Evening College Classes in Marks Expand Local Upskilling Opportunities

Coahoma Community College is maintaining an evening outreach presence in Marks with classes held at the Quitman County Vocational Center, 1501 Martin Luther King Dr. The program offers residents the chance to earn college credit or pursue upskilling on a schedule designed for working adults: classes typically run Monday through Thursday between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with occasional Saturday sessions.

The local site provides on-site computers and internet access for students, a resource that can be decisive for residents who lack reliable home broadband or suitable devices. Site Monitor Evelyn Davis can be reached at 662‑302‑8737 for information specific to the Marks location, and Coahoma Community College maintains an online page with current schedules and program details.

For many Quitman County residents, evening classes lower practical barriers to postsecondary education. Offering coursework outside traditional daytime hours helps people who juggle multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or irregular work shifts. The availability of computers and internet at the vocational center also addresses a common rural digital divide that can prevent potential students from completing online assignments, accessing financial aid applications, or participating in hybrid courses.

Beyond individual advancement, the program has implications for community health and economic stability. Education and credential attainment are linked to improved employment prospects, higher household incomes, and greater access to employer-sponsored benefits, all of which contribute to better health outcomes. Local access to postsecondary classes can support the development of a more skilled local workforce, which in turn can attract employers, bolster public services, and strengthen the tax base that funds community health and social programs.

The Marks site can be particularly significant for residents seeking careers in health care, trades, or public service—fields where local training pathways can reduce shortages and improve retention. Evening and weekend scheduling also makes it more feasible for people already employed in essential but low-wage roles to pursue credentials that may lead to higher-paying, more stable positions.

Despite these advantages, barriers remain. Transportation, childcare, tuition costs, and awareness of offerings all limit participation in continuing education. The presence of a local site with evening hours and on-site technology mitigates some of those obstacles, but additional supports—such as scholarship information, childcare referrals, and coordination with employers for flexible scheduling—could further increase participation and widen the program’s community impact.

Residents interested in attending should contact Site Monitor Evelyn Davis at 662‑302‑8737 or consult Coahoma Community College’s Marks evening classes page for current course schedules and enrollment guidance. Expanding local pathways to credit and training is a practical step toward improving economic opportunity and, by extension, community health and resilience in Quitman County.