College & Career Access Center

It’s been a busy and productive winter quarter—and while the season may invite hibernation, our CCAC team has been doing quite the opposite. Our “Mighty Little Engine” has been in full motion, continuing to support students as they navigate their postsecondary plans—whether that path leads to college, the skilled trades, or directly into the workforce.

As our work continues to grow, so does our team. We are excited to welcome Luisa Green as our new Operations Support Specialist. We’re thrilled to have her join the CCAC team and look forward to the impact she will make.

This winter also marked an important moment for reflection and alignment. In January, we launched our biennial Administrative Team Meetings across all 13 districts. These sessions bring together superintendents, principals, counselors, advisors, and CCAC leadership to reflect on our 13-year partnership, align on college and career readiness strategies, and engage in meaningful data conversations. Together, we examine key areas like aspiration, access, attainment, and affordability to ensure we are continuously improving how we serve students. If you haven’t explored our Countywide Data Corner Website, we encourage you to take a look and see how we’re progressing toward our shared goals.

At the same time, we were in the heart of one of our busiest seasons of the year—scholarship and financial aid support. This quarter marked the height of scholarship season, and our team worked diligently to support students applying for Jackson Community Foundation, Sigmund Foundation, and other local scholarships. We also held our President’s Day FAFSA Event—a day filled with community, productivity, and connection. Students and families made significant progress on critical college and career tasks, all while enjoying great food and fellowship (including some incredible barbecue from our own Brian Green!).

While supporting students in these immediate next steps, we also continued to expand opportunities for exploration and exposure. We officially kicked off our spring semester tours—even with snow still on the ground! Through our Juniors Over the Local Circuit and Kids2College Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades initiatives, students are exploring local colleges, careers, and industries in meaningful, hands-on ways. Beyond tours, our team engaged in cradle-to-career efforts across the region, including Cascades Reading Night, the Thriving Educator Institute, Washtenaw Community College’s STEM Week poster session for middle school students, and a career fair hosted at Albion College.

In addition to this hands-on learning, we are also thinking long-term about how early we begin this work. This quarter, we launched our new Career Readiness Platform, expanding our advising efforts to reach students as early as sixth grade. We know that early exposure to college and career planning builds confidence and equips students to take meaningful steps toward their future. This expansion marks an exciting step forward in how we support students along their entire journey.

We were honored to participate in several events celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including engagements with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and Jackson College. Dr. King’s vision continues to inspire our work, particularly as we strive to close equity gaps in postsecondary attainment across our community.

And as we look beyond our local impact, we are also advocating for systems-level change. We had the opportunity to advocate at the state level for college attainment and affordability. Through Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Advocacy Day and with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, we met with legislators to elevate the importance of this work and the impact it has on our communities.

As always, none of this would be possible without your continued support and partnership. We are deeply grateful for all you do to help move the needle on postsecondary attainment in Jackson County.

Nancy Peters-Lewis
Executive Director

It’s one of the busiest—and most exciting—times of the year at the CCAC! Our team has been working side-by-side with students to maximize scholarship opportunities and take the stress out of the process. This season, over 180 high school seniors across all 13 districts successfully completed the Jackson Community Foundation competitive scholarship application before the February deadline. On top of that, more than 100 seniors applied for the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship, showing incredible momentum toward funding their futures.

There’s still time to take advantage of additional opportunities—the Sigmund Foundation Scholarship is open through April 15 for students pursuing both 2–4 year colleges and skilled trades. Need help? Stop by the CCAC—we’re here to support you every step of the way!

We also kept the energy going with our President’s Day FAFSA Event, where 21 students showed up ready to get things DONE—submitting their FAFSA and knocking out key college and career tasks. It was a focused, productive, and successful day that moved students one step closer to their goals.

This quarter, our students didn’t just talk about their futures—they experienced them firsthand. Through our Kids2College (K2C) and Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades (PPST) initiatives, 8th graders from Concord, JPS-Parkside, and Vandercook had the opportunity to step into real-world environments and explore a wide range of career pathways. Students toured local employers and institutions including the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, Henry Ford Health, Alro Plastics, and Advance Turning & Manufacturing, while also visiting Spring Arbor University and Albion College to experience college campuses up close.

At the same time, our Juniors Over the Local Circuit (JOLC) tours gave high school juniors from Grass Lake, Northwest, and Western a deeper look at their postsecondary options. Students visited Jackson College, Albion College, and Spring Arbor University—gaining valuable insight into campus life, academic programs, and what their next steps could look like after graduation.

