Student Spotlight: Marco Van Der Heever
Marco Van Der Heever’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination and the transformative power of education. Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Marco moved to the United States to work temporarily on a Mississippi Delta farm. Life took an unexpected turn when he met his wife and decided to make Mississippi his permanent home.
To build a future in his new home, Marco realized he needed to earn his high school diploma and pursue higher education to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a mechanic. In January 2024, he enrolled in Mississippi Delta Community College’s (MDCC) Adult Education program, taking online classes to accommodate his full-time job.
After successfully earning his high school diploma, Marco took the next step by meeting with College and Career Navigator (CCN) Kimberly Youngman to apply to both MDCC and the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program. The MIBEST program provides support to Adult Education students pursuing a workforce or career-technical education. MIBEST provides students with a CCN to guide them throughout their educational journey, and it also provides additional financial support to students. Through MIBEST, Marco began the Automotive Mechanics Technology program in August 2024, embarking on the degree path to earn his Associate of Applied Science.
Marco’s dedication and talent quickly stood out. He excelled in his classes, earning a remarkable 3.8 GPA, and successfully passed the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. His skills and work ethic also secured him employment with Cannon Motor Company in Cleveland, MS. Recognizing his potential, Cannon has committed to sponsoring Marco for additional General Motors training in Dallas, Texas, upon completion of his degree.
Marco’s inspiring journey showcases how MDCC’s Adult Education and MIBEST programs empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
MDCC Adult Education will be registering new students January 13–16, 2025. If you or someone you know is interested in the Adult Education or MIBEST programs, please contact Director of Adult Education Allison Brady at (662) 246-6572 or [email protected].
