Significant Donation to Oktibbeha County PreK Programs

Children engaged in educational activities in a vibrant classroom in Oktibbeha County.

News Summary

The First Bank has made a generous $75,000 donation to enhance pre-kindergarten education in Oktibbeha County, specifically supporting fifteen PreK classrooms in Starkville. This funding aims to improve educational opportunities for nearly 300 children by expanding offerings and promoting parental engagement through various programs. The initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to community health and educational success, paving the way for a bright future for young learners in the area. Parents should mark January 28-30, 2025, for on-site registration for the upcoming school year.

Exciting News for Oktibbeha County’s PreK Programs!

Starkville, a bustling city in Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement after The First Bank made a generous donation of $75,000 to enhance pre-kindergarten education in Oktibbeha County. This impressive contribution is set to make a real difference in the lives of young learners and their families.

A Boost for Early Learning

The funds will be directed to the Starkville Oktibbeha Early Learning Collaborative (SOELC), which calls the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s Discovery Center its home. By supporting fifteen PreK classrooms across four sites—namely Sudduth Elementary School, West Elementary School, Emerson Family School, and ICS Head Start – Oktibbeha County—this initiative promises to foster quality education right from the start.

This significant funding is a crucial part of The First’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in the community, aligning perfectly with Mississippi’s progressive one-to-one state tax credit program for early learning initiatives. This program allows businesses to match donations up to a whopping $1 million to further strengthen early education collaboratives.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Learners

It gets even better! The SOELC has grown its PreK offerings from just seven classrooms to fifteen in recent years, increasing enrollment from 196 to nearly 300 children for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This expansion is not merely about numbers; it’s about creating a supportive environment for children during their formative years.

Thanks to these donations, there will also be programs focused on parental engagement. This includes workforce development classes and a Parent Academy that emphasizes kindergarten readiness. These efforts are vital as they help parents prepare their children for the next big step in their educational journey.

Investing in Community Health

According to a representative from The First Bank, banking is about more than just managing finances—it’s about investing in the overall health of the community. By committing funds to educational initiatives, they aim to enrich the community, strengthen families, and ultimately boost educational success.

Contributions like this are vital in ensuring that children receive the best start possible. The emphasis is not only on academic achievement but also on developing strong family support systems. By giving back, local businesses are helping ensure the youngest members of the community have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Mark Your Calendars!

For parents interested in enrolling their children in PreK, mark your calendars! Registration for the 2025-2026 school year at Sudduth Elementary and West Elementary schools will occur on-site from January 28-30, 2025. This is a great opportunity for families to start their children on the path to educational success.

A Bright Future Ahead

The First Bank’s contribution is more than just a monetary donation; it’s a testament to their commitment to the community and its future. As Oktibbeha County continues to invest in early childhood education, parents, children, and educators alike can look forward to a bright future filled with endless possibilities. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in Starkville, these first steps for children are sure to lead to remarkable destinations!