College & Career Access Center

Happy New Year from the College and Career Access Center! What a strong quarter it has been at the CCAC! This year, FAFSA opened on time on October 1, and we have already seen great progress in FAFSA completion during the first quarter. Many of our partner schools also adopted Universal FAFSA practices, helping students rally around FAFSA completion as a critical step toward their post–high school goals. As a result, we have seen a 29% year-over-year increase in FAFSA completion at this point. Be sure to check out our Data Highlights below to see how we’re tracking.

Beyond FAFSA, October also marked the continuation of our 8th grade college and career exploration initiative, Kids2College and Pathways2Professional Skilled Trades, which introduces students to professional careers, skilled trades, and postsecondary options. Through this initiative, students explored several regional colleges and local businesses, gaining exposure to possible future career paths. In addition, through our Juniors Over the Local Circuit partnerships, students participated in Direct Admit opportunities with Albion College and Spring Arbor University across several of Jackson County’s 13 school districts.

As our work continues to grow, we were excited to welcome a new staff member this quarter. In October, Sheila Troxel joined the CCAC team, bringing valuable experience and knowledge to our work. Please help us welcome her if you see her out in the community!

This quarter, Jackson High School and Michigan Center High School each hosted College and Career Fairs for their students. These events brought together colleges, training providers, and local businesses, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of postsecondary and career pathways, ask questions, and connect directly with representatives. School-led events like these support early exploration and help students better understand their options after high school.

At the community level, we continued our work through the Michigan Reconnect Community Action Grant, re-engaging adults in postsecondary education. We also launched CCAC on the Road, a new outreach initiative designed to inform employers and staff across Jackson County about education, training, and scholarship opportunities. This work helps adults reconnect with pathways that support career advancement and long-term economic mobility. If you would like us to visit your workplace, please let us know. Additional data from these initiatives can be found in our quarterly report below.

This quarter also marked the launch of scholarship season alongside FAFSA. We hosted two events at the center—a Fall FAFSA event and our Winter Wonderland Scholarship and FAFSA Workshop—which brought more than 125 community members through our doors. During these events, over 45 FAFSAs and scholarship applications were completed. Below, you’ll find information on local scholarships that support college, training, and skilled trades pathways.

Looking beyond our county, we were pleased to welcome the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to the center for deeper data conversations, as well as colleagues from Indiana who visited to learn more about the CCAC model and infrastructure. We were proud to share how Jackson County supports college and career access.

For professional development, our team attended the Michigan College Access Network Conference, reinforcing our commitment to postsecondary access and success. We also participated in the Jackson Collaborative Network’s Community Assessment Report presentation, where we examined local data and identified opportunities for continued growth and improvement.

We are incredibly grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are helping ensure that students and adults across Jackson County have the resources and guidance they need to confidently take the next steps toward their futures.

Nancy Peters-Lewis
Executive Director

This quarter, our Juniors Over the Local Circuit initiative expanded access to higher education through direct admit partnerships with Albion College and Spring Arbor University, helping students see college as a real and attainable option earlier in their high school journey. Direct admit allows students to receive early admission to a college based on their academic record—often without completing a traditional application—reducing barriers like application fees, essays, and uncertainty while encouraging earlier postsecondary planning.

Through the Albion College Direct Admit program, juniors from all 13 Jackson County school districts were eligible for early admission consideration. Spring Arbor University’s Deep Roots Direct Admission Program partnered with Concord, East Jackson, Grass Lake, Hanover-Horton, Jackson High, Napoleon, Springport, and Vandercook Lake. As part of these direct admit pathways, CCAC-facilitated college tours play a key role by helping students meet program criteria that require completing a college visit. These tours give students the opportunity to step onto campus, engage with admissions staff, and better envision themselves in a college environment—building confidence while moving them one step closer to securing admission and planning for life after high school.

Check out a few of the press releases below on these fantastic direct admit programs!

CCAC advisors played an active role in supporting school-led college and career exploration this quarter. Advisor Sam Hunt helped plan and facilitate the College and Career Fair at Jackson High School, supporting coordination with colleges, training providers, and local businesses to ensure students had meaningful opportunities to explore postsecondary and career options. Similarly, Advisor Quincie Cheeney supported the College and Career Fair at Michigan Center High School, helping bring together community partners and creating an engaging experience for students. Through this hands-on support, CCAC advisors continue to strengthen school partnerships and expand access to real-world college and career connections for students across the county.

This quarter, we launched CCAC on the Road, a new outreach initiative designed to bring college and career information directly to workplaces, community organizations, and partners across Jackson County. Through on-site presentations and resource sharing, CCAC on the Road helps adults learn about postsecondary options, short-term training programs, and financial support such as Michigan Reconnect, scholarships, and employer-supported education benefits. The goal is to remove barriers to information by meeting people where they are—making it easier for individuals to explore career changes, skill-building opportunities, and pathways back to education. CCAC on the Road allows employers to offer this information as an added benefit to their staff while connecting employees to local resources that support long-term career and economic mobility.

