Southern Pearl River County

We began our official journey to certification in early March 2016. Our overarching goal is to work together to ensure the well-being of young children in Pearl River County. Specifically, we strive to ensure that all families with young children, especially those in greatest need, have access to and utilize the community's services.

The establishment of the SPRC Community Coalition began in April 2015. A small group of community members from various service areas came together to assess families’ access to early childhood services in Pearl River County and determine how multiple sectors could work together to broaden their reach. Over time, group membership increased, with participation including numerous school districts, city council members, educators, nurses, clergy, housing administrators, parents, mental health providers, early childhood researchers, and early interventionists. We are excited to work towards the Excel By 5 Certification and ensure our youngest residents are safe, healthy, and ready to learn!

About Pearl River County, MS: Pearl River County is a predominantly rural county located in south Mississippi on the state's western border, near Louisiana. The SPRC Excel By 5 Coalition represents all incorporated and unincorporated communities in Pearl River County (except for Poplarville), which includes an estimated 52,254 residents (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). Some of our local institutions include Pearl River Community College, four school districts, Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation (education/philanthropy/ research), a unified county library system with regionally renowned genealogical and historical collections, and Stennis Space Center (NASA).