As we wrap up another great school year of college and career planning and exploration, the CCAC is excited to use this installment of our newsletter to highlight the 2023-2024 school year's most impactful accomplishments and community initiatives. Additionally, we would like to offer a glimpse into our seniors’ perceptions and feelings toward their college and career trajectories.

Seniors spend the last part of the year gearing up for graduation and planning for life after high school, while our 8th-grade students are just beginning their journey. For the 2023-2024 academic year, our early awareness Kids2College/Pathways2Professional Skilled Trades initiative provided 1,178 8th grade students with opportunities to explore the college pathway, as well as engineering, technology, and manufacturing through the K2C/PPST classroom curriculum and college/manufacturer tours. The 2023-24 season was hosted by 9 institutions of higher education and 13 regional manufacturing partners. Below, you will see what students said about these visits.

Additionally, our Juniors Over the Local Circuit program gave 799 11th-grade students the chance to explore Jackson’s local colleges, Jackson College, and Spring Arbor University. In this newsletter, we’ll also share feedback from those visits.

At the College & Career Access Center, we believe it’s all about match and fit, celebrating each student’s personal accomplishments and individual plans beyond high school. Each of our 13 Connected Community School Districts hosted a Decision Day celebration, and the CCAC was happy to support! Take a moment to view our proud Class of 2024 Seniors and how they were celebrated in each district.

Speaking of 2024 Seniors, we would like to share our Senior Exit Survey information with you as stakeholders, to fully appreciate what our Seniors are saying about their plans for education and careers after high school—their plans, destinations, considerations, and concerns as they Start Their Futures!

Finally, we're excited to share what we're up to this summer! This year, the entire higher education system nationwide has been transformed by the New FAFSA overhaul. Our dedicated team, along with the 13 Connected Community Schools, has been working tirelessly with students and families to achieve our ambitious goal of a 74% FAFSA completion rate.

As we wrap up this fiscal year, we're honored to have been selected from many applicants to implement a nationally renowned grant aimed at increasing FAFSA completion rates. Our #FinishYourFAFSA2024 initiative includes extended advising hours and expanded outreach efforts. Additionally, we've been reaching out to previous graduating classes so they are aware of the opportunity for FREE community college tuition with Michigan Reconnect.

Read more below about these initiatives and the incredible work being done by our team and our IMPACT advisors.

Nancy Peters-Lewis
Executive Director

The CCAC offers the Kids2College/Pathways2Professional Skilled Trades program to every 8th-grade student from Jackson’s 13 Connected Community School Districts. This unique initiative creates a college-going culture by providing students with early college and career awareness while introducing pathways to skilled trades and the many opportunities within those fields. There is an educational curriculum taught in each 8th-grade classroom. The curriculum culminates in a field trip that takes students on a full-day visit to a college or university campus as well as a tour of a local business, or manufacturer.

We are so grateful to all of the institutions and businesses who participated in this initiaitve for the 2023-2024 school year!

Take a look at what 997 8th-grade students across Jackson County had to say about K2C/PPST:

November 2023 kicked off the CCAC’s 8th Season of Juniors Over the Local Circuit (JOLC).

The JOLC initiative offers all Jackson County Juniors the opportunity to explore two of Jackson County’s local institutions of higher education: Jackson College, and Spring Arbor University.

The JOLC initiative allows students to attend presentations that explain the importance of higher education, seeing first-hand what college life looks like - walking the campus with tour guides as well as exploring programs, majors, and a variety of career options. The CCAC is committed to this valuable initiative that allows all Juniors from Jackson’s 13 Connected Community districts to explore higher education and their local options.

Here's a look at what 599 Juniors had to say about the JOLC tours:

Dating back to 2014, National Decision Day traditionally refers to the day high school Seniors commit to final decisions for their Freshman year of college. Decision Day is typically observed and celebrated each year on May 1st. The College & Career Access Center expands upon the Decision Day celebration to recognize and honor all post-secondary decisions; 2-4 year institutions, trade and vocational training, military enlistment, or direct entry to the workforce.

For the 2023-24 school year, all 13 of Jackson’s Connected districts were able to hold events that celebrated all Class of ’24 Senior decisions. And, the CCAC was proud to support and participate in each individual district’s Decision Day efforts. Congratulations and Best wishes to all graduating 2024 Seniors!

