College & Career Access Center
Quarterly Newsletter: 3rd Quarter 2021
In April, the College & Career Access Center launched their #CollegeGetItDone! Class of 2020 and 2021 initiative with the ambitious charge of re-engaging those students whose post-secondary plans were most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with our traditional social media and Summer Melt canvassing efforts, the CCAC also provided Summer Melt planning services to the previous year’s graduates - the class of 2020. Through a grant from the National College Attainment Network, supported by the Kresge Foundation, we hosted FAFSA Fridays, Mobile FAFSA Food Events with food trucks as well as weekly and monthly award incentives. We even brought on a group of near peer advisors to support the Summer of Getting it Done! - These motivated students reached out to fellow graduates, sharing testimonials and encouraging their 2020 and ‘21 peers to participate in a fun-filled Summer of planning festivities. As a team, we reached out to 1,868 Seniors - a record Summer for the CCAC. Over 10 weeks, we provided planning services to over 460 class of 2021 grads and more than 370 from the class of 2020. We assisted in the completion of more than 100 FAFSA applications and celebrated our meaningful consultations with nearly 800 students.
While the Summer has concluded, the College & Career Access Center is energized through Fall and into December. It’s Not Too Late, Class of 2020 and 2021! To set your plans in motion and take advantage of monthly chances to win a $500 award to kickstart your post-secondary goals, pay a visit to the CCAC. Come Start Your Future!
For more information, visit: www.jacksoncac.org or, email: brian@jacksoncac.org
The CCAC's Commitment to Advocacy
In Fall of 2020, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) introduced a funding opportunity that would allow members to take part in higher education policy and advocacy. This important initiative would offer NCAN members and students around the country a valuable opportunity to make their voices heard. The College and Career Access Center applied and was honored to be selected among 33 college attainment organizations in 24 states across the country to engage in national higher education policy discussions over the next year. NCAN is committed to policy and advocacy as a critical strategy in closing the equity gaps that exist in higher education. To that end, the goal of the fellowship is to expand the breadth of NCAN member participation.
In March 2021, our CCAC Executive Director, the advising team, and two student fellows from Albion College were able to participate, sharing their own personal testimonials at the state and federal level. Our team was proud to meet with our Congresswomen and men, to not only place Jackson on the map for our college & career successes but also to ask Congress to double the current Pell Grant award amount.
In the following Op-Ed article, CCAC;s Office Community Initiatives Coordinator, Brian Green, expressed the importance of the Pell Grant increase for the vulnerable populations we serve:
Summer Outreach at the CCAC: Partnerships Old and New
The Summer of 2021 marked the College & Career Access Center's 6th year for collaborative Summer Outreach with the YMCA of Jackson, the 5th with the Martin Luther King (MLK) Recreation Center and our 4th Summer with the Jackson Housing Commission (JHC). Starting as a modest curriculum of college & career awareness activities in 2016, the initiative has scaled up dramatically over the years, reaching students aged 6-14 and broadening the scope of activities designed to inspire early awareness of all post-secondary options. The CCAC first partnered with the YMCA in 2016 to offer college programming to their established Summer Camp schedule. Over the years, we have increased capacity and added the MLK Recreation Center as well as the Jackson Housing Commission - at Chalet Terrace Apartments. This Summer, the CCAC added Shahan Blackstone Apartments to its list of Outreach venues. The CCAC is also grateful for our partners who complemented our Summer Outreach program with weekly Robotics sessions - My Brother's Keeper, Dream Maker/FIRST Robotics and Jackson Public Schools.
Due to the covid pandemic, the CCAC was unable to provide Summer Outreach for 2020, but the Summer of 2021 proved a promising comeback. On average, 30 students showed up weekly for Summer curriculum and Robotics at the YMCA. The MLK Center averaged 20 participating students per week, ranging in ages from third grade to middle school. The CCAC even saw consistent participation of 10 - 15 students every week at our newest venues, Chalet Terrace and Shahan Apartments. It was a busy Summer of exploration and activity and the CCAC looks forward to a bright future of robust programming with our new and existing partnerships in Jackson County.
The CCAC Quarterly Business Highlight
Welcome back to the College and Career Access Center’s Quarterly Business Highlight. With an eye toward the approaching holidays, we decided to feature a business that’s sure to brighten your season. Jackson Candy and Fudge Factory is located at the corner of East Michigan and Elm and, if you haven’t visited yet, you’re in for a treat – sorry. This unique shop has it all: candies, sodas, caramel corn, salt water taffy, fudge .. and the list goes on. But, the abundance of treats and the heavenly aroma as you walk through the door are only half the attraction. The real charm is the trip back in time offered by the vintage layout, old-fashioned copper ceiling tiles, antique display cases, and even an old-time brass cash register.
The rustic brick building that has seen many businesses over the years – pharmacy, hardware store, barber shop – was abandoned when Brian Surgener found it and had a vision of its potential. He hoped to give customers a quality product, all homemade on site. But he also wanted the feel of a real 1800’s confectionary. He definitely achieved that goal. Recently celebrating their 6th anniversary, the Jackson Candy and Fudge factory has built a loyal following of customers. Whether it’s the friendly service, the exceptional homemade delights, or the genuine nostalgia of your surroundings, visitors to the Factory are never disappointed. As elegant as the confections are the crafted gift packages that make each purchase a work of art.
Be sure to stop by Jackson Candy and Fudge Factory at 1522 East Michigan Avenue (Elm & Michigan) or visit their website at: https://www.jacksoncandycompany.com/home/
College & Career Access Center
Email: brian@jacksoncac.org
Website: www.jacksoncac.org
Location: 1082 Jackson Crossing, Jackson, MI, USA
Phone: (517) 990-0671
Facebook: facebook.com/ccacjackson
Twitter: @ccacjackson