Bridging the Gap: DeSoto County Career Expo connects students with future opportunities
Photos credit: DeSoto County Government/Facebook
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Thousands of DeSoto County students are exploring future career paths this week as the Bridging the Gap: DeSoto County Career Expo returns to the Landers Center. The two-day event connects 10th-grade students with regional employers, training programs, and career opportunities across a variety of industries.
The event is presented by DeSoto County Government, the DeSoto County Economic Development Council and the Landers Center.
Key highlights
- More than 3,000 DeSoto County sophomores expected to attend the two-day expo.
- Hands-on exhibits from local employers showcase real-world careers in logistics, healthcare, engineering, and more.
- Event jointly organized by the DeSoto County Economic Development Council and DeSoto County Schools.
The Bridging the Gap expo aims to “connect education to opportunity,” giving high school students a firsthand look at local careers that don’t always require a four-year degree. The event brings together dozens of local companies, industry leaders, and training providers inside Southaven’s Landers Center.
Students spend time touring hands-on exhibits representing multiple career pathways — from advanced manufacturing and health science to distribution, finance, energy, and telecommunications. Industry professionals allow students to handle real equipment, operate simulators, and ask questions about job duties and training requirements.
Officials say the event supports long-term workforce development efforts as DeSoto County continues to attract new business investments in logistics, manufacturing, and technology.
