Ms. Smith's Educational Services was founded by Niya Smith, a former math teacher with a vision and a passion to empower students through tutoring and test preparation classes. This empowerment will help students begin a long process of learning that leads to better grades throughout their education. I have over sixteen years experience of educating students and helping them achieve their potential. As a teacher, I asked how can I reach the masses. The answer was Ms. Smith's Educational Services. Through our after school tutoring, alternative graduate services, one-on-one tutoring, and test preparation classes we can help all students reach a great level of success by helping them to see their passion and purpose in life! The greatest key to success is believing that God has a purpose for your life and believing and trusting Him and yourself.
In 2014 Ms. Smith held her first High School graduation, and 16 students obtained their diplomas. And the assistance didn't stop there; after graduation, Ms. Smith assisted the students with applying to college or obtaining gainful employment. From 2014 - 2019 Ms. Smith graduated 42 students, with 90% either continuing their education or obtaining gainful employment.
In September 2014, Ms. Tonya Davis joined Ms. Smith in her quest to provide quality educational services to at-risk youth. Mrs. Tonya is the glue that keeps us together and on task making sure that we keep our 7 Habits at the forefront. She has been with us for five years now and has continued to build our volunteer resources, as well as, connect and partner with several entities throughout Starkville and Mississippi State. Mrs. Tonya has a love for learning and seeing children and adults become successful. She helps to prepare our students for the real world and teaches them to appreciate what is offered to in school and at home. She as been a true blessing and we are thankful that she has been a consistent part of our village. She is often times seen as our backbone here at the center. Together we are the Yen and Yang of this program. At this time, educational offerings and the after-school program began to expand; and a volunteer program was established. Ms. Smith's Educational Services went from servicing 40 students to servicing over 110 students daily. In 2016 Ms. Smith's Educational Services needed a home; at that time, the City of Starkville stepped in and provided Ms. Smith's a new home with a lease to the Needmore Center; this center was located in the middle of the oldest African American community in Starkville, MS. The Needmore Center was a perfect fit from 2016 - 2020, during this time Ms. Smith' Educational Services continued to grow and expand and began offering homeschool services.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit, Ms. Smith's Educational Services continued to operate and began offering virtual school and homebound services in response to the pandemic. As Ms. Smith's Educational Services, Inc. community and nation began to return to normalcy, Ms. Smith's students, in partnership with MSU Extension, started offering a community garden and a community closet. Ms. Smith's Educational Services was able to make it through the pandemic without any government assistance or PPP loans.
Unfortunately, in 2022, the current Mayor, Lynn Spruill, decided to tear down the Needmore center to create a revenue-generating venue, which meant Ms. Smith's would be displaced. As we continue to serve our community through the schools and at their homes until we are able to have a place to call home again.
In 2014 Ms. Smith held her first High School graduation, and 16 students obtained their diplomas. And the assistance didn't stop there; after graduation, Ms. Smith assisted the students with applying to college or obtaining gainful employment. From 2014 - 2019 Ms. Smith graduated 42 students, with 90% either continuing their education or obtaining gainful employment.
In September 2014, Ms. Tonya Davis joined Ms. Smith in her quest to provide quality educational services to at-risk youth. Mrs. Tonya is the glue that keeps us together and on task making sure that we keep our 7 Habits at the forefront. She has been with us for five years now and has continued to build our volunteer resources, as well as, connect and partner with several entities throughout Starkville and Mississippi State. Mrs. Tonya has a love for learning and seeing children and adults become successful. She helps to prepare our students for the real world and teaches them to appreciate what is offered to in school and at home. She as been a true blessing and we are thankful that she has been a consistent part of our village. She is often times seen as our backbone here at the center. Together we are the Yen and Yang of this program. At this time, educational offerings and the after-school program began to expand; and a volunteer program was established. Ms. Smith's Educational Services went from servicing 40 students to servicing over 110 students daily. In 2016 Ms. Smith's Educational Services needed a home; at that time, the City of Starkville stepped in and provided Ms. Smith's a new home with a lease to the Needmore Center; this center was located in the middle of the oldest African American community in Starkville, MS. The Needmore Center was a perfect fit from 2016 - 2020, during this time Ms. Smith' Educational Services continued to grow and expand and began offering homeschool services.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit, Ms. Smith's Educational Services continued to operate and began offering virtual school and homebound services in response to the pandemic. As Ms. Smith's Educational Services, Inc. community and nation began to return to normalcy, Ms. Smith's students, in partnership with MSU Extension, started offering a community garden and a community closet. Ms. Smith's Educational Services was able to make it through the pandemic without any government assistance or PPP loans.
Unfortunately, in 2022, the current Mayor, Lynn Spruill, decided to tear down the Needmore center to create a revenue-generating venue, which meant Ms. Smith's would be displaced. As we continue to serve our community through the schools and at their homes until we are able to have a place to call home again.