Two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students have been named 2026 Chime Workforce Scholars, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and commitment to career-focused education.

Jonothan Salter and Hilda Lett, both students at the Jackson County Campus, will each receive a $1,000 Chime Workforce Scholarship to help support their education as they prepare for careers in high-demand technical fields.

Funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges. Scholarships help students complete certificates or associate degrees designed to prepare them to enter or advance in the workforce.

Salter is enrolled in MGCCC’s Drafting and Design Technology program and is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He said the program is helping him combine his creativity with technical skills as he prepares for a career in drafting and design.

“Being named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar is such an honor,” Salter said. “It is an encouragement to continue working toward my educational and career goals, and it gives me even more motivation to succeed.”

Salter, who works fulltime at American Tank & Vessel in Lucedale, said the scholarship will help ease the financial burden of completing his education and allow him to concentrate on developing the skills he will need in his career.

“I chose Drafting and Design because I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to better myself, grow professionally, and use my creativity and skills in a meaningful way,” he said. “I want to build a career that I genuinely enjoy and look forward to going to every day.”

After completing his program at Gulf Coast, Salter plans to enter the workforce and continue building his experience in drafting and design.

Lett is pursuing a degree in 3D Modeling and Design while already putting her skills to work at Ingalls Shipbuilding, where she is employed in Engineering as an Engineering Tech III. She expects to graduate from MGCCC in May 2027 and has five classes remaining in her program.

For Lett, completing her degree will also lead directly to professional advancement. Upon graduation, she expects to move into a Designer position at Ingalls.

“I chose this field of study because I am surrounded with it on my job at Ingalls Shipbuilding,” Lett said. “With this degree, I will be able to advance on my job.”

Lett said the $1,000 scholarship comes at an especially important point in her education, helping cover the cost of her remaining courses while easing some of the financial pressure caused by increasing living expenses.

“The $1,000 scholarship will help me pay for my remaining classes and has lifted a heavy burden off of me,” she said.

She also credited Phi Theta Kappa with providing opportunities and resources that have helped her continue working toward her educational goals.

“I am honored to have been chosen to be in Phi Theta Kappa and the opportunity to take advantage of the many programs they offer,” Lett said. “I will be forever grateful for Phi Theta Kappa and Chime in offering me this scholarship.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship program recognizes students pursuing career and technical education who are preparing to enter the workforce or advance in their chosen professions. For Salter and Lett, the recognition represents both support for completing their education and an investment in the careers they are already working to build.