JACKSON, MISS. – The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) today announced the launch of its fourth college access and planning center, the Get2College Mobile Center, a state-of-the-art mobile resource designed to deliver free college and career planning services directly to students and families across Mississippi.
The Mobile Center, made possible through generous support from the Walton Family Foundation and Entergy Mississippi, represents a step in expanding equitable access to postsecondary planning— particularly in rural and underserved communities where barriers such as limited transportation, fewer school counseling staff, and unreliable internet often stand in the way of college enrollment.
“This isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a mission on wheels,” said Jim McHale, President and CEO of WHEF. “By taking our services directly to communities, we’re helping remove the barriers that keep too many students from pursuing education beyond high school.”
The Get2College Mobile Center will initially serve students and families in Carroll, Holmes, Tallahatchie, Coahoma, Tunica, and Quitman counties. Postsecondary attainment in these counties
ranges from 21% to 33%, compared to the Mississippi statewide average of 48.7% (Lumina Foundation’s Stronger Nation report).
This effort is directly aligned with Mississippi’s Ascent to 55% goal, the state’s first formally established postsecondary attainment plan, which calls for 55% of Mississippi working-age
population to hold a degree or credential by 2030, and 60% by 2035.
Modeled after the success of bookmobiles and mobile healthcare units, the 17-foot Get2College Mobile Center is built on a commercial truck chassis, combining ample space with flexibility for staff driving (no special license required). It is staffed by two full-time Get2College counselors and outfitted with:
- Modern technology, private counseling space, and Wi-Fi.
- Support for FAFSA completion, financial aid guidance, and testing preparation.
- College applications and one-on-one advising.
- Flexible scheduling to serve students at schools, libraries, churches, community centers, and even high school football games.
“Education is the foundation of Mississippi’s economic future,” said Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi and WHEF Board Member. “The Mobile Center ensures students in rural and underserved communities have opportunities to pursue higher education, which will ultimately strengthen families, communities, and our workforce.”
To learn more about the Mobile Center and WHEF, visit woodwardhines.org.
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About Woodward Hines Education Foundation
Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. The foundation envisions a Mississippi where all people can access and secure the training and education beyond high school that will allow them to advance their quality of life, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous future for the state. Learn more about WHEF by visiting www.woodwardhines.org.
About Get2College
Get2College, a college access program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation, is committed to providing excellent college planning services to Mississippi families to help students get to college and be successful there. The program offers free, comprehensive help to plan, prepare, and pay for education after high school as well as support for students to persist through and complete their education. Get2College also offers direct support to high school counselors and college-planning training to high school counselors, educators, and school leaders. Learn more about Get2College by visiting www.get2college.org.
Contact: Morgan Miller, (601) 321-5527; mmiller@woodwardhines.org