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August 13, 2025

Jackson, Mich. – The Jackson Area Career Center (JACC) is launching new initiatives this fall to expand and strengthen its Adult Education & Enrichment program. These efforts include new leadership, the launch of a community survey to guide future classes, an updated schedule of evening healthcare programs, and a part-time job opening for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) instructor.

“We want our offerings to reflect Jackson County’s voice,” said Adult Education & Enrichment Coordinator Vincent D’Ettorre. “Tell us what you want to learn—whether that’s photography, home repair, budgeting, creative arts, or wellness. Your input will guide what we build next.” D’Ettorre joins the Career Center team from Michigan Works! Southeast, where he built strong connections between education and local employers. 

Community Survey: Help Shape the Next Workshops
JACC is seeking ideas for short, affordable enrichment and hobby workshops that bring the community together to learn, create, and grow. Potential topics include: 

• Creative arts & crafts (drawing, painting, photography)
• Life skills (budgeting, home DIY, basic auto care)
• Language & culture (travel prep, world languages)
• Health & wellness (nutrition, yoga, mindfulness)
• Technology basics (email, spreadsheets, smartphone tips)

Residents, employers, and community groups are invited to submit ideas anytime at: https://forms.gle/z4Cmz3GhaXUpfjLm7.

Evening Healthcare Programs Begin September 8
Starting Monday, September 8, 2025, JACC will offer evening healthcare training programs at its campus, including:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• Phlebotomy
• Medical Billing & Coding

Details and registration are available at: https://www.jacc-mi.net/adult-career-education/adult-career-education

Now Hiring: Part-Time CNA Instructor
To support program expansion, JACC is hiring a part-time CNA Instructor. Candidates with clinical experience and a passion for teaching are encouraged to apply at: https://jcisd.workbrightats.com/jobs/

About Jackson Area Career Center Adult Education & Enrichment
The Jackson Area Career Center’s Adult Education & Enrichment programs provide practical, community-responsive learning that helps adults gain skills, earn credentials, and explore new interests. Through strong partnerships and flexible scheduling, JACC connects learners with pathways to employment, advancement, and lifelong enrichment.

 

April 25, 2025

Jackson, Mich. -- The Golden Knight Battalion celebrated its 21st Annual Military Ball in grand fashion on Friday, April 25. More than 150 Cadets, students, and guests filled the beautifully decorated Gene Davis Dining Hall for an unforgettable evening of recognition, tradition, and celebration.

Honoring Excellence
The evening recognized over 25 Cadets with awards, medals, and plaques for their outstanding performance this year. Among the top honors, five Cadets received the Superior Cadet Award, presented to those who consistently exceed expectations in leadership and service.

Royal Court Recognition
This year’s Royal Court included:

• King: I. Krieger

• Queen: E. Corts

• Prince: C. Cure

• Princess: V. Howell

Guest of Honor
The keynote address was delivered by Command Sergeant Major Jason Schwartz from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Recruiting Brigade, inspiring Cadets with his message of leadership and service.

A Year of Accomplishments
2024–25 was a landmark year for the Golden Knights:

• Over 800 hours of community service completed

• Competed in 7 competitions across Michigan and Kentucky

• 1st Place Overall at the JACC State Raider Competition

• 21st Place at Raider Nationals in Fort Knox, KY

• Spring competitions included strong finishes at Flint (4th & 5th) and Southgate (2nd)

Community Impact
Golden Knights contributed time and energy to causes like the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT), Thompkins Center, and the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving and Christmas drives.

A Night to Remember
From formal wear to festive dancing, this milestone event was a highlight of the year for JACC’s JROTC students. It brought together tradition, camaraderie, and well-earned celebration—one that Golden Knight Cadets won’t soon forget.

Behind the Scenes Excellence

• The decorations were created by Cadets themselves

• Corsages and boutonnieres were designed by JACC Ag Science students

• Invitations and programs came from JACC Visual Communications students

• Photography was captured by Mr. Greg DeMyers

• Dinner was provided by the wonderful team at Gene Davis & Sons

• Music and dancing were courtesy of Pro DJs

 

April 28, 2025
Jackson, Mich. - Get your gardens ready! The Jackson Area Career Center will be opening its greenhouses for the 17th annual Agriscience/FFA Plant and Flower Sale on Saturday, May 3 and Saturday, May 10, from 8am - 12pm. A variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets will be available for purchase.

