PIKE COUNTY MISSISSIPPI SCHOLARS & TECH MASTER PROGRAM

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as the local sponsor of the Pike County Mississippi Scholars and Tech Master Programs. These programs are designed to encourage students to complete a rigorous course of study in high school and better prepare for success in college, the workforce, and life.

For more than a decade, this program has recognized Pike County students who have chosen to challenge themselves academically and stay focused on their future. Through the support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals, the program has also provided scholarships that help qualifying graduates take the next step after high school.

The program has grown into one of the Chamber’s most meaningful education and workforce initiatives, connecting the business community with the next generation of leaders, employees, and community members.

The Mississippi Scholars program encourages students to take a stronger academic path in high school so they are better prepared for college and career opportunities after graduation. The Tech Master designation recognizes students who complete a demanding career and technical pathway that equips them with valuable workforce skills.

In Pike County, this effort is about more than recognition. It is about creating a culture that values preparation, responsibility, and long-term success.

The Chamber also coordinates REAL LIFE, an interactive event for eighth graders that helps students understand the real-world financial and lifestyle decisions they will face as adults. REAL LIFE introduces students to budgeting, expenses, and personal responsibility while also helping them see the value of staying on track in school and working toward the Mississippi Scholars or Tech Master designation.

Together, these programs give students a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed and give the community a direct way to invest in their future.

The Pike County Mississippi Scholars program began in 2010 with a banquet to honor local graduates. Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 2012. Since then, the program has continued to grow in both participation and financial impact.

Using the year-by-year program recap, Pike County has achieved the following through the program:

• 796 scholarships awarded
• $476,750 in total scholarship dollars awarded
• 2,089 total high school seniors recognized
• 1,489 students recognized as Mississippi Scholars
• 543 students recognized as Tech Masters

The records also show how the scholarship component has expanded over time. Chamber scholarships began at $250, later increased to $500, grew to $750 in 2024, and reached $1,000 in 2025. That growth reflects the commitment of local supporters who understand the value of investing in Pike County students.

The program has seen strong participation across the years, with one of its highest totals in 2020, when 181 students were recognized and 75 scholarships totaling $41,500 were awarded. In 2025, the program awarded 63 scholarships totaling $63,000, marking the largest individual Chamber scholarship amount to date. The 2026 recap already shows 90 total students on track for recognition, including 79 Mississippi Scholars and 33 Tech Masters.

The Pike County Mississippi Scholars and Tech Master Programs help build a stronger future for our community by:

• encouraging students to pursue a more rigorous course of study
• connecting education with workforce readiness
• recognizing achievement in a meaningful public way
• rewarding student effort through scholarships
• giving local businesses and donors a direct opportunity to invest in Pike County’s future workforce

This is not simply a banquet or a scholarship program. It is a long-term investment in students, families, schools, and the future of Pike County.

Each year, local sponsors make it possible for the program to recognize qualifying students and provide scholarships to help them continue their education.

As stated in this year’s sponsorship request letter, the Chamber’s long-term goal is:

“to recognize every MS Scholars student and present them with a $1,000 scholarship to the college they plan to attend after graduation.”

The 2026 sponsorship letter explains that these programs use business leaders to motivate students to complete a rigorous course of study that gives them “a boost – not just for work and/or college but for life.”

Honor — $100 to $499
Dean — $500 to $999
Presidential — $1,000 to $9,999
M.V.P. — $10,000 and up

Because the Pike County Mississippi Scholars program is a recognized 501(c)(3), contributions are tax-deductible.

The success of this program depends on community support. Every contribution helps recognize student achievement and move Pike County closer to the goal of awarding scholarships to every qualifying Mississippi Scholar student.

Mailing Information:
Pike County Mississippi Scholars
P.O. Box 83
McComb, MS 39649

Questions?
Contact the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 601-684-2291.

To earn the Mississippi Scholars or Tech Master designation, students must complete a specific course of study designed to better prepare them for college, career training, and the workforce. The curriculum outlines below provide an overview of the requirements students must meet.

Community service for the Pike County Mississippi Scholars & Tech Master Program should reflect genuine volunteer work performed for the benefit of others, the community, a nonprofit organization, church, or civic effort without pay or compensation. Service hours should demonstrate personal involvement, responsibility, and a willingness to give back in a meaningful way.