JACKSON, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) — The Woodward Hines Education Foundation has received the National College Attainment Network’s 2026 Member of the Year Award of Excellence, recognizing its work to expand education opportunities beyond high school for Mississippi students.
The award was presented during NCAN’s 2026 National Conference in Las Vegas, according to an Oct. 16 announcement from the foundation. WHEF President and CEO Jim McHale accepted the honor on the organization’s behalf.
The recognition highlights the foundation’s efforts to help more Mississippians access and complete college, credentials and other training that can lead to family-sustaining employment.
“Mississippi has real challenges, but none of those can be an excuse for what our students can achieve,” McHale said.
Through its Get2College program, WHEF supports college access and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. Its work also includes advocating for policies that strengthen access to education beyond high school, reducing higher education barriers for justice-impacted individuals and bringing organizations together around education and workforce goals.
According to the foundation, Mississippi ranked first in the nation in FAFSA completion for the high school class of 2025, reaching a record 73.4% completion rate.
McHale credited collaboration across Mississippi and lessons shared by education professionals nationwide. NCAN’s network includes more than 600 members, providing opportunities for WHEF to learn from other states and share Mississippi’s experiences.
“This recognition belongs to the entire Foundation,” McHale said. “We have learned so much from our colleagues across the country, and we are proud to contribute lessons from Mississippi in return.”
The foundation says its mission is to help more Mississippians access education and training beyond high school, improve their quality of life and strengthen their communities.
For more information about WHEF and its initiatives, visit woodwardhines.org.
