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Career Center principals smiling
Welcome to the Jackson Area Career Center!

Principal Dan Draper, along with Assistant Principals Lauren Kyser and Phil VanAllen, are excited to welcome you to the Jackson Area Career Center—where your future takes shape!

Honoring Excellence in Education

Cosmetology instructor Mrs. Lauren Sager was all smiles as colleagues joined her in celebrating her recognition as one of Jackson Magazine’s Top 5 Teachers!

Future Healthcare Pros in Action!

Students from our Healthcare Technician program hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic for our preschoolers—helping calm fears and build trust, one stuffed patient at a time!

Lights, Sirens, and Real-World Practice!

Law Enforcement students put their traffic stop skills to the test with guidance from a Michigan State Police trooper—preparing for the road ahead, one scenario at a time.

Tools for Tomorrow!


Manufacturing Technologies students proudly stand with their brand-new tool chests thanks to a scholarship grant supporting the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Results!

Construction Trades students are hard at work on the Career Center’s 36th student-built home—continuing a proud tradition of building skills from the ground up since 1976.

Student-Grown, Community-Loved

Each May, our student-grown plants and flowers draw crowds from across Jackson—and it’s all thanks to the hard work and green thumbs of our talented students.

Leaders in the Making

Students were officially inducted into the National Technical Honor Society—honoring their leadership, service, and commitment to career and technical education. 

Sparks of Curiousity

Second graders from Bean Elementary got a hands-on peek inside the Welding Lab—sparking curiosity and maybe even a few future career dreams!

Looking the Part and Ready to Go!

JACC Fire Cadets suit up in their new turnout gear—training hard today to protect our communities tomorrow.

Career Center principals smiling
Welcome to the Jackson Area Career Center!

Principal Dan Draper, along with Assistant Principals Lauren Kyser and Phil VanAllen, are excited to welcome you to the Jackson Area Career Center—where your future takes shape!

Mission Accomplished!

The Jacktown Vectors wrapped up another action-packed FIRST Robotics season—bringing brains, teamwork, and serious innovation to all competitions.

Celebrating Student Success

Students from a variety of programs are recognized throughout the year for going above and beyond in the classroom during our Student of the Month ceremonies.

Milestone Achieved!

Esthetician students celebrated a classmate who successfully completed the program—reaching the required hours to sit for the state board exam and take the next step toward a career in skincare.

Current Happenings

From Our Community

Justice Hampton

If any student wants to become anything of any value, you have to be intentional. If you are willing to put in the work, this is where you need to be at. The Career Center is the place that is going to propel you in whatever area you are interested. justice Hampton, Class of 2024 Sales & Marketing student

Chad Evertt

I was in the first class of the Firefighting/EMS program at the Career Center 30 years ago. The program has come so far since then, and now as a commander, that's where I go to recruit. The fire cadets are full of energy and eager to soak up the knowledge. The Career Center has been a huge asset for our department.Chad Everett, Assistant Fire Chief at Jackson City Fire Department

Kate Richards

When I see the lightbulb go off, it’s a feeling of accomplishment. Our jobs as teachers at the Career Center is to help these young adults feel confident in what they're doing so they are able to step out into the real world and do a good job.Kate Richards, Careers in Education instructor 

Mackenzie Bradley

The Career Center provided me with many skills and opportunities, including a portfolio that I made, and still use for job applications and interviews. Learning medical terminology and anatomy was a lifesaver when I got into college. I felt cared about by every staff member, and learned so much.Mackenzie Bradley, Class of 2019 Health technician II Graduate

Dan Draper

The entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well with our younger generations is very evident, and the technology available to them has helped with that. But if there’s a chance for them to learn some skills to expand on that entrepreneurial spirit, that’s really the best part of what we have to offer. We have the specific skill sets to get these kids ready to go.Dan Draper, Principal

By The Numbers

2 in 5

11th & 12th graders attend the Career Center

90%

Students earn an industry certificate or degree

young girl with headphones

20+

young woman graduate

75