This fall, CCAC hosted our Fun Fall FAFSA and College Application Event, welcoming over 50 students and families—the highest turnout in our history. The event offered hands-on support with FAFSA completion, college applications, and next-step planning, helping families navigate the process with confidence and real-time assistance from CCAC advisors. The strong turnout reflects increased awareness of the importance of completing the FAFSA as a critical step toward postsecondary access, as well as students taking advantage of Michigan College Month, which provides free college applications throughout October. Together, these factors highlight a growing momentum around college planning and students actively engaging in opportunities that reduce financial and application barriers.

CCAC also hosted our Winter Wonderland Scholarship and FAFSA Workshop, welcoming 18 students and families for an evening focused on financial aid and scholarship support. Students were invited to complete their FAFSA if they had not already done so and to work on local scholarship applications with guidance and support. In partnership with the Jackson Community Foundation, participants received hands-on assistance navigating scholarship opportunities and making progress on applications that help reduce the cost of college and training programs. By combining FAFSA completion and scholarship support in one event, the workshop helped students maximize financial aid opportunities and take meaningful steps toward their postsecondary goals.

In November, the CCAC team attended the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Conference, joining college access professionals from across the state to learn, share best practices, and engage in conversations focused on expanding postsecondary access and success. The conference provided valuable professional development opportunities centered on data-informed strategies, equity-driven practices, and innovative approaches to supporting students and families. Our team returned energized and equipped with new insights that will strengthen our work in FAFSA completion, college and career advising, and community partnerships across Jackson County.

As part of the College and Career Access Center team, Sheila is passionate about guiding students toward their educational and career goals. Before joining the CCAC, she served as a Change Management Consultant and Director of Financial Education at TRUE Community Credit Union, building expertise in financial literacy and organizational change. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Arts in German with a minor in Communications from St. Cloud State University. She lives in Jackson with her husband, two dogs, and two cats, and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, knitting, cooking, and traveling. Sheila advises at Concord, Columbia Central, and Hanover-Horton.

Our Quarterly Data Impact Reports provide a clear snapshot of the progress and impact of our programs and initiatives. Each report highlights key success metrics, from student engagement and college application progress to program participation and community outreach. These reports allow us to celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and share how our work is helping students and adults in Jackson County reach their postsecondary and career goals.

We’re proud to report continued growth in FAFSA completion rates across Jackson County! This progress reflects the collective efforts of advisors, schools, and families working together to break down barriers to financial aid. Our county-wide FAFSA completion goal is 67%-86%.

Our emphasis on FAFSA completion is directly linked to expanding access to post-secondary educational opportunities. Since the FAFSA is essential for securing financial aid for both college and skilled trade programs, encouraging students and families to complete it helps unlock crucial funding for their educational goals.

This quarter, we’re excited to share more quotes from students and families who have benefited from our support. From FAFSA completion to career planning, these testimonials reflect the dedication and expertise of our team in guiding students toward their college and career goals.

• "Quincie helped me so much with getting through the FASFA form, she was amazing and patient the whole time. I am very grateful for the support of the CCAC."

• "Working with Nancy was great she was knowledgeable, understanding, kind. She made this process so easy."

• "Jake was amazing, very friendly and helpful."

• "Always feel prepared for the next steps after leaving here. Thank you for all the help!"

• "I always feel so much better after coming here. College always felt so out of reach but now I feel like it's going to be alright."

• "Sheila was very patient with me and took all of the right steps to make sure I had an amazing scholarship action plan and helped me feel more prepared for the future."

• "Came in to find a nice space to work on my applications. Thank you for always creating a welcoming atmosphere!"

• "Arlene was great and really helped me feel confident."

Meet Saniya Newton from Concord High School, our inspiring Student of the Month! Saniya is thrilled to be heading to college and plans to study Anthropology—a passion that was sparked back in 7th grade during a history class lesson on the Rosetta Stone, cavemen, and ancient civilizations. Seeing the colleges she was accepted to in person has sparked even more excitement for her future and encouraged her to create a clear plan for a successful start.

When she’s not diving into schoolwork or career center classes, Saniya enjoys running, journaling, playing video games, reading, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She’s especially proud of how she balances her responsibilities—school, work, and relationships—while still finding time to stay active and enjoy her hobbies.

Saniya draws inspiration from her mom, who she describes as a role model of perseverance and compassion. “She is always thinking of others and never in my life have I seen her give up on something.”

Looking back on her high school journey, Saniya encourages her peers with simple wisdom: “Do not procrastinate. It is better to do things sooner than later.”

