Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — After sitting vacant since 2022, the Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center at the former Joseph Frazier Elementary School held an open house event Monday to invite the community to participate in programming there starting in January.

Organized by Bettye Bell of Pretty Girls With Brains and Jarita Frazier King of Southwest Mississippi Wellness Association, the non-profit enrichment center at 1445 George F. West Blvd. has three main objectives, improving “the education of our children, the diversity of our community and economic empowerment for everyone — helping everyone become self-sufficient,” Bell said.

Bell added that the center is entirely grant- and volunteer-supported. “We do not have one dime. God is awesome,” she said.

An array of 9 to 12-week classes for kindergarten up to adulthood start at the center on Jan. 6.

“The reason we can’t start earlier is we’re making sure we have heat in all of the rooms before we start bringing people in,” Bell said.

Once open, the center will operate Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In May, the Natchez Adams School District agreed to a free lease of the school library, the main office, the cafeteria and several classrooms to the two non-profits to use for the community programs.

The open house activities on Monday included a tour of the classrooms and information on what will be provided; a presentation from Barbara Bennett, a Tax Compliance Officer and outreach planner for the Internal Revenue Service; and a dance from the Emerald Elite Dance Team, which holds its practice at the Frazier center and will be traveling to perform at the Pelican Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Because the enrichment center is not funded, a $60 donation is requested from those who participate in any of the programs to help cover operating costs, King said. Anyone with a specific skill set who is interested in providing a class or holding an event at the center is also invited to share their information, she said.

“It’s a community space,” she said.

For more information, contact Bell at 601-334-4104 or King at 601-807-1008.

Below is a list of the offerings now as well as courses soon to be offered at the new Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center:

Academic Quiz Bowl Challenge- The Academic Quiz Bowl Challenge is an engaging competition designed for students in grades 5 through 12. This program aims to assess and enhance students’ knowledge across various subjects, including math, science, reading, history, and current events. The competition will foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for learning while providing a fun and competitive atmosphere. Coordinator, Dewana Strauder

AJFC Fashion Closet – The closet houses clothing for individuals who are looking to dress for success for job interviews. Also, this closet is open to individuals who are interested in some furnishing to complement their home environment. Coordinator, Yameka Thomas

Automotive Safety and Maintenance Class – This 9-week class is designed to provide participants with essential knowledge and practical skills related to vehicle safety, maintenance, and road safety. The program covers key topics such as seat belt safety, changing a tire, checking fluid levels, and overall road safety, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to maintain their vehicles and drive safely. TBA

Beauty, Poise, and Wellness – This 9-week program is designed to empower participants with essential skills and knowledge to cultivate beauty, elegance, and well-being. The curriculum combines practical beauty tips, poise and grace training, and healthy lifestyle practices to help participants develop confidence and a polished presence. The program includes interactive workshops, guest speakers, and practical activities, creating an engaging and supportive environment for personal growth. Coordinator, Asia Green

Boys to Men – The “Boys to Men” program is designed to guide young men through the essential skills and knowledge needed to transition confidently into adulthood. Each week focuses on a different area of personal and professional development, with activities and lessons aimed at building character, leadership, and practical life skills Coordinator, Cleveland Moore, Jr.

Career Development – This program helps individuals with career development, resume building and skills needed to successfully obtain a job. Coordinator, Sonia Morris

Community Impact Hours – Community Impact Hours is a service-learning program designed to connect participants with local community needs while fostering personal and professional development. The program requires a commitment of 2 hours per week over a 10-week period, during which participants will engage in hands-on service activities and reflective learning sessions. Coordinator, Sandra Stander

Conflict Resolution Program for Out-of-School Youth – This 9-week program is designed to support out-of-school youth who have been suspended from school for an extended period. The program integrates conflict resolution, anger management, academic support, and community service to help participants develop essential life skills, improve behavior, and foster a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Coordinator, Debra Tenner

Creative Expressions: Arts & Crafts Program – The Creative Expressions program is a 9-week arts and crafts class designed for students in grades 5 through 12. This program aims to inspire creativity, enhance artistic skills, and foster an appreciation for various art forms. Each week, students will explore different mediums and techniques, culminating in a final art showcase where they can display their creations. Coordinator, Deborah McNeal

