Mississippi is one of the states featured in the Linking Leaders Community for Change Book. Click the image to go to the Linking Leaders book main page and learn more about Mississippi's Linking Leaders program activities.

Leaders from education, industry and government who are fully committed to the improvement of mathematics, science and technology education, have been invited to participate in the coalition. A grant from the Aerospace States Association (ASA), complemented by matching funds from within Mississippi, have provided the means for a series of meetings leading to the formal establishment of a Mississippi Coalition for Mathematics, Science and Technology. Also, a grant from the National Alliance of State Science & Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC) will enhance ASA activities by establishing a resource development database in math, science and technology in the state. The Mississippi Science Network, Inc. has been instrumental in obtaining these grants, serving as fiscal agent, and providing leadership during the reorganization efforts of the past year.

Linking Leaders: The Mississippi Coalition for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MCMST) was founded in 1999. Mississippi participated in the first group of the Linking Leaders program in 1996. A small existing coalition made the application for the Linking Leaders program and served as the nucleus for the creation of MCMST. MCMST received a grant from the Aerospace States Association (ASA), complemented by matching funds from within Mississippi, which provided the means for a series of meetings leading to the formal establishment of a Mississippi Coalition for Mathematics, Science and Technology. The Mississippi Science Network, Inc. has been instrumental in obtaining these grants, serving as fiscal agent, and providing leadership during the initial organizational efforts.

The NASSMC/NASA-sponsored efforts at building the Mississippi Coalition for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MCMST) started in 1996 with a tri-state conference entitled "Linking Leaders for Systemic Reform". The Mississippi Science Network, Inc. initiated a reorganization meeting in April 1999. Former Mississippi Governor William Winter agreed to lead the MCMST development.

In September 1999, Governor Winter furthered reorganization efforts by convening a meeting of representatives from the State Department of Education, higher education, community colleges, economic development organizations, and The Mississippi Public Education Forum. As a result of this meeting, workforce development has emerged as a major element of the coalition's action plan. Former Governor Winter has also recommended to the present governor, the enhancement of the coalition to assume the role of an independent, non-government commission by executive order.

Political realities in the state have put this effort on hold for the present. The coalition and Governor Winter are determined however, to revive the initiative when the political climate changes.

The NASSMC/NASA-sponsored efforts at building the Mississippi Coalition for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MCMST) started in 1996 with a tri-state conference entitled "Linking Leaders for Systemic Reform". The Mississippi Science Network, Inc. initiated a reorganization meeting in April 1999, after which former Mississippi Governor William Winter agreed to lead the MCMST development. In September 1999, Governor Winter furthered reorganization efforts by convening a meeting of representatives from the State Department of Education, higher education, community colleges, economic development organizations, and The Mississippi Public Education Forum. Based on the consensus of this group, business and industry leaders were invited to the second meeting held in October 1999. Currently, a formal structure is being proposed which would include leadership from those present at the October meeting.