By John Howell
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi partnered with Panola County Community Foundation to award a total of $5,000 in grant funding to Panola Partnership Inc. for improving access to higher education opportunities at North Panola High School during its 2016-2017 school year.
The funds will be used for place-based education activities to improve students’ access to higher education opportunities. The money will be used to sponsor college-readiness programming like college and industry visits, financial aid seminars, and support services for college preparation and completion.
“On behalf of the board members of the Panola County Community Foundation, we are very excited about the outcome potential this investment represents to all of Panola County in the long term,” board member Joe Azar said.
Speaking for Panola Partnership Inc., Executive Director Sonny Simmons said, “We are all so proud of all the work that is being done at North Panola High School as they work to prepare our high school students to further their education and become productive citizens. We are especially thankful to the forethought, support, and generosity from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and the Panola County Community Foundation’s contribution to make this possible.
“This valuable program will allow students to broaden their horizons and get firsthand experience in learning about the vast opportunities that are available to them after they finish high school.”
Community Foundation President, Tom Pittman, said, “Education is a top priority of the Community Foundation. We are pleased to strengthen the educational opportunities for North Panola students with this grant from our Place Based Education Fund started by Morgan Freeman.”
The Panola Partnership, Inc. is organized to encourage, foster and stimulate the growth of commerce; to advertise and bring into favorable notice the opportunities, possibilities and resources of Panola County, Mississippi and its municipalities.
 The Panola County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and was established in 2008 with the goal to improve the quality of life for all Panolians—now and for generations to come.
The Community Foundation manages 217 donor-established funds and has distributed $16.7 million to support more than 420 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation.
Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501.c.3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Tunica counties.