Jordan Jefferson, a junior at JSU, was 1 of 14 students chosen for the Delta Scholars Summer Institute. Hosted by Mississippi State University, in collaboration with the Harvard Law School Mississippi Delta Fellow, the institute is a “ten-day immersion program committed to improving the lived experience of residents in the Mississippi Delta.”
Students were selected based on their leadership ability, academic performance, and interest in the Delta region. The scholarship covered room and board, housing and travel expenses.
“I was very excited about being involved with the program. I had a chance to work with students from different universities and learn about the fundamentals of policymaking,” said Jefferson, a political science major and vice president of the SGA.
Program scholars were mentored by faculty advisors who research education, economic development and food security in the Delta. Students were also directed on the fundamentals of advocacy with local public officials, business leaders, non-governmental agencies and state representatives to support plans to enhance their communities.
The program took place July 9 -18 and concluded at the Delta Regional Forum in Clarksdale where each scholar presented a project proposal to improve their hometowns.
“I did a presentation on my initiative to add an additional one percent tax to fix major roads in Jackson much faster,” said Jefferson, who also shared that he wants to one day be the mayor of the capital city and put an end to brain drain by creating more job opportunities that offer competitive compensation.
Jefferson recommends that others apply to the scholar’s program because the opportunities gained through professional and social networking could change a student’s life for the better.
“I talk about getting involved in programs like this not because I’m bragging, but I want others to have the same experience. You never know where it can take you,” said the aspiring attorney.
The Delta Scholars will reconnect with each other and their mentors when they attend a five-day leadership symposium at Harvard University during the fall semester.
To learn more about the Delta Scholars Program, click here.