These experiences are all about exposure, exploration, and helping students make informed decisions about their futures—and this quarter, that impact was on full display.

Beyond tours and direct student support, our team has been out in the community—connecting, engaging, and supporting learners at every stage of the cradle-to-career pipeline. Earlier in the quarter, we connected with younger students and families at Cascades Reading Night, helping spark excitement around college and career pathways in a fun, hands-on environment. It’s never too early to start thinking about the future! Our team also engaged with middle school innovators at Washtenaw Community College’s STEM Week Poster Session, where students showcased creativity, problem-solving, and STEM skills. These experiences highlight the incredible potential of students when given the chance to explore their interests and passions. We rounded out the quarter by supporting students at a career fair hosted at Albion College, helping them explore career opportunities, ask questions, and envision their next steps beyond high school.

Additionally, Our team was honored to attend the MLK Jr. Diversity Celebration Breakfast, joining community leaders and partners to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and reflect on the importance of equity in education and opportunity. Events like this remind us why our work in postsecondary access and attainment is so vital. We were also excited to sponsor the Junior Achievement Bowling Fundraiser this quarter and join in the bowling tournament, supporting JA’s mission to prepare young people for success in school and careers while having some fun along the way!

This quarter, we took our commitment to college and career access to the state level by participating in Michigan College Access Network’s (MCAN) College Attainment Advocacy Day in Lansing. The event brought together education and community leaders from across Michigan to meet with legislators, rallying around postsecondary access, affordability, and student success initiatives like the Sixty by 30 goal.

During the day, attendees shared the impact of programs like the CCAC, highlighted the importance of equity in postsecondary attainment, and advocated for policies that support students across the state. Events like this allow us to amplify the voices of Jackson County students and ensure that decision-makers understand the challenges and opportunities in helping every student succeed.

By participating in Advocacy Day, our team continues to take action beyond the classroom—making sure that the needs and achievements of our students are represented at the state level and that the pathways to college and career success remain strong for all Michigan learners.

We are thrilled to welcome Luisa Green to the CCAC team as our new Operations Support Specialist! A Jackson native, Luisa graduated from Jackson High School in 2022 and is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts at Jackson College. She plans to continue her education out east, with aspirations in the Arts and Communications field.

Luisa first joined the CCAC in Summer 2024 as an IMPACT Advisor, quickly becoming an integral part of programs like Kids2College/Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades and Juniors Over the Local Circuit. Through chaperoning tours and supporting students across all 13 districts, Luisa has helped 8th and 11th graders explore postsecondary options, broadening horizons and inspiring brighter futures.

Outside of her work with students, Luisa has a passion for the culinary arts, and enjoys creative outlets like music and journaling. We are excited to have Luisa on board and can’t wait to see the impact she will make on students and the CCAC community!

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%.

*March 2026 completion percentage is from the most recent Federal Student Aid report of March 20, 2026.

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.

• “Jorge is very patient and knowledgeable.”

• “Quincie is wonderful!”

• “Jake was super helpful with building my resume.”

• “I feel more confident in my next steps!"

• “Sam went above and beyond in helping me with my college plans and goals!!!!! VERY pleased with her help!!!”

• “Nancy is great, very helpful. Nancy was actually excited in finding information for me."

• “Arlene has been very amazing today. I came in knowing absolutely nothing about college, grants, FAFSA, etc. and she taught me all about it. Not only that, but she helped me feel so much more confident about my journey. She is truly an angel!!”

• “Brian was very helpful and made our silly questions seem normal.”

Meet Jesse Smith from da Vinci High School, our January Student of the Month! Jesse is preparing for an exciting next chapter as he plans to attend Jackson College (JC) to pursue a career as a Commercial Electrician. Drawn to the field for its strong earning potential and hands-on work, Jesse also hopes to secure an apprenticeship during or after college. Alongside his academic and career goals, he plans to golf for JC’s team—aiming to set records and possibly take his golf career even further.

Outside of the classroom, Jesse stays incredibly active. He enjoys golfing, wrestling, boxing, playing games, and shooting darts. As both a golfer and wrestler at Da Vinci High School, he spends several hours each day dedicated to his sports—commitment that has paid off in big ways.

Jesse is especially proud of holding his school record for golf and being the only high school wrestler at his school, accomplishments that reflect his drive and determination. A major source of inspiration in his life has been his wrestling coach, who continually pushes him beyond his limits. “Every time I feel like I’m about to give up or quit, he encourages me to dig deep, and I find strength that I never thought I possessed,” Jesse shared.

