A small Delta town takes aim at the future: Leland advances as National Dream Bigger Finalist

From Delta soil to sky, a 48-hour vote could launch a new model for rural STEM, unity, and opportunity

Leland has been named one of just 24 finalists nationwide in the Dream Bigger 2026 Grant Campaign — a national competition by Skyllght that will award $2,500 grants to 12 communities across the country.

The catch: voting is open for a limited window, with ballots accepted now through March 18.

This is one of those moments where a small town has a real chance — but it only works if the community shows up.

Unlike many competing finalists, Leland is up against communities with significantly larger populations. That means local turnout, national and international sharing are critical to securing one of the grants.

Voting is simple and open to anyone, anywhere — not just local residents.

 Vote here: https://woobox.com/6fjgwt/gallery/FkE2Zd1pzWY

 

 

 VOTE ONCE PER DAY — DON’T MISS IT 

 Vote TODAY
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Every vote matters. Every day counts.

 MISSISSIPPI MODEL, Y’ALL.

 

The funding would support a proposed Leland–Stoneville Rocketry Lab, a hands-on STEM/STEAM initiative serving students across the community.

This is a unifying effort — bringing together public school, private school, and homeschool students under one shared experience.

Public. Private. Homeschool. One Launch.

This is about creating something for all of Leland’s children — and for the future of the community.

In the wake of recent challenges, this initiative also represents an opportunity to build connection, momentum, and hope through education and shared experiences.

Leland is a small, rural school community — predominantly minority and often underrepresented in national STEM opportunities.

This program is designed to change that.

It is a bridge across learning environments and lived experiences, using science and engineering as common ground — ensuring opportunity is not limited by geography, school type, or background.

 

 “This is bigger than one school. This is one town — and one chance to build something that belongs to all of us.”

 

Residents are encouraged to vote, share the link, and tag friends and family.

We have 48 hours. Let’s make it count.

 ONE LAUNCH. LELAND STRONG. MISSISSIPPI MODEL.