Creative Movement – The Creative Movement program is a 12-week physical fitness initiative designed to engage participants in various physical activities, including creative dance, step routines, hip-hop dance, ballet, line dance and liturgical dance. This program is aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and creative expression among youth and adults alike. Each week will focus on a specific activity while incorporating elements of fitness, skill development, and fun. Coordinator, Angela James

Cultural Horizons: Quarterly Academic Excursions – Cultural Horizons is a quarterly academic excursion program designed for students in grades 5 through 12. Each excursion focuses on a distinct cultural theme, providing students with immersive experiences that blend academic learning with cultural exploration. The program aims to enhance students’ understanding of diverse cultures, history, and traditions while tying these experiences to their school curriculum. Coordinator, Thelma Newsome

Domestic Engineering Class – This 9-week Domestic Engineering class is designed to equip participants with essential skills for managing a household effectively. The program covers a wide range of topics, from meal preparation to household budgeting, ensuring that participants gain practical knowledge and confidence in maintaining a well-run home. Coordinator, Linda McMurtry

Family Game Night – The Family Math & Science Game Night is a quarterly event designed to bring families together for fun, interactive, and educational experiences centered around math and science. Each game night will feature engaging, hands-on activities, team-based challenges, and exciting competitions that promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. The event aims to create a positive learning environment where families can bond while building their math and science skills in a playful, supportive setting. Coordinator, Ashley Murray

Financial Literacy – The Pathway to Financial Success program is a 9-week financial literacy course designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively manage their personal finances. Each week will cover essential topics related to financial well-being, including budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and understanding credit. The program emphasizes practical application, ensuring participants can apply what they learn in real-life financial situations. Coordinator, Barbara Bruce

Fundamentals of Music – The Fundamentals of Music program is designed for students in grades 5 through 12 who are new to music or wish to strengthen their foundational knowledge. Over nine weeks, students will explore key elements of music, develop critical listening and performance skills, and learn to appreciate diverse music genres and styles. Each week will focus on specific components of music theory, performance techniques, and historical context.

Students will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative exercises, and creative projects that aim to deepen their understanding and appreciation of music Coordinator, Linda White

K-5 Literacy Skills – The Literacy Program is designed to foster reading, writing, and comprehension skills in students from kindergarten to 5th grade. This program will provide students with a solid foundation in literacy through a structured, interactive, and engaging curriculum. Each week, students will explore various aspects of reading and writing, from phonics and vocabulary building to creative writing and poetry. The program incorporates both group and individual activities that are developmentally appropriate for young learners. By the end of the nine weeks, students will have improved their literacy abilities while developing a lifelong love of reading and storytelling Coordinator, Ashley Ellis

Mind and Body Wellness – This nine-week program combines physical fitness, mental health education, and practical coping strategies to improve overall well-being for teens and young adults. The program addresses key issues like mental illness, teen suicide, depression, and anxiety through engaging activities and group discussions. Each week focuses on integrating physical activity with mental health awareness to promote resilience, self-confidence, and emotional regulation. Coordinator, Veronica Green

Mississippi K-12 State Assessment (Tutoring and Online Tutorial) – The Mississippi K-12 State Assessment Tutorial is an educational online designed to help students prepare for the state-mandated assessments administered to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Mississippi. These tutorials aim to familiarize students with the format, content, and expectations of the state assessments and provide them with strategies and resources to perform well on these standardized tests. Coordinator, Bettye Bell (Science), Coordinator, Latoya Fleming (English and Language), Coordinator, Dr. Arcola Sullivan (Math)

Sports Recreation Class – The 12-week Sports Recreation Class is designed to introduce participants to a variety of sports, focusing on skill development, teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Each week, participants will engage in a new sport, practicing foundational techniques while enjoying friendly competition. The program emphasizes not only athletic abilities but also strategic thinking through activities like chess, enhancing both physical and mental agility. Coordinator, Dewayne Hickombottom and Coordinator, Lynette West

STEM Olympiad: Integrated Program – The STEM Olympiad program is a 9-week educational initiative designed to integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning with Science Olympiad concepts. This program aims to engage students in hands-on, collaborative, and competitive activities that enhance their understanding of STEM fields while preparing them for Science Olympiad-style competitions. The program will culminate in a mini-Olympiad event where students can showcase their skills and knowledge. Coordinator, Gabrielle Day

