The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) and Get2College announce that registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Sweet Magnolia Bus Tour, a statewide initiative designed to help Mississippi educators better understand the full range of postsecondary opportunities available to their students.
The Sweet Magnolia Bus Tour gives school counselors, career coaches, CCR teachers, and educators a chance to explore Mississippi’s colleges and universities firsthand. During each tour, participants visit two campuses, meet with institutional leadership and academic program staff, and learn about pathways that prepare students for college and career success.
“Educators play a pivotal role in shaping students’ decisions about life after high school,” said Shannon Grimsley, Assistant Director of External Training & Partnerships Get2College. “The Sweet Magnolia Bus Tour provides the insight, context, and connections needed to confidently guide students as they navigate their options.”
The Spring 2026 tour series includes three regionally based one-day tours:
- Jan. 27, 2026
University of Southern Mississippi
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - April 8, 2026
Mississippi College
Jackson State University - April 13, 2026
The University of Mississippi
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Each tour includes transportation between campuses and is structured to allow for meaningful dialogue with faculty, program leaders, and student support teams. Participants gain a clearer understanding of academic offerings, transfer options, scholarships, and workforce-aligned programs.
Past participants report that the experience helped correct misconceptions about institutions, expand advising strategies, and strengthen connections across schools and postsecondary partners.
“It’s hard to get a hold of a person on campus to even get your question answered. We’re always playing phone tag. I was able to ask many 1:1 questions that I would normally get put on hold for,” one participant shared following a previous tour.
The Sweet Magnolia Bus Tour is part of the WHEF’s ongoing work to increase postsecondary access and attainment in Mississippi by ensuring educators have the most accurate, up-to-date information to support students.
Seats are limited and are expected to fill quickly. Educators interested in participating in the first tour on Jan. 27, can register at: https://calendly.com/get2college-training/sweetmagnoliatour_usm_mgccc
Registration for the remaining dates will open one month prior to the tour.