Providing a fresh start

Irrelevant regulations often make it hard for those leaving prison to find a job. In Mississippi, dozens of different occupations require a license from the state to work in that field. Occupations from doctors, attorneys, and teachers require a license, as well as barbers, tattoo artists, and eyebrow threaders. The Institute for Justice ranks Mississippi as…

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Empower Mississippi launches Embark

A new initiative will help educational entrepreneurs start new schools in Mississippi. Today, Empower Mississippi launched Embark, which will assist school founders in starting charter and private schools. “Our charter sector desperately needs a jump-start,” said Grant Callen, CEO of Empower. “It’s been eight years since the legislature passed enabling legislation and Mississippi only has seven…

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First Step Act provides second chance

Genesis Wess sat behind bars for 19 years waiting for a second chance – something he wasn’t sure he’d ever get. Genesis grew up poor. He knew he wanted better but was misled. He thought that what he was looking for could be found on the streets of Moss Point where he lived. “It was…

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Ivy Green Academy: A learner-driven school

“There’s no drill and kill here.” That’s how Dr. Donna Akers, Head of School at Ivy Green Academy in Pontotoc describes the freedom that her students have in the classroom. The students are receiving an education free from standardized testing and the traditional ways of doing school all while thriving and growing. Donna founded the…

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Supreme Court to hear landmark school choice case

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week in a potentially landmark case that is challenging a school choice program in Maine that bars families from choosing schools simply because of the fact that they teach religion. The lawsuit was filed by Institute for Justice and First Liberty Institute. In Maine, a tuition…

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