School officials at Jackson Public School District's Career Development Center are encouraging students to think twice about leaving Mississippi to find jobs.
Dr. Brenda Jackson is Principal of JPS Career Development Center.
"We just want to let them know that there are wonderful opportunities here, that you don't have to go out-of-state thousands of miles away. You can have the quality of life that you aspire, and you can do it right there in Mississippi," says Jackson.
The Mississippi Energy Institution and others are promoting jobs in the energy field during Careers in Energy Week.
Jackson says the energy industry in Mississippi has a lot to offer students, from oil rigs to engineering, public relations, and even service meter mechanics.
"The energy industry is growing. We want them to remain a part of this community, and help this community grow. Atmos employs thousands of people in their company, right here in the state," Jackson says.
Houston Sherrod is with Atmos Energy. He shares his story with students - reassuring them that they too can succeed in this field.
"Kids think that they don't have anyone that they can go to or that there aren't any paying jobs around here paying. I wanted to be an example for them to show them that I have a career here with Atmos Energy, and that they can have one as well," says Sherrod.
Sherrod says he thinks the energy industry can provide students with the same career opportunities he received.