Agriscience and FFA students play a big role in this yearly event, from the planting of thousands of seeds and daily watering, to sale set-up and helping customers load up their cars on the day of the sale. Money raised from the annual sale helps support important hands-on learning experiences for students, including student scholarships, FFA memberships costs, and the National Convention trip.

Customers will have to follow a traffic flow to help limit the amount of people entering the sale. Students will be available to help people grab baskets, carry plants and load purchases in vehicles. 

The Career Center greenhouses are located at 6800 Browns Lake Road in Jackson, across from Jackson College. Cash and credit/debit will be accepted. For more information on the plant sale, contact 517-768-5107.

 

Jackson, Mich. – Students from the Jackson Area Career Center recently achieved outstanding results at the 2024 National FFA Convention and Expo, held in Indianapolis, showcasing their skills and commitment to excellence in agriculture education.

Current and former Agriscience students excelled across several categories, bringing home national awards and recognition:

• Camryn Smilowski (Napoleon senior) and Morgan St. Charles (Columbia Central Class of 2024) secured 4th Place nationally in the Agriscience Fair - Plant Systems Category.

• Sydney Gallagher (Napoleon High School Class of 2024) earned a Bronze Award, placing 34th nationally in the Agriscience Fair - Animal Systems Category.

The Agriscience Fair, a prestigious event at the annual National FFA Convention & Expo, recognizes students conducting scientific research projects related to agriculture, food, and natural resources systems. These students engage in rigorous research to solve complex agricultural challenges, demonstrating their understanding of scientific principles and emerging technologies.

In addition to the Agriscience Fair, one student and one alum of the program were honored in the Proficiency Awards category. Proficiency Awards celebrate FFA members who develop specialized skills through supervised agricultural experiences, preparing them for future careers in the agriculture industry:

• Luna Canziani (Western Class of 2024) achieved a Silver Award in Diversified Horticulture Placement Proficiency.

• Ava Neelis (Springport senior) received a Bronze Award in Specialty Animal Production Placement Proficiency.

The Jackson Area Career Center FFA chapter also received the 2-Star National Chapter Award. This prestigious award is given to FFA chapters that actively advance the organization's mission by growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture through a comprehensive Program of Activities.

The Career Center’s success in these national competitions highlights the hard work, innovation, and passion that drive the next generation of leaders in agriculture. “We are thrilled to see so many of our students excel at the national level,” said Jennifer Smith, JACC Agriscience instructor and FFA Mentor. “Their dedication and hard work truly shine through these accomplishments. The Career Center FFA’s recognition as a 2-Star State Chapter is especially meaningful, as it reflects our chapter's commitment to community involvement and giving back to Jackson,” said Smith.

Photo 1: Camryn Smilowski (Napoleon High School) & Morgan St. Charles (Columbia Central High School ‘24 grad) - National winners, Plant Systems
Photo 2: Sydney Gallagher (Napoleon High School ‘24 grad) - Bronze Award for Agriscience Fair - Animal Systems
Photo 3: Ava Neelis (Springport High School) & Luna Canziani (Western High School ‘24 grad(- Bronze and Silver award winners in Proficiency

Jackson, MI – The Jackson Area Career Center (JACC) is proud to introduce two significant scholarship opportunities for Michigan residents seeking to advance their careers through education. These scholarships aim to support adult learners in their pursuit of career training and further education, demonstrating JACC's commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development in Michigan.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for individuals looking to embark on or advance in their career journey. Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 to attend a career training program at the Jackson Area Career Center. This scholarship is available to those who graduated from a Michigan high school or received a GED in 2023 or later. It's designed to open doors for students by providing financial support for vocational training, helping them gain the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Michigan Reconnect Short Term Training Program Scholarship

In collaboration with the Michigan Reconnect initiative, the Short Term Training Program Scholarship is specifically tailored for Michigan residents aged 21 years or older who have yet to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. This one-time scholarship provides up to $1,500 towards tuition costs for students choosing to attend a career training program where they can gain new skills or credentials in their chosen field.

Interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.jacc-mi.net for more information on how to apply and detailed descriptions of the available career training programs.

About Jackson Area Career Center
The Jackson Area Career Center is a leader in career and technical education and skills training in Michigan, offering a wide range of programs designed to equip adult learners and high school students with the necessary skills for successful careers in various industries. Our commitment to excellence in education, student support, and community service drives us to offer programs that meet the evolving needs of our workforce and economy.