The Mississippi Trackstars were founded in 2006 in Jackson, MS by 3 former Jackson State University track and field athletes, Jonathan "Country" Harris, Terry Estwick, and Cori Cloyd. The Mississippi Trackstars were created to provide urban, intercity youth with an opportunity and a resource to experience things outside of their normal everyday lives, while providing them with exposure to colleges for possible scholarship opportunities. The initial class of Trackstars athletes consisted of 12 kids. Under the tenure of Coach Harris, the Mississippi Trackstars grew to 96 children in 2016. Throughout the years, even with the growth and success of the program, the founding principles have remained steady. The Mississippi Trackstars aim to provide exposure and to mentor young men and women through their adolescent journey and beyond.