Understanding School Handbook, Juvenile Laws, School Attendance, and Academic Standards – The program is designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support their children’s education and well-being by understanding the school

WORKFORCE TRAINING

Babysitting Class and CPR – The Babysitting Class and CPR program is designed to equip young individuals, ages 11-18, with the essential skills needed for responsible babysitting and basic emergency response. This program combines hands-on training in childcare, basic first aid, and CPR to build confidence and competence in caring for infants and children. The training covers safety and emergency preparation, appropriate age activities, child behavior, and vital life-saving skills, ensuring participants are ready to manage a variety of situations. Upon completion, students will earn a certification in babysitting basics and CPR, enhancing their credibility as responsible caregivers. To receive certification participants must enroll online at Penn Foster. There is a cost associated with this course. Coordinator, Erin Washington Smith

Brick Masonry Course – This 9-week brick masonry course is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to work as professional brick masons. Brick masonry is a vital trade in the construction industry, and this course provides hands-on experience in working with bricks, blocks, and mortar. Students will learn to lay bricks for walls, chimneys, foundations, and decorative structures while mastering essential techniques for cutting, bonding, and finishing. TBA

Career Development and Resume Building – This Career Development Class is designed to equip participants with essential career skills, including resume building, job application strategies, and interview techniques. Participants will gain practical tools to enhance their employability, understand the job market, and develop the confidence needed to pursue career opportunities. The program includes hands-on activities, personal reflection, and guidance on tailoring resumes and cover letters to specific industries. Coordinator, Sonia Morris

Commercial Driver’s Permit – The CDL Permit course is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for a career in commercial truck driving. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training, with students learning about topics such as vehicle inspection, defensive driving techniques, cargo handling procedures, and the proper use of communication devices. TBA

Computer Coding – This 9-week computer coding class introduces participants to the fundamentals of programming, guiding them through the basics of coding and advancing toward more complex projects. The course will focus on learning popular programming languages such as Python and HTML/CSS, while also covering essential programming concepts like problem-solving, logic, and debugging. By the end of the program, participants will have built small projects to demonstrate their skills. This class is suitable for beginners, but it can also be adapted for intermediate learners. Each week will consist of hands-on coding exercises, mini-projects, and collaborative problem-solving to build proficiency in coding. Coordinator, Jennifer Minor

Culinary Arts – The culinary arts class is an educational program that provides instruction and hands-on training in various aspects of cooking, baking, and food preparation. Individuals learn fundamental cooking techniques, knife skills, food safety and sanitation practices, and kitchen management principles. They also explore different cuisines, ingredients, flavor profiles, and presentation techniques. To receive certification participants must enroll online at Penn Foster. There is a cost associated with this course. Coordinator, Jarita Frazier

Entrepreneurship and General Business Skills – Entrepreneurship is a 12-week intensive program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to launch and grow successful businesses. The program combines expert-led workshops, hands-on projects, mentorship, and networking opportunities to guide participants through the process of starting and scaling their ventures. Coordinator, TBA

Landscaping and Gardening – This 9-week landscaping course is designed for individuals interested in learning the foundational concepts and practical skills required for residential and commercial landscaping. The program combines classroom lectures with hands-on activities, ensuring participants gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to design, install, and maintain beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Whether you are a beginner or someone with some gardening experience, this course will help you develop a deeper understanding of landscaping principles, plant selection, design processes, and sustainable practices. To receive certification participants must enroll online at Penn Foster. There is a cost associated with this course. Coordinator, Raoul White and Coordinator, Anita Smith

Tourism and Hospitality – This 9-week Tourism and Hospitality program is designed to introduce students to the dynamic and diverse fields of tourism and hospitality. The program is ideal for students in grades 9-12 or young adults interested in exploring careers in tourism, travel, event planning, or hotel management. Each week will cover specific elements of the industry, such as customer service, marketing, cultural sensitivity, event planning, and business fundamentals. Through interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and guest speakers, students will gain insights into the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the tourism and hospitality fields. To receive certification participants must enroll online at Penn Foster. There is a cost associated with this course Coordinator, TBA

Videography, Photography, and Film Class – The media class encompassing videography, photography, and film provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling and production techniques across various mediums. Coordinator, Tamala Hughes and Coach Jim Bob.