Mission Statement

The Mississippi Consortium for International Development believes in building nations through human resource development and training. Through this type of capacity building, sustainable development becomes a reality for countries. MCID is committed to applying the highest level of technical standards to each need that is addressed, resulting in appropriate and meaningful solutions. MCID’s guiding principles in this effort allow for complete programs addressing all of the training objectives by including strategies in Total Community Involvement, Participatory and Experiential Training, Internship-Based Programs, a Multi-Regional Approach, Action Plan Development, and Cultural and Social Activities. MCID is also committed to the internationalization of its member institutions, namely: Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Tougaloo College. The Strategic Plans of each of these institutions include a goal of internationalization through student and faculty diversity, programs, projects or research. Each institution recognizes the importance of remaining aware of global issues and addressing these through education in order to prepare students for the world that lies ahead. MCID’s Guiding Principles: Total Community Involvement Strategy: MCID's approach toward each project is to develop the most effective linkages between member institutions, community resources, and the objectives of a given project. In designing and developing implementation strategies for programs, the Consortium examines its total environment to determine ways to accomplish project objectives by providing participants with the best experience possible with an eye on end results. In this sense, MCID's holistic approach guarantees a total community effort. This strategy of linking program needs with institutional and community resources lies at the heart of our success. Participatory and Experiential Training Approach: It is MCID's policy and practice to utilize participatory and experiential approaches to training. Rather than lengthy lectures and classroom discussions based on abstract concepts, MCID trainers require participants to explore each program component through experiential activities. Our training designs draw upon seminars, small and large group discussions, field visits, internships, and shadowing opportunities to provide a wide range of learning experiences for the participants. A critical element of MCID's training programs is the training of trainers. Through the development of the scholars' skills to disseminate the knowledge received to others, the multiplier effect is realized. Internship-Based Programs: Through our strategy of total community involvement, many private, public, and non-governmental (NGOs) entities in Mississippi and throughout the U.S. have participated in our programs. In these programs, participants are placed with public, private or NGO entities to enhance knowledge regarding the various aspects of their profession or occupation. In providing internship placements for our international participants, MCID has established collaborative arrangements with various entities throughout the United States. Action Plan Development: MCID feels strongly that action plan development is an effective means through which participants commit to using their newly acquired skills and knowledge. This is an important mechanism that links training activities to training objectives. At MCID, our goal is the achievement of results. As such, all participants are expected to develop action plans for implementation upon return to their respective countries. During the final day of each training program, participants formally present their plans to a panel of experts in the participant’s field. The purpose of these presentations is to provide participants with feedback and encouragement to implement the plans upon returning home. Multi-Regional Approach: During the past five years, MCID has increasingly employed a multi-regional approach in designing and implementing projects. This approach exposes participants to a range of experiences from large, metropolitan cities to small, rural communities. Many sites selected for training activities provide complementary elements critical to achieving objectives of the training programs. Additionally, MCID's multi-regional approach provides participants with numerous opportunities to experience the diversity of American society and culture, thus providing them with a holistic perspective as to the fit of the various components of the American democratic system. Flexibility is Key: Having implemented international training programs for more than fifteen years, MCID clearly understands the need for flexibility. While we appreciate the importance of making firm arrangements for the planned program activities, we remain flexible and open to making adjustments in planned activities. In meeting participant and contractor needs, we understand that remaining flexible and open to making programmatic adjustments is crucial. At MCID, our philosophy is to do whatever it takes to address participant’s training needs and, thereby, fulfilling training and exchange objectives. Cultural and Social Activities: As a training provider, MCID devotes considerably more time and effort to cultural and social activities than is generally the norm. The Consortium makes this commitment because experience indicates that participants learn more and are happier with their training process when they are comfortable, relaxed, and well-received by the community in which they reside. MCID’s cultural and social activities fall under three categories: participant support, social and cultural activities, and training-related activities.