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Local Excel by 5 Coalition Launches New Year with Focus on Community Resources

Monday, August 11, 2025
by Webmaster

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Columbus-Lowndes Excel by 5 Coalition reconvened on August 7, 2025, at Mississippi University for Women to kick off a new year of collaboration. Hosted through The W’s Office of Early Childhood and WISE Start initiative, the coalition is working to strengthen resources and supports for children birth to five and their families.

At the August meeting, members received an overview of the WISE Start Project as it prepares for its fall launch, updates on the October 1 release of the Columbus-Lowndes Early Childhood Resource Guide, and progress on planning the Little Hands, Big Health Family Resource and Health Fair. Coalition members also broke into the four Excel by 5 subgroups—Community Involvement, Family & Parent Support, Early Care & Education, and Health—to identify missing features for the new guide and ensure it reflects the needs of local families.

“Our coalition is at its best when we connect resources and build solutions together,” said Penny Mansell, CES Director and Coalition Steering Chair. “This work makes sure families in Columbus and Lowndes County have access to what they need for their children to thrive.”

“The Excel by 5 framework is powerful because it brings so many partners to the same table,” added Mackenzie Pearce, Coalition Certification Manager. “I am excited to see this group align around big goals like the resource guide and community health fair. It’s about putting information directly in the hands of families and making sure no one falls through the cracks.”

Upcoming Quarterly Coalition Meetings

  • October 16, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
  • February 5, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.
  • April 9, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.

All meetings will take place at Mississippi University for Women in the Education and Human Sciences Building (EDHS 120).

About the School of Education at The W

The W’s School of Education has led lifelong learning for over 140 years. Dedicated to education from early childhood through post-graduation, we inspire excellence through teacher preparation, professional development, and community enrichment. Our programs empower educators and learners to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact across the region.