College & Career Access Center

What a final quarter of the school year it has been! As we close out another year of supporting students and adults with college and career exploration, planning, and next steps, we are reminded once again of the power of strong partnerships, meaningful advising, and a shared commitment to student success.

This spring, we continued our work with students across Jackson County through one-on-one advising, classroom workshops, community-based support, and experiential learning opportunities. In April, we picked back up with our career-focused and college-going experiences, including Kids2College and Professional Pathways to Success initiative, as well as opportunities for juniors to visit local colleges through our Juniors Over the Local Circuit initiative. This year, we also saw the impact of these long-standing relationships through direct admission opportunities for Jackson County seniors at both Albion College and Spring Arbor University.

Throughout the quarter, our advisors continued supporting students with a wide range of postsecondary plans, including certifications, apprenticeships, skilled trades, traditional two- and four-year college pathways, career exploration, and students planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation. We also ended the school year by celebrating Decision Day events across the county, recognizing and honoring all students and their plans after high school.

Our work this quarter continued beyond the school walls. Through the Michigan Reconnect Grant, we made more than 1,000 outreach attempts and had more than 300 conversations with adults about returning to postsecondary education and training. We grew our community outreach efforts through partnerships and events with organizations such as AWARE Shelter, Grow Jackson, the Health Department, supporting Career Fairs at Western and a countywide College Fair at Northwest High School, our Virtual County Workshops, and the City of Jackson Youth Council’s first annual Youth Leadership Summit. In addition, we continued our collaboration with Lux Languages to support access to English as a Second Language learning opportunities.

This quarter also gave us opportunities to celebrate the people who make this work possible. We recognized team work anniversaries, celebrated student success stories, and highlighted the voices of clients who came to the Center throughout the year to make their college and career goals a reality. Every success story reminds us why this work matters.

As this newsletter also serves as an end-of-year review, we invite you to reflect on several major highlights from the year. These include the implementation of Universal FAFSA in 11 of 13 Jackson County school districts, the launch and implementation of our Reconnect Grant outreach to adult learners, expanded direct admission opportunities for Jackson County seniors through our local college partners, data walkthroughs with all 13 Jackson County administrative teams, and the creation of a postsecondary career readiness curriculum.

As we close out our 18th year as an organization, we know that postsecondary education and training continue to be among the strongest drivers of economic opportunity. Whether a student is pursuing a degree, certificate, skilled trade credential, or going straight to work, our goal remains the same: to help Jackson County residents gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to build meaningful careers and stable futures.

Even amid the evolving landscape of higher education, one thing remains clear: postsecondary education continues to be one of the strongest pathways to opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term success. As students, adult learners, families, schools, and community partners navigate both challenges and possibilities, the need for accessible guidance, support, and connection has never been more important. We are honored to walk alongside our community in helping individuals pursue brighter futures. Thank you for being a dedicated partner in this work. We are grateful for your collaboration and support, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.

Nancy Peters-Lewis
Executive Director

As we close out the 2025–2026 school year, this section serves as both a quarterly recap and a year-in-review for the College & Career Access Center. Throughout the year, the CCAC continued supporting students, families, adults, schools, and community partners through advising, outreach, workshops, events, and expanded programming. The highlights below reflect several key areas of impact from the year, and we encourage readers to visit our data section to review the Quarterly Data Impact Report and Senior Exit Survey Results.

At the very start of our fiscal year the CCAC continued its summer outreach efforts by bringing college, career, STEM, robotics, and drone programming to elementary-age students across the community. From June through August, our team provided 14 lessons to more than 642 students through partnerships with the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Isaiah’s Hub, and the YMCA. These experiences helped introduce students to future pathways at an early age while creating hands-on opportunities to explore problem-solving, technology, teamwork, and career-connected learning.

