The College and Career Access Center (CCAC) is a non-profit organization located in the Jackson Crossing Mall. Our mission is to “navigate all Jackson County residents to productive careers through the pursuit of appropriate post-secondary training.” We achieve that mission with our two consultation umbrellas: The 4 Seasons of College Application (College Applications, FAFSA, Scholarship, Decisions) and the 5 Career Frontiers (Career Assessments, Resume/Cover Letter, Interviewing/Soft, Job Shadowing/Internship, Employment/Placement). In addition to the center, our advisors serve students in Jackson’s 13 Connected Community Schools. 

Let the CCAC be of service to you as you navigate your post-secondary college and career goals. We can assist you with all aspects of college planning including, creating a college list, applying to college, completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and assisting with enrollment tasks. We can also help with your next career move by assisting you with job applications, resume/cover letter building, interviewing/soft skill development, and connecting you to job shadow opportunities. All of our services are FREE! We are open to the public Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Within Jackson’s 13 Connected Community Schools, our team of College & Career Advisors and our Community Initiatives Coordinator organize and carry out a number of initiatives that ensure awareness, financial preparedness, and a focused plan for post-secondary steps. These pillars are foundational to these CCAC initiatives:

• Kids2College/Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades (K2C/PPST) – This initiative is designed for middle school students and combines a classroom curriculum with guided tours of regional institutions of higher education as well as manufacturers and local businesses. The K2C/PPST program is offered at all 13 of Jackson’s Connected Middle Schools. Students develop early college and career awareness and receive hands on opportunities to see a college or university and explore various options available within the many fields of skilled trades.
• Juniors Over the Local Circuit – Every Junior within Jackson’s Connected Community School districts receives the opportunity to visit Jackson’s 3 local institutions: Baker College, Jackson College and Spring Arbor University. Students are given the opportunity to tour and learn about college life at a career college, a standard community college and a liberal arts institution.
• 1:1 Consultations with Graduating Seniors – Each of our College & Career Advisors is housed within the 13 Connected Schools. 10 hours per week is dedicated to each school for consultations with Jackson’s graduating Seniors. Advisors focus on a number of measurable advising steps including: FAFSA and TIP completion, scholarship applications, submitted applications to colleges and trade schools, career assessments, resume construction, interviewing skills, and support in job shadowing and placement.