College and Career Access Center

What a highly productive quarter it has been for us at the Center, as we've diligently provided college and career exploration and planning services across the 13 school districts and within the community!

In January, we successfully launched the new FAFSA, and our team immediately sprang into action to ensure that students and families were well-informed and initiated into the new application process. We organized our annual President’s Day FAFSA Event and collaborated with the 13 districts to host multiple school-based FAFSA events, ensuring comprehensive support for students, families, and staff amidst the changes. Notably, all districts received incentive funds from the Michigan Department of Education, which have significantly contributed to boosting FAFSA completion rates this year, despite the opening being two months later than usual. We are actively addressing the implications of these changes and are dedicated to navigating them successfully.

Jackson High School orchestrated a successful College and Career Fair for seniors, which was expertly coordinated by CCAC Advisor, Zaire, MCAC Advisor, Jordan, and the Jackson High Counseling Team. The fair featured 32 organizations, including college representatives, trade programs, local businesses, and financial aid experts, offering invaluable insights to our students.

Participating in the annual College Access Advocacy Day in Lansing was another highlight, where we engaged with legislative representatives to advocate for college affordability and improved navigation strategies. Below, you'll find some of the key policy points we discussed during this event.

Our bi-annual Admin Team Meetings with the 13 districts commenced, providing a platform for CCAC Advisors, Executive Directors, superintendents, principals, and counselors to come together. These meetings not only facilitate discussions on our longstanding 11-year partnership but also allow us to dive into pertinent data analysis.

We are thrilled to announce our participation in MCAN’s Summer Melt Learning Cohort and MCAN’s College and Career Advising for Middle School Grades course. Through these programs, we aim to enhance our services by incorporating best practices and refining our approach to college and career exploration and planning.

In March, we continued our middle school initiatives with Kids2College and Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades (K2C/PPST) and Juniors Over the Local Circuit (JOLC) visits. These activities not only exposed students to manufacturing but also introduced them to our new partnership with Henry Ford Allegiance, providing insights into the healthcare industry.

Lastly, we are pleased to welcome two new team members, Glen Guilbault and Arlene Duncan. Take a moment to read more about them below!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing partnership and collaboration in supporting the futures of all Jackson County students. Together, we are making significant strides in shaping their paths forward!

Our annual President’s Day FAFSA Event was a resounding success! We welcomed 27 students and families from 9 out of the 13 school districts, who visited to submit their FAFSA applications and indulge in some delicious BBQ prepared by our talented team member, Brian Green. The event was a great opportunity for our entire team to come together and offer steadfast support to the students of Jackson County, creating a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved.

We had the privilege of supporting the 13 districts with their in-house FAFSA events. Thanks to the MDE FAFSA incentive funding, these events witnessed a significant rise in student and family attendance. Representatives from the John George, Jr. Student Loan Fund also joined several events, providing valuable information to students about their college funding options.

These events presented a fantastic opportunity for students to conveniently submit their FAFSA applications at their schools, all while enjoying complimentary meals and having the chance to win prizes for their participation. In the images, you can see snapshots from the Michigan Center, Columbia Central, and Hanover-Horton events, capturing the enthusiasm and engagement of students during these beneficial sessions.

Take a glimpse into the Jackson High College and Career Fair held in January. During this event, seniors were provided with a valuable opportunity to engage with a diverse array of businesses, organizations, and colleges. They explored and gained insights into various post-secondary options and opportunities, aiding them in making informed decisions about their future paths.

This quarter, we successfully conducted a total of 9 K2C/PPST and JOLC tours, providing students with valuable insights into exceptional local post-secondary options. 8th-grade students were able to visit Wardcraft, Orbitform, Lomar, Advance Turning, Henry Ford Health, Jackson College, Hillsdale College, Adrian College, and Albion College, expanding their awareness and understanding of potential educational and career pathways.

The CCAC is happy to welcome two new College and Career Advisors to our team!

Glen is a native of Ontonagon, Michigan and most recently lived in Houghton, MI for 11 years. He is a lifelong Yooper until moving to Jackson in July 2023. Glen comes to us with 18 years of experience in the secondary and post-secondary worlds, with over ten of those years being both administrative and direct advising experience. He hails from Northern Michigan University, with his master's degree in Instructional Leadership and bachelor's degree in Secondary Education/Industrial Technology. Glen has experience as a carpenter, woodshop/building trades teacher, janitor, college advisor and college administrator. His passion lies in working with students and helping them navigate their career and academic goals.

Glen and his wife have three sons who all play hockey, so they spend most of their free time at varying hockey rinks. Glen also enjoys reading, traveling and woodworking.

Arlene, a native of Jackson, MI, is a dedicated college advisor specializing in guiding students towards their academic and professional goals. A proud alumna of Michigan State University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising Management & Media. With a background in marketing and youth mentorship, Arlene brings a wealth of experience to her role, empowering students to navigate their educational journey with confidence.