This month, the CCAC is excited to kick off another summer of outreach with new LEGO robotics kits that will help bring hands-on STEM, college, and career exploration to students across our community. To prepare for this summer’s programming, our team received training on the new kits from Willie Lewis, Associate Principal of Jackson High School, helping staff feel confident and ready to lead engaging robotics activities with students. This summer, our team is leading activities at partner venues including the YMCA, Isaiah’s Hub, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, as well as Cascades Elementary during their summer school program. Through robotics activities, students are able to practice problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking while being introduced to future career pathways in technology, engineering, skilled trades, and beyond. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing our summer programming and helping young students see themselves as future learners, leaders, and innovators.

This year, the CCAC developed a new postsecondary readiness curriculum designed to introduce college and career planning in lower grades prior to senior year. The curriculum provides structured lessons and activities focused on college and career exploration, financial aid, postsecondary planning, and decision-making. Our team also participated in professional development to learn and prepare for implementation, laying the foundation to begin piloting the curriculum in schools and strengthening the consistency of college and career readiness support across Jackson County.

The CCAC continued to provide strong support to the Class of 2026 through one-on-one advising, classroom workshops, family events, and FAFSA completion efforts. This year, our team met with 85% of the senior class and implemented 97 classroom workshops on college and career topics. As of June 19, 2026, the Class of 2026 reached a 76% FAFSA completion rate, and the first year of Universal FAFSA was successfully implemented in 10 of 13 districts, with one additional district adopting the policy for the 2026–2027 school year. We also hosted Fun Fall College Application Day, President’s Day FAFSA, and Scholarship Winter Wonderland, supporting more than 92 families with their college navigation process.

In May, CCAC celebrated Decision Day events across Jackson County, recognizing seniors and their plans after high school. These events honored students pursuing a wide range of postsecondary pathways, including college, skilled trades, training programs, the workforce, and military service. Decision Day is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate each student’s hard work, growth, and next steps while reinforcing that every pathway has value. We are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and excited to see where their futures take them.

The CCAC’s work continued beyond the school day and school buildings through meaningful community partnerships and expanded outreach across Jackson County. This quarter, we hosted students from Grow Jackson at the Center as a first step in helping participants learn more about postsecondary pathways, career exploration, and the support available through CCAC. Our team also attended the Juneteenth celebration in Jackson, provided workshops at AWARE Shelter, continued offering workshops to individuals at Interfaith Shelter, and was honored to take part in the City of Jackson Youth Council’s first annual Youth Leadership Summit. It was an inspiring day in downtown Jackson, bringing together future leaders, families, and community organizations for learning and engaging leadership activities.

Throughout the year, CCAC also strengthened access for adult learners through our Alumni Reconnect initiative and the Reconnect Community Action Grant, completing more than 1,700 outreach attempts to adults age 25 and older to support re-engagement into postsecondary education. In addition to our school-based advising, CCAC supported 723 Center clients this year and expanded CCAC on the Road services to inform businesses, employees, and community organizations about our services and state initiatives that support continued education and career training. We also continued our partnership with Lux Languages, added new connections with the Health Department, and continued career-connected experiences with partners such as the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. Through summer youth outreach, we continued partnerships with the YMCA, Isaiah’s Hub, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. We are also grateful for the many schools, colleges, businesses, and organizations that help make K2C/PPST and other student experiences possible. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to meeting residents where they are and expanding access to college and career support throughout the community.

Jeremy is a Jackson native and a proud 2018 graduate of Northwest High School. After beginning his college journey at Jackson College, he transferred to Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2024.

Following graduation, Jeremy gained professional experience working with Lansing Common Football Club, where he was able to further develop his communication, outreach, and relationship-building skills. He now brings those strengths, along with a strong connection to the Jackson community, to his role as a College and Career Advisor at the College & Career Access Center.

Jeremy is excited to support students as they explore their goals, navigate postsecondary options, and take meaningful steps toward their future. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, and going on walks with his dog.