Looking back on his journey, Jesse offers practical advice to his peers: “Get good grades even if you don’t plan on going to college. I didn’t plan on going to college until my senior year. Good grades will get you money for scholarships and even housing.” His final words of encouragement are simple but powerful: “Just do it.”

We are so proud of Jesse’s hard work, resilience, and willingness to push himself both academically and athletically. His future is bright, and we can’t wait to see where his dedication and talent take him next!

This month, we’re excited to recognize Elaina Lounsbery, a standout student from East Jackson whose dedication to helping others is already shaping a bright future.

After graduation, Elaina plans to attend college and pursue her goal of becoming a Hospice Care Nurse. Her passion for caregiving comes from a meaningful place—Elaina shares that her inspiration is rooted in her love for helping people and the impact of her Grandpa.

Outside of school, Elaina stays busy and enjoys a mix of fun and adventure. She participates in bowling, loves shopping, and is always up for trying new foods—a perfect combination of teamwork, confidence, and curiosity.

One of Elaina’s biggest points of pride is an accomplishment that speaks volumes about her drive: she became a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) while still in high school. That’s a huge milestone, and it reflects the commitment and work ethic she brings to her goals.

When asked who has been an important influence in her life, Elaina immediately named her mom, whose support has clearly played a key role in her journey. Elaina also offered advice that many students can carry with them: “Work through the most difficult parts of your life, at the end it will be so much better, and never give up.”

Congratulations, Elaina! We’re proud to celebrate your accomplishments and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make as you continue your path toward nursing and caring for others.

Gabrielle Bakun, a senior at Grass Lake High School, is being recognized as our March Student of the Month for her passion for helping others and her dedication both in and out of the classroom.

After graduation, Gabrielle plans to attend college, where she will major in psychology with the goal of becoming a children’s psychologist. Her interest in this path grew through her senior transitions class, where she had the opportunity to explore different careers. She realized that her natural desire to help others, combined with her understanding that many children struggle to process their emotions, could lead to a meaningful and impactful career.

Outside of academics, Gabrielle stays actively involved in her school and community. She participates in cheerleading, soccer, and both select and mixed choir, and is also a member of NHS, Key Club, and Link Crew. One of her most meaningful experiences has been helping coach the Grass Lake youth cheerleading program. While she humbly describes her role as small, Gabrielle shares that the experience had a big impact on her and helped her grow just as much as the students she supported.

Gabrielle credits her dad as one of the most important influences in her life, helping shape who she is today. She is especially proud of overcoming challenges and “jumping over so many hurdles,” showing resilience and determination along the way.

When asked what advice she would give to her peers, Gabrielle keeps it simple but powerful: “Just be yourself, it pays off. Also to always try your best with everything you do.”

We are proud to celebrate Gabrielle for her perseverance, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. We can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future!

Lawrence Technological University: Where Innovation Meets Real-World Experience

Written by: Luisa Green | Operations Support Specialist

Located in Southfield, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private university known for its strong focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and career preparation. Founded in 1932, LTU has built a reputation for helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

Academically, LTU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with more than 35 majors for undergraduates and over 20 graduate options. The university is especially well known for programs in engineering, architecture, computer science, and business, while also offering opportunities in the sciences and liberal arts. Many programs emphasize project-based learning, internships, and co-op experiences, giving students the chance to build practical skills before they graduate.

Student life at LTU has a welcoming, close-knit feel. With over 40 student organizations, there are plenty of ways to get involved, whether through leadership opportunities, academic groups, or social and cultural organizations. Campus events like Welcome Week and Homecoming help bring students together, and the smaller campus size makes it easier to form connections with classmates and professors.

When it comes to affordability, tuition is around $45,000 per year, with total costs typically ranging from $58,000 to $65,000 depending on housing and other expenses. However, many students receive financial aid, including merit-based scholarships that can significantly lower the cost. Another benefit is that tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Overall, Lawrence Tech is a great option for students looking for a supportive environment and a career-focused education. With its strong academic programs and emphasis on real-world experience, LTU helps prepare students to confidently step into their future careers.

Do you own a small business in Jackson County? We want to feature YOU in our Business of the Quarter! This is a chance to showcase your work, inspire students, and highlight entrepreneurship as a viable postsecondary pathway. By sharing your story, you help students see the amazing opportunities right here at home—and celebrate all the great things Jackson has to offer.

Interested? Submit your business here!

We can’t wait to spotlight your business and the impact you’re making in our community!

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