Learn About The

Create Foundation

As a community foundation, CREATE works to promote philanthropy, build and oversee permanent endowments and provide leadership on key community issues. Since 1972, CREATE has partnered with individuals, families, organizations, and corporations to provide grants to non-profits that help meet a wide range of community needs. The focus of the foundation includes leadership and support for education, health and human services, public recreation and beautification, and the arts. For almost 50 years, CREATE has been there meeting the needs of our communities and making a lasting impact in our region.

CREATE Founders George and Anna Keirsey McLean believed that by joining together, communities could cultivate leaders that would make a difference for us all. Programs like the Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation (NEMYF) that teach area students about philanthropy and leadership are making a difference. The newly formed Linking Education to Careers Leadership Council is developing ways to enhance college and career readiness for k-12 students. CREATE has more than 80 scholarship funds that help students further their education. The Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi, the program arm of CREATE, has intensely focused on improving educational quality and attainment for our region. It has led the way in establishing the Tuition Guarantee program for Northeast Mississippi. Tuition Guarantee allows students to attend one of the four community colleges in our region tuition-free. CREATE also helps sponsor the Teacher of Distinction awards that honor outstanding public-school teachers in the Tupelo and Lee County school districts.

CREATE has a long history of supporting and enhancing public education. Through its partnerships, CREATE will continue to make an impact in the lives of students that will better prepare them for the future. CREATE is proud to be a lead sponsor for Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo. If you or your company are interested in becoming a sponsor, participant, or volunteer for next year’s career expo, please contact the CREATE Foundation at (662) 844-8989 or visit us at www.createfoundation.com.

TOYOTA WELLSPRING EDUCATION FUND

The commitment of Toyota to establish a $50 million endowment over ten years at the CREATE Foundation is one of the most extraordinary gifts to support public education in the history of our state. Over the past several years, CREATE, through the recommendation of the Toyota Wellspring Advisory Committee, has used the proceeds from the endowment to enhance education in Lee, Pontotoc, and Union Counties. It is difficult to measure the impact of such an extraordinary gift. However, because of Toyota’s presence and generosity, we believe our region will never be the same.

INVESTMENT

Over $9 million spent to enhance K-12 education in Lee, Pontotoc, and Union Counties since the fund’s inception.

GRANTS

Over $2 million in grants used to improve technology and necessary infrastructure, while enhancing early childhood education and STEAM instruction in the eight school districts.

DUAL-ENROLLMENT

Dual-enrollment courses in web app development, healthcare careers, aviation, advanced manufacturing and more. Courses allow students real-world experiences and opportunities to garner college credit.

SUMMER CAMPS

Tuition for summer academic camps at MSU, Ole Miss, and NMMC exposes students to culinary instruction, STEAM experiences, as well as advanced manufacturing camps held on the campuses of NEMCC and ICC.

TWEF LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

The establishment of the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund Leadership Committee, comprised of educators and business leaders who assist in developing systemic changes to link education to careers in kindergarten through grade 12.

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES CAREER EXPO

The original ITP Career Expo was held annually in the fall at the Cadence Conference Center and Arena and allowed over 7,000 8th grade students to experience 18 career pathways, all aligned with the career pathways set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education. Starting in 2020, the focus shifted to 10th grade students and virtual resources. Sophomores can now watch videos and listen to podcasts of local individuals while also leveraging the Career Connections platform to job shadow in career pathways of interest.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Funding for the Teacher of the Year awards in all eight districts. Teachers are recognized with a commemoratory plaque and a monetary amount.

CAREER COACHES

Hiring and placement of 11 Career Coaches in 14 high schools in the PUL districts who will function as liaisons for students and business and industry. Career Coaches will ensure students are exposed, prepared, and connected to their college and career goals and resources while supporting workforce development in this region.

YouScience

YouScience uncovers ALL talent!

The power of YouScience lies in our performance measures of aptitudes and our ability to connect natural talent with in-demand careers. We cut through social noise and gender biases to create more equity and access – matching users to their best-fit careers and giving them the confidence and data to make informed decisions about their futures. www.youscience.com