We are so proud of Saniya’s dedication, her curiosity, and her positive outlook on life. College is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things she accomplishes next!

Spring Arbor University, founded in 1873, is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Jackson. Rooted in the Free Methodist tradition, Spring Arbor has a long-standing commitment to integrating faith, learning, and service, preparing students to lead with purpose in their careers and communities.

Over the years, Spring Arbor University has grown into a comprehensive institution offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Its welcoming campus blends modern academic facilities with a close-knit, residential feel, fostering strong connections between students, faculty, and staff. The university emphasizes small class sizes and personalized instruction, allowing students to build meaningful relationships with professors who are invested in their academic and personal growth.

Spring Arbor’s mission centers on developing learners who think critically, communicate effectively, and live ethically, guided by Christian values. The university encourages students to explore their calling while cultivating leadership skills, a service-oriented mindset, and a global perspective. This mission is reflected in campus life, community engagement opportunities, and experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Academically, Spring Arbor offers a wide range of programs in areas such as business, education, nursing, social work, engineering, theology, and the arts and sciences. Many programs incorporate hands-on learning experiences, including internships, clinical placements, service-learning projects, and undergraduate research. The university is particularly well known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and health-related fields, which prepare students for in-demand careers while emphasizing compassionate service.

Beyond academics, Spring Arbor University provides a vibrant campus experience with student organizations, intramural and varsity athletics, chapel services, and leadership opportunities that encourage students to grow holistically. With a strong emphasis on character development, faith integration, and academic excellence, Spring Arbor University continues to equip students to make a meaningful impact in their professions and in the world.

Founded on August 1, 2025, Luna Lux Lounge is the result of years of experience, creativity, and a love for bringing people together. Ella and Jeremiah Hephzibah built the lounge from the foundation of their catering company, Big Guy Catering. Long before the doors opened in downtown Jackson, they were serving the community at weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds. Through those experiences, they realized that hospitality isn’t just about what you serve—it’s about the feeling it creates. They wanted a permanent space that could capture that same sense of connection and care.

Luna Lux Lounge was born from that idea. Ella and Jeremiah wanted a space that reflected their love for entertaining and meaningful human connection. While food and service had always been their foundation, the lounge allowed them to elevate hospitality further—turning mixology into an art form. Every cocktail is crafted with intention, technique, and storytelling. Influenced by culture, music, and the soulful flavors of Creole cuisine, Luna Lux blends elevated dining, handcrafted cocktails, and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.

No two days are ever the same at Luna Lux. Mornings are spent planning, prepping, and perfecting every detail—from the menu to the ambiance. Once doors open, the lounge comes alive with music, laughter, and conversation. Ella and Jeremiah greet guests, support their team, and make sure everyone leaves feeling valued. “By the end of the night, we’re tired, grateful, and already thinking about how to make tomorrow even better,” Jeremiah says.

Looking ahead, the Hephzibahs hope to grow Luna Lux Lounge alongside Big Guy Catering while staying rooted in quality, creativity, and community. They are committed to fostering new talent and creating spaces that open doors for others. Their goal is a legacy of excellence, empowerment, and connection—where everyone who walks through their doors feels welcomed and inspired.

Some of their favorite moments come from hearing guests say, “We felt taken care of,” or “The service made the experience unforgettable.” Whether it’s a couple celebrating a milestone, friends catching up after a long week, or a client trusting Big Guy Catering with an important event, these moments are the true measure of success.

“Start with what you love—and be willing to grow through what you don’t know yet,” Ella advises. “There will be long days and tough decisions, but consistency and purpose will carry you further than perfection ever could. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, stay open to learning, and never lose sight of why you started. Lead with heart, integrity, and resilience, and the rest will follow.”

With passion, creativity, and a commitment to connection, Luna Lux Lounge isn’t just a place to enjoy food or cocktails—it’s a space where culture, artistry, and community come together, leaving every guest with an experience they’ll want to return to again and again.

Your support helps the College and Career Access Center continue providing free, high-quality college and career guidance to students and adults across Jackson County. Donations directly support FAFSA completion, scholarship assistance, college and career exploration, and outreach initiatives that remove barriers and expand opportunity. Together, we can ensure every learner has the resources, guidance, and confidence to take the next step toward their future.

Consider making a gift to support college and career access in our community.

Funding Partners:

13 Connected Community School Career Preparatory Funds • Albion College • Alro Steel Foundation • The A.P. Cook Foundation • The Bill and Vi Sigmund Foundation • Dawn Food Foundation • Dream Maker Fund • Jackson College • Jackson Community Foundation • Jackson County Intermediate School District • John George Jr. Trust • The Lavery Foundation • Michigan College Access Network • Michigan International Speedway • Phil and Pat Willis Foundation • Robert and Rose Glick Foundation • 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