The CCAC excited to share the 2025–2026 Senior Exit Survey Results, which provide important insight into seniors’ post-high school plans, confidence levels, and the types of support that were most helpful throughout the year. This year, 43% of seniors indicated that CCAC’s one-on-one advisor meetings and classroom workshops helped them the most with college and career planning. Additionally, 45% of seniors reported feeling very confident about their post-high school plan, and 72% indicated that they plan to enroll in a postsecondary institution after graduation. These results help CCAC better understand student needs, celebrate progress, and continue strengthening college and career readiness support across Jackson County.

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.

• "Sam was very helpful and knowledgeable!"

• "This place is very comfortable. And the staff is kind."

• "It's very nice working with Arlene! She is very thorough and keeps a professional attitude while also being friendly in the process. She made me calm about what to do for my future."

• "Nancy is great! She really took the time out to help me like no other college advisor has in the past. The Jackson Crossing location is also very clean and the staff was really helpful and welcoming!"

• "Quincie was fantastic and a huge help. [She] made me feel less apprehensive about finding what I needed as well as making sure I left with what I actually needed."

Brooke Hadley, a student at Hanover-Horton High School, is being recognized as our April Student of the Month for her determination, resilience, and strong commitment to helping others.

After graduation, Brooke plans to attend college to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with the long-term goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Her passion for this path is rooted in a genuine desire to care for and support others, a quality that continues to guide both her academic and personal journey.

Outside of the classroom, Brooke stays active and involved through bowling, track, and her love of music. Her hard work and dedication have already led to impressive accomplishments, including advancing to the state level for HOSA and qualifying for states in bowling—achievements that reflect her drive to succeed in multiple areas.

Brooke credits her fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, as a meaningful influence in her life, helping shape her mindset and encouraging her along the way. She is especially proud of the milestones she has reached so far, using each experience as motivation to keep pushing forward.

When asked what advice she would give to her peers, Brooke shares a powerful reminder: “People will try to tell you you won’t be able to do what you want. It’s only fair that you achieve your dreams and more so you can prove them wrong.”

We are proud to celebrate Brooke for her perseverance, ambition, and dedication to her future. We look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the years ahead!

We are excited to recognize Alfonso Y. Gonzalez-Orozco, a recent graduate from Jackson High School, as our Student of the Month!

Alfonso plans to attend Western Michigan University to study Human Biology with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. His passion for caring for others has been with him since childhood, and his drive is deeply inspired by his parents, who sacrificed so much in coming to the United States from Mexico.

Alfonso shared that one of his proudest accomplishments is becoming a first-generation college student in his family. He credits his mom and dad as the strongest people he knows and says they inspire him every day to keep going and work hard.

Outside of school, Alfonso enjoys spending time with friends, going on runs, and playing soccer. His advice to his peers is powerful: “Keep going no matter what. Tough times don’t last but tough people do. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, so do not ever give up!”

Alfonso also shared his appreciation for his college advisors, Sam and Baylee, who have supported him throughout his journey.

Congratulations, Alfonso! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish at WMU and beyond!

We are excited to recognize Gabrielle Graves, a senior at Michigan Center High School, as our June Student of the Month!

After graduation, Gabrielle plans to attend Albion College, where she will study to become a kindergarten teacher. Her passion for teaching and positively influencing others was inspired by her younger brothers, who helped her see the impact she can have as a role model and leader.

Gabrielle shared that she is proud of being named Big Sister of the Year through Big Brothers Big Sisters this year — an incredible accomplishment that reflects her heart for mentorship and supporting others.

Outside of school, Gabrielle enjoys playing soccer, golfing, and painting in her free time. She also shared appreciation for the teachers who have supported her along the way, while recognizing the importance of creating her own path and learning in ways that work best for her.

Her advice to her peers is a meaningful reminder: “Stay on top of your work, and don’t take the moments you’re currently having for granted.”

Congratulations, Gabrielle! We are so proud of you and excited to see the positive impact you will make as you continue your journey at Albion College and beyond!

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 • Hurst Foundation • 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