In her free time, Arlene finds joy in lifelong learning, shopping, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Take a look at some of the latest updates from Federal Student Aid:

• 3/26/24 - Federal Student Aid announced that students will be able to make updates and corrections to their FAFSA by mid-April. If students have "Action Required" listed as thier application status, they will need to make corrections at this time. Students can check their status of thier FAFSA by logging into thier StudentAid.gov account and visiting the "My Activity" tab.
• 3/21/24 - Federal Student Aid announced that applications have started to process. Applications are being processed in batches, so it may take some time before students see thier application status update.
• 3/13/24 - Contributers without SSNs can now complete the FAFSA.

For more information on these updates please visit: https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/resource-type/Electronic%20Announcements

The seventh annual college access advocacy event hosted by MCAN took place on March 12, 2024, in Lansing. More than 160 individuals from various parts of the state participated in a total of 110 meetings with legislators throughout the day. The purpose was to advocate for increased postsecondary access and attainment, aligning with the Sixty by 30 initiative alongside other crucial priorities. Participants hailed from all 38 Senate districts and 91 House districts, demonstrating a broad and unified effort in supporting educational advancement across Michigan. Here are some of the points that were discussed:

Fund College Access Infrastructure

• Increase investment in Michigan’s community colleges and public universities by no less than 5% each

• Invest in K-12 education to ensure robust high school graduation and postsecondary access through an increase to the foundation allowance of 5%.

Make College More Affordable

• Fully fund Michigan’s financial aid programs including Michigan Reconnect, Tuition Incentive Program, and Michigan Tuition Grant.

• Invest an additional $50 million from the state’s general fund as planned for in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship’s design and implementation.

Increase Career Pathways to Grow Talent

• Appropriate funds to support and incentivize high school student participation in all forms of early college credit programs.

• Financially incentivize colleges to create Credit for Prior Learning, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and other systems to acknowledge competencies already acquired by students before enrollment. These programs save students and the State of Michigan money and reduce time to completion.

• Further invest in apprenticeships, specifically those producing certificates and degrees that will lead to better career outcomes for students.

We are excited to be continuing our partnerships with Lux Language and Jackson Public Schools (JPS) in the new year. Lux Language will be offering adult ESL classes every Wednesday evening at Paragon Charter Academy from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM starting April 3rd - May 22nd. JPS will be offering adult ESL classes to parents of JPS students on select Fridays at Sharp Park Academy from 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM. Check out the information below and feel free to contact us with any questions.

We have two remaining Virtual County Workshops to help students and families prepare for any final college/career planning steps. Check out the flyers below for more details.

Lean Rocket Lab was established in 2018 by Brandon Marken and Ken Seneff, seasoned entrepreneurs with a blend of successes and setbacks in their business endeavors. After experiencing a business incubator and coworking space in another city, Brandon and Ken recognized the immense value it brought and envisioned a similar hub in Jackson to support budding and growing small businesses. They have since cultivated Lean Rocket Lab (LRL) into a collaborative ecosystem, offering vital resources to benefit the vibrant Jackson community.

The core mission of Lean Rocket Lab is to break down barriers to innovation by providing a dynamic workspace for driven entrepreneurs, along with advanced educational programs, essential business resources, and access to diverse stages of capital for launching and nurturing businesses or products. Daily operations involve LRL staff engaging with startups and small business owners, assisting them in navigating challenges and connecting them with investors, mentors, programs, and other critical resources crucial for success. Additionally, they conduct workshops and training sessions covering areas like sales, marketing, product development, and validation, fostering a conducive environment for networking among fellow entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, Lean Rocket Lab is committed to ensuring comprehensive services and resources catering to all small businesses in the Jackson community. They are also extending their reach through partnerships to serve entrepreneurs in Lenawee County and Hillsdale County. For aspiring entrepreneurs, LRL emphasizes the importance of collaborating with exceptional partners, mentors, and investors. Brandon acknowledges the pivotal role of his partner and friend Ken, emphasizing the value of collaborative efforts in achieving entrepreneurial success.

To explore Lean Rocket Lab's offerings and learn more about their services, visit their website at https://www.leanrocketlab.org/.

Written by: Alex Kranick - CCAC Intern

Spelman College, located in the center of Atlanta, Georgia, has been a leader in academic excellence and empowerment since its founding in 1881, leaving a legacy that continues to influence leaders and innovators. Start your own academic journey with one of Spelman's thirty-two different study programs. Spelman provides a variety of opportunities to ignite your passion and mold your career, spanning from the arts to the sciences.

Spelman College extends its reach outside its campus. Through leadership development and the Student Affairs Global Experience (SAGE) program, which takes students throughout the world to deepen their awareness of the world, in order to inspire global views. Discover a supportive learning environment that offers extensive student services, including wellness initiatives, counseling, and tutoring, to help you succeed both academically and personally.

Take part in more than 85 clubs and organizations to live a vibrant student life. Spelman offers a wide range of options, whether you're interested in community service, career advancement, or cultural exploration. Take advantage of the many cultural events available, such as Cultural Cafes and Diversity Thursdays. Find opportunities for community involvement, leadership development, and personal development through organizations like Greek Life and the Student Government Association.

