Our Mission
The mission of Mississippi First is to champion transformative policy solutions, ensuring educational excellence for every Mississippi child.
Our Focus Areas
At Mississippi First, we lead change by advancing ideas through the policy continuum. We are a leading voice for high-quality early education, high-quality public charter schools, access to highly effective teachers and leaders, and creating a strong future for public schools.
Early Education
We advocate for policy to improve early learning opportunities for children ages 0-5, including state-funded pre-K.
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Public Charter Schools
We support the charter sector through policy and advocacy initiatives as well as the federal Charter Schools Program grant.
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Teachers & Leaders
We support and advocate for policy solutions to increase equitable access to quality teachers and leaders.
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Future of Schools
We research and advocate for policies that support a strong future for public schools, their teachers, and their children and families.
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Our Impact & Accomplishments
over the Years
Since our founding in 2008, Mississippi First has made major contributions to education in Mississippi. In 2013, we played a pivotal role in the passage of Mississippi Charter School Act and Early Learning Collaborative Act. We’re proud of the impact we’ve been able to achieve and are constantly striving to improve Mississippi’s education system.
2024: Led development and passage of Mississippi Student Funding Formula.
2022: Awarded $19.3M federal grant to expand quality public charter schools in Mississippi.
2022: Published teacher survey data that contributed to the largest teacher pay raise in state history.
2013: Played pivotal role in passage of Mississippi Charter School Act and Early Learning Collaborative Act.
News & Updates
Childcare Funding Matters: A Mom of Three in Hattiesburg, MS
Mississippi First is continuing its campaign to elevate the voices of real Mississippians who are highlighting the urgent childcare needs…
Early Education Read more about Childcare Funding Matters: A Mom of Three in Hattiesburg, MSOur Reports & Publications
2025 State of Pre-K
A detailed analysis of Mississippi’s pre-K landscape in 2023-2024.
Early Education Read more about 2025 State of Pre-K
Uncharted Territory: Public Perceptions of Charter Schools in Mississippi Counties Without Charter Schools
Uncharted Territory examines how Mississippians view public charter schools in communities where they are not currently available.
Charter Schools Read more about Uncharted Territory: Public Perceptions of Charter Schools in Mississippi Counties Without Charter SchoolsFind Legislative Updates in our Bill Tracker
Stay up to date on what is going on in education during the Mississippi legislative session.
Take Action
Check out the various ways to get involved below and help us increase access to high-quality public education in Mississippi.