Staff  report

Second Chance Mississippi has announced that Zach Scruggs will assume the role as Executive Director.

Scruggs has been an advisor to 2nd Chance Mississippi since the beginning and his passion and leadership in a formal role will take the foundation to the next level, according to Dr. Andrew Mullins Jr., director of the Mississippi Teacher Corps and serves as an advisor to Second Chance Mississippi.

“His enthusiasm, energy and passion are an unbeatable combination,” said Mullins.

“I am excited to be joining Second Chance Mississippi in a more direct and official capacity,” Scruggs said.  “I have been working with Second Chance and it’s collaborative Mississippi educators and leaders since it’s inception, so this is a natural transition for me.”

Scruggs’  focus for 2016 is to establish 2nd Chance Mississippi as it’s own 501c3, ensure that it becomes self sustaining and implement a pilot program that recruits and retains adult students in Mississippi’s 15 community colleges.

“I have enjoyed traveling the State and meeting with Mississippi’s exceptional community college adult educators and students,” Scruggs said.  “Mississippi’s community colleges have one the best adult education and work skills programs in the Country. Our joint mission is to increase participation and graduation rates for the 400,000 adult Mississippians without a high school diploma or a good paying job. I look forward to continuing to work with Mississippi’s community colleges, elected officials, and business leaders to significantly increase adult education and employment in Mississippi.”

Scruggs is the son of Richard “Dickie” Scruggs, founder of 2nd Chance Mississippi.

He shares his father’s passion to give hope to those adults in Mississippi who do not have a high school diploma or a skilled certification,” said Catti Beals, director of development for 2nd Chance Mississippi. “This support will help adults receive the employment credentials they need to earn a family sustaining wage.”

To learn more about 2nd Chance Mississippi, visit their website at www.secondchancems.com.