development Center. He stated that the center’s mission is to meet the demands of industry and promote workforce development. Coahoma offered a welding class. Jossell stated in an email that welding is one of the most highly paid and skilled occupations in America with a median annual wage of more than $40,0000. According to the American Welding Society, there will be a shortage in welders by 2024. Jossell stated that the welder industry will offer many opportunities for those “desiring the vocation.” Nearly 200 people have been trained since the center’s inception. However, it is not clear how many have found jobs. Wylie Lavender is an advanced workforce trainer at Coahoma Community College Workforce Development Center. “I believe it really goes over and beyond and keeps someone (in their hometown).” Lavender stated that people often hate to move and are reluctant to leave their home. However, they have seen people go to Olive Branch to get jobs. These jobs pay $14 to $19 per hour. Lavender teaches four hours of forklift training, which includes OSHA and safety guidelines. The student receives a certificate and a three year license in forklift operation after they have completed the course. Due to major cooling and heating system renovations, the center was closed for six months. In October, the center reopened. The Marks Project had primarily focused its efforts on youth until last year. The Marks Project helped to build a playground, and reopened a gym. Quitman County and Northwest colleges partnered with the organization to create a job readiness program and GED program. The organization secured tutoring, ACT Prep and Jump Start programs in Quitman County Schools District. Mitch Campbell, cofounder of the Marks Project said that the Career Empowerment Center was an extension of his work. Two women went through our screen printing course. They started their own businesses. Campbell stated that one of the women told the class, “You just received $1,000 worth free training in screen printing.” People are coming forward. They want to provide for their families. They want a better chance… The goal is to hopefully make Marks last.” Campbell stated that a lot of this would not have been possible without Bland’s tireless efforts as the Marks Project director. Bland, who is 76, coordinates partners, day-to-day operations, activities and bookkeeping among many other responsibilities. She wanted to do more for her community after she retired. Bland stated, “I love it here and want to be in a position to help others have a good quality of life.” This allows more people to get work. People could be trained to become electricians or welders, which would make them more than I earned teaching school. This was possible through a collaboration between nonprofits, colleges and universities and local governments. However, the challenge has been to get more people involved and attract more funding. It’s a community effort. It’s important for the community to get involved. Robert Mehrle, a board member of the Marks Project, said that it won’t work if parents, teachers, and students don’t get involved. “It’ll benefit the community, and we have to get people to stay,” Robert Mehrle, board member for the Marks Project, said. However, Washington, the Tunica County bus driver and custodian, is the most important factor. The group’s leaders intend to expand their programming for children through adults. Washington said, “It’s been an amazing experience so far.” “Last year, I took a class in Coahoma and learned plumbing. “Now I have an electrical wiring certificate.”