The W welcomes the state’s young scholars for Mississippi Governor’s School
The state’s next generation of leaders, innovators and creators has arrived at Mississippi University for Women for the 2026 Mississippi Governor’s School (MGS), a prestigious tuition-free residential honors program taking place through June 13.
Fifty-eight academically talented students from 29 different Mississippi schools have been selected to attend the 2026 MGS. With the theme “Voices,” this year’s session invites scholars to explore the many ways voices—both individual and collective—can inspire change, foster understanding and build stronger communities.
“We are honored to host Mississippi Governor’s School once again at The W,” said MGS Coordinator Rachel Watson. “These students have already distinguished themselves through their academic achievement and talent, and this program allows them to explore new ideas, challenge themselves and engage with faculty and mentors in a unique learning environment.”
Courses for the session include “Clinical Microbiology: Where the Big Questions Start Small,” “Ethics and Values in Leadership,” “MGS3K: Mississippi Governor School 3000” and “Applied Philanthropy: The ‘Giving Done Right’ Lab,” among others.
One feature that distinguishes the Governor’s School model from traditional learning environments is its emphasis on the interaction between formal and informal learning, which often results in more autonomous and self-reflective learners.
Using the humanities, arts, science and mathematics—and their interconnectedness—as a framework, MGS courses examine the relationship between the application of knowledge and the social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and educational issues facing a changing world.
The W administration, faculty and former Gov. William F. Winter established MGS in 1981. Since its founding, MGS has provided approximately 3,500 students from across the state with a high-quality educational experience designed to challenge them to grow as individuals.
“The Governor’s School experience is about much more than academics,” said Watson. “By participating in challenging courses, interactive activities and community-building experiences, scholars will discover new strengths, develop their leadership potential and connect with exceptional students from across the state.”
For the MGS Day of Service, scholars, faculty and staff will partner with Columbus Young Professionals and several community industries to assemble care bags for children and youth in the local foster care system. The service project will take place Saturday, June 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on The W’s campus.
“Children entering foster care often do so with little notice and few belongings,” said Mackenzie Pearce, CES coordinator and this year’s MGS service project lead. “So far, approximately $8,000 has been raised toward this project, and we’re excited to see the impact these students can have in such a short time.”
Lowndes County currently has 151 children in foster care, the highest in the 15-county northeastern Mississippi region and among the highest statewide. Many of these children enter care unexpectedly, often without the personal items that provide a sense of stability and dignity.
The annual service project is a core component of the Mississippi Governor’s School experience. Each year, scholars are challenged to engage with community needs in meaningful and impactful ways.