With the help of international experiences and training from Spelman's Leadership Institute, get ready to lead the world. The possibility of attending Spelman College is even more attainable when considering the financial aspect. At a cost of $29,000 after aid, Spelman College is affordable and provides a great many scholarships and financial tools to lessen the load on students and their families.

If you would like to learn more about Spelman College and all that it has to offer, please visit their website at https://www.spelman.edu/. As always, we want to remind you that the CCAC is a FREE service to help you with all things college. Feel free to give us a call at (517) 990-0671 or stop by at 1082 Jackson Crossing Target Wing for any questions or concerns that you may have.

Meet the College and Career Access Center’s Student of the Month: Victor Mata, a da Vinci High School senior, is looking towards a promising future. With aspirations to become a pastry chef, Victor’s post-secondary plan includes attending college to immerse himself in the culinary arts of cooking and baking.

Baking has always been a source of joy for Victor. He avidly reads cookbooks, experiments with new recipes, and consistently sharpens his baking skills. Beyond the kitchen, Victor also enjoys playing video games and embraces the great outdoors through activities like camping and fishing.

While Victor acknowledges that everyone in his life has inspired him to work hard, he says his mom is his biggest inspiration. “She keeps me on the right track and helps the best she can,” says Victor. When asked about his biggest accomplishment, Victor says he is really honored and proud to be selected as the Student of the Month for da Vinci.

For his peers, Victor shared the following, “If there is anything important to keep in mind it is that you must give your best and try your best as that's all you can really do.” Thank you, Victor, for sharing your story, and best of luck with all your future endeavors!

Meet the College and Career Access Center’s Student of the Month: Allie Curtis is a Vandercook High School senior with a passion for helping others. Allie aspires to become a nurse and is planning to attend Jackson College in the fall to begin her education journey. She later hopes to pursue her BSN while starting her nursing career.

Allie has a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which prevents efficient collagen production and causes many secondary chronic illnesses. She has spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital, receiving multiple tests and procedures. She was ultimately wheelchair-bound for three years and had a feeding tube for four years. Allie has since relearned to walk and eat. This experience is what motivated her to pursue a career in health care. “While this journey has been challenging, I know my experience will on make me a more compassionate, understanding, and empathetic nurse,” says Allie.

Allie is the Student Council President, a member of the National Honors Society, and is a dual-enrolled college student. Outside of school, she works as an assistant daycare teacher and at the bowling alley. Her hobbies include reading, volunteering at the Interfaith Shelter and Cemetery, going to the gym, spending time in nature, and hanging out with friends.

The children she works with at her daycare are her biggest motivators. She says they give her so much hope and teach her to be kind and vulnerable. They have shown her determination and forgiveness, and their love for learning continues to fuel hers. Allie’s proudest accomplishment is her courage, strength, and determination to learn to walk again. “I made the decision last June to reenter a vigorous physical therapy program and try to walk once more. It was painful, exhausting, and at times very easy to be discouraging, but I stuck with it. After eight months I was able to regain my mobility, which was such a beautiful experience.”

For her peers, Allie leaves these inspiring words, “If I could tell my peers anything and truly had them listen, I would tell them to be kind to themselves. Life is hard and we often feel like we are falling behind and are inadequate, but I want everyone to know that your journey is your own. You are exactly where you are meant to be, you are on time, you have all of the time in the world, you own your own life. I would tell them to not look for approval and permission to live from others but to instead make the radical decision that if they are happy with a choice, they should stick with it. I would tell them to make their mind a beautiful place to be, to talk to themselves like someone they love, to forgive themselves, and to embrace their own personal growth. Life is not very long in the grand scheme of things, so there is no reason to be at war with the only person you will always have by your side, yourself.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Allie, and we wish you all the best in pursuing your college and career goals!

Funding Partners:

13 Connected Community School Career Preparatory Funds • Alro Steel • The A.P. Cook Foundation • Baker College • The Bill and Vi Sigmund Foundation • Dream Maker Fund • The Grace Family Charitable Endowment Fund • The Hurst Foundation • Jackson College • Jackson Community Foundation • Jackson County Intermediate School District • John George Student Loan • The Lavery Foundation • Marshall Plan for Talent • Michigan College Access Network • Michigan Small Business Restart Program • National College Attainment Network • Phil and Pat Willis Foundation • Robinson Family Endowment Fund • Spring Arbor University

Programming Partners:

Jackson’s 13 Connected Community Schools • Jackson Area Career Center • Jackson Collaborative Network • Jackson Community Foundation • Jackson Housing Commission • JCISD • Jackson Talent Consortium • The Jackson YMCA • LUX Language • Martin Luther King Center • Michigan College Access Network • MIWorks! Southeast • National College Attainment Network • Alro Steel • Dawn Foods • American Tooling • Classic Metal Finishing • Industrial Steel Treating • LeMatic • Lomar Machine • Orbitform • Wardcraft Conveyer • Adrian College • Albion College • Baker College • Eastern Michigan University • Hillsdale College • Jackson College • Spring Arbor University

Bill and Vi Sigmund