At the end of each academic year, we administer a Senior Exit Survey to all 13 districts so that we can capture data and information about their post-secondary plans and how we can continue providing support throughout the summer and beyond. We are happy to share some post-secondary highlights with you from the Class of 2024. Click on the button below to gain insight into what the Class of 2024 is planning to do after high school.

Summer Melt - Our advising team will be reaaching out to the Class of 2024 over the summer to make sure thier fall plans are in order. They will be sending friendly reminders of important enrollment tasks and checking in to see if students need any additional support this summer with any college or career tasks.

Boots on the Ground - Our Summer Melt services will be going out into the community. Advisors, Brian Green and Jorge Rodriguez, will be knocking on doors and offering college and career support right at the comfort of students' homes.

Summer Outreach - We will be continuing our Summer Outreach initiative, providing kids ages 6+ a fun college/career curriculum along with robotics training, to 4 summer venues this year: Jackson YMCA, Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Isaiah's Hub, and the Jackson Housing Commssion.

IMPACT Advisors - We have hired a team of five IMPACT Advisors who will be creating a social media campaign around our #FinishYourFAFSA2024 initiative and reaching out to previous graduates, promoting Michigan Reconnect to those who 21 or older.

Take a look below at our amazing Team and the two summer initiatives that we are promoting!

Lily Helms, a senior at Concord High School, is lighting up the spotlight as the College and Career Access Center's Student of the Month. Her remarkable journey, filled with determination and compassion, is paving the way for a future dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children.

When asked about her plans after high school, Lily shared, "I'm headed to Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in social work, specializing as a child welfare worker." Her passion for transforming young lives stems from a deep-rooted source of inspiration: her grandmother. "Without my grandma, I wouldn't be the caring person I am today," Lily added, highlighting the profound impact her family has had on her chosen path.

Beyond her academic ambitions, Lily is a vibrant individual with diverse interests. She's actively involved in track and field, relishing the camaraderie and challenges the sport brings. "Track has introduced me to amazing friendships and new experiences," Lily said. Additionally, she's a dedicated gym-goer, finding joy in fitness and spending time with friends. Volunteering also holds a special place in Lily's heart, whether it's at the animal shelter or school events.

One of Lily's biggest inspirations is her father, whose resilience and kindness motivate her daily. "He never gives up, even in tough times," she shared, reflecting on her father's unwavering support and selflessness. Lily's own accomplishments speak volumes about her determination. Overcoming challenges related to dyslexia, she has excelled academically and is proud of her journey toward independence and success.

For her peers, Lily has words of encouragement rooted in her own experiences. "Everything happens for a reason," she remarked, emphasizing the importance of perseverance during difficult times. Her advice resonates with those facing challenges, reminding them that struggles can lead to growth and resilience.
In a parting message, Lily encourages everyone to embrace life fully. "Live each day as if it's your last," she shared passionately. Her zest for life and unwavering optimism serve as a beacon of inspiration for her peers and community.

As Lily embarks on her next chapter at Central Michigan University, her determination, compassion, and positive outlook are sure to continue shining brightly, making her a true role model for future generations.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. With over 50 academic programs, MCCC provides a variety of pathways for students to pursue their career and educational goals, including Associate of Applied Science degrees in fields like Accounting, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Education, and many more​​.

Student life at MCCC is vibrant and engaging, with numerous clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests. These groups provide opportunities for students to connect, develop leadership skills, and enrich their college experience through activities and events​.

To support student success, MCCC offers extensive student support services. These include academic advising, career services, and a student success center that provides tutoring in various subjects. Additionally, the college has resources such as a food pantry, mental health screenings, and veterans services to ensure all students have the support they need to thrive​.

For more information about Monroe County Community College, its programs, and student life, visit their official website here.

This quarter we want to highlight the Jackson Crossing Mall - where the College and Career Access Center is housed! The Jackson Crossing Mall offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The mall features popular stores such as Target, Bath & Body Works, and TJ Maxx. They also have several places to grab a snack and enjoy some entertainment!

In addition to shopping, you will also find places that will help prepare you for your future, such as the Military Recruiting Office, South Central Michigan Virtual School, and the College and Career Access Center. Next time you are in the Jackson Crossing Mall, stop by the CCAC and let us help you navigate your college and career goals!

Shout out to our IMPACT Team for creating a TikTok account for the CCAC! They have been working hard with creating content for our videos and growing our account. Click the button below to take a look at the videos we have created so far and be sure to give us a follow!

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