WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
At Discovery Center, we strive to provide meaningful learning opportunities to support families and enhance the connection between home, school and community. On this page, you'll find our current list of on-going classes and support groups as well as our calendar of upcoming workshops.
FREE CHILDCARE
Our Project PEACE Playpen offers free childcare for children ages 0 to 5 available to parents while they are participating in many of our workshops and classes. A copy of each child's birth certificate and immunization record is required to participate in Playpen.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Check out our list of upcoming workshops and events below. Some workshops may have limited capacity. Please contact Discovery Center to find out how you can plug in!
SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21 & 28
ALL MY MONEY Financial Workshop
Thursdays
11:00am - 12:00pm
Discovery Center
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS
Join us beginning September 7 for the Project PEACE All My Money 4-week financial workshop! The All My Money: Change for the Better curriculum will help you better understand spending choices, managing a budget, saving accounts, and more! This hands on, experimental approach encourages participates to learn from the activities and from each other. Please register to attend. If unable to make these dates and times work, PEACE can accommodate your schedule and offer you one-on-one sessions!
Registration required and childcare provided with required paperwork.
To register, please contact Patrice Jackson Cajar at pjackson-cajar@starkvillesd.com or call 662-615-0033.
Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services
SEPTEMBER 14
VIOLATION VANTAGE: Guide to Effective Code Violation Reporting
Presented by Starkville Police Department
12:00am - 1:00pm
Discovery Center
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS
Join us on September 14 for our latest workshop hosted by Project PEACE and Project REACH. Starkville Police Department staff will lead a workshop to learn about the Starkville Unified Development Code, what it means for Starkville residents, and how to report code violations effectively. Meet Starkville's Code Enforcement Officers, get educational materials on the reporting process, and enjoy a light lunch!
Registration required and childcare provided with required paperwork.
To register, please contact Elizabeth Williams at elwilliams@starkvillesd.com or call 662-615-0033.
Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services
SEPTEMBER 21
EMCC INFO SESSION
11:00am - 1:00pm
Discovery Center
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS
Ever thought about pursing a technical career in areas such as Welding, CNA, HVAC, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Tech, CDL, or Basic Manufacturing? Stop in between 1 PM and 3 PM on September 21 to speak with a representative from EMCC's workforce and development program. Find out if there is a career fit for you, AND if you qualify for a scholarship through Project PEACE!
For more information, contact Elizabeth Williams at 662.615.0033 or elwilliams@starkvillesd.com
Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services
AUGUST 31
JOB SEARCH OPEN LAB
With Shenina Brown
10:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Discovery Center
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS
Join us for our Job Search Open Lab and visit with Shenina Brown for one-on-one help with completing job applications, creating or updating resumes, learning job/interview skills and more! Stop by at your convenience during the hours listed. Participants receive a FREE bag of work goodies!
Free childcare provided with needed paperwork.
For more information, contact Shenina Brown at 662.615.0033 or sbrown@starkvillesd.com
Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services
WorkKeys Prep & Testing
Did you know Discovery Center's Project PEACE offers WorkKeys Prep & Testing? ACT WorkKeys designations are required by employers for many job openings -- including some Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District positions. Let us help you get the score you need for the job you want!
Training and testing is available at Discovery Center, and assistance with testing fees may be provided for those who qualify for Project PEACE services.
Contact Shenina Brown, our Adult Basic Education Teacher for more information:
662.615.0033 or sbrown@starkvillesd.com
ON-GOING CLASSES
Whether it's a phone call, a virtual meeting, or a face-to-face class or support group, the Discovery Center offers a variety of opportunities to connect and learn on a weekly or monthly basis. Many of our classes and workshops offer incentives for participation, and you'll always find a listening ear and relevant resources. We hope you'll join us in one of these current on-going class offerings.

ACTIVE PARENTING CLASS
Meets Weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays
11:00am - 12:00pm
Discovery Center Resource Library
Our Active Parenting Class meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Discovery Center Resource Library and offers support and information for parents. Members who attend TWO CLASSES are eligible to receive a free pack of diapers, wipes and baby food. Those who complete six classes will receive a parenting certificate for finishing the program.
For more information, please contact Roy Ann Bell at 662-320-4607 or 662-615-0033
PARENT CAFE
Meets Tuesdays
Discovery Center
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Bring your own lunch! Facilitated by Families Strengthening Families, this support group will help you share ideas, learn, and find support for the challenges of parenting!
For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com
Funded by MDCPS
ACT RAISING SAFE KIDS PARENTING CLASS
Meets Thursdays
Discovery Center
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Bring your own lunch! Facilitated by Families Strengthening Families, contact hours are available for this class.
For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com
Funded by MDCPS
ONE ON ONE PARENTING CLASS
Virtual or In-person
Call to schedule a convenient time
Did you know Project PEACE's offers One on One Parenting Classes? You can schedule a time with our facilitator virtually or in-person and get great one on one convenient training in effective parenting skills!
Funded by Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar to at 662.615.0333 or pjackson-cajar@starkvillesd.com
AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
Meets virtually on 1st Wednesdays
1:00 - 2:00pm
Discovery Center
Join this support group facilitated by Susan Griffin to learn and gain support from other parents of children with autism.
For more information, please contact Roy Ann Bell at 662.615.0033 or rabell@starkvillesd.com
ALL MY MONEY FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
One-on-one or Small Group Glasses available upon request
Discovery Center at Emerson School
1504 Louisville Street - Starkville, MS
Did you know? The Project PEACE All My Money Financial Workshop is available as a one-on-one or small group class! If you would like to take this 4-week course to learn how to better understand spending choices, managing a budget, savings accounts and more, just contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar. Childcare is provided with required paperwork.
Contact Patrice Jackson-Cajar at 662.615.0033 or email pjackson-cajar@starkvillesd.com
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE SUPPORT GROUP
Every Friday
10:00 - 11:30am
Discovery Center
Join Project CARE and Project PEACE for an English as a Second Language Support Group on Fridays from 10:00 until 11:30am at the Family Resource Library at Discovery Center. Visit us at 1405 Louisville Street to get support for using conversational English, facilitated by Laura Thurmond, our Educational Specialist. All non-English or limited-English speaking individuals are welcome!
For more information, contact Roy Ann Bell at 662.615.0033 or rabell@starkvillesd.com.
FOSTER PARENT CLASS
Every 2nd Monday
6:00 - 7:00pm
Discovery Center
Join us for our Foster Parent Class presented by Families Strengthening Families to learn and find support on your journey in foster parenting. This class meets every 2nd Monday at 6:00pm at the Discovery Center. Registration is required and contact hours and certificates are available.
For more information and to register, contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com
FAMILY VITALITY CAFE
Fourth Fridays
12:00pm - 1:00am
Discovery Center
Our Journey to Vitality Conversations facilitated by Families Strengthening Families promote social, environmental, financial, spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical well-being. Bring your own lunch and be encouraged by the #JacketFamily conversation! Childcare provided.
For more information, please contact Barbara Culberson at 662.615.0033 or bculberson@starkvillesd.com