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![JACC 50th Anniversary invite with date, time, and description of event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788308625/jcisdorg/quyye0ptsdraildmyhzw/JACC50thwebsitepic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788308625/jcisdorg/quyye0ptsdraildmyhzw/JACC50thwebsitepic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788308625/jcisdorg/quyye0ptsdraildmyhzw/JACC50thwebsitepic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788308625/jcisdorg/quyye0ptsdraildmyhzw/JACC50thwebsitepic.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1788308625/jcisdorg/quyye0ptsdraildmyhzw/JACC50thwebsitepic.png","width":1463}])
KACI BABINEAU
The community is invited to the Career Center's anniversary celebration and Back to School Open House on September 16.
JACKSON, Mich. — For five decades, the Jackson Area Career Center has helped students discover their strengths, develop real-world skills and prepare for their futures. On Wednesday, September 16, the Career Center will welcome alumni, former employees, community partners, students and families to celebrate that legacy.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration and Back to School Open House will take place from 4–7 p.m. at 6800 Browns Lake Road in Jackson. The event is free and open to the community.
Under the theme “Careers Happen Here: Then, Now, Always,” the celebration will feature historical photographs, memorabilia and displays highlighting milestones from each decade. Guests can reconnect with former classmates and colleagues, visit program spaces, and see how career and technical education has evolved.
“The Career Center’s 50th anniversary reflects its longstanding impact on the Jackson community through quality, life-changing career education,” said Dan Draper, JCISD assistant superintendent and JACC principal. “While our programs have continued to evolve, the goal has remained the same: developing the next generation of workforce talent. Our staff have helped transform the lives of tens of thousands of students by providing opportunities that could only exist through the Career Center.”
The Career Center opened on September 9, 1976 with 32 programs, following years of community planning and support for a countywide vocational education center. Today, it offers more than 20 career and technical education programs, giving students opportunities to earn industry credentials, college credit and hands-on workplace experience.
Planning for the anniversary has brought current employees and retirees together to preserve photographs, documents and stories from throughout the school’s history.
“Uncovering the Career Center’s history has been such an exciting and rewarding process,” said Kaci Babineau, JCISD marketing and special projects coordinator. “Every photograph, document and conversation adds another piece to a story shared by so many people throughout our community. We hope alumni, former staff and community partners will recognize part of their own experience and see how their contributions helped shape the Career Center we know today.”
Local media are invited to share the Career Center’s story in advance and attend the September 16 celebration. Interviews with school leaders, retirees, alumni and event organizers can be arranged. Historical photographs and archival materials are also available for coverage.
Event Details
What: JACC 50th Anniversary Celebration and Back to School Open House
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4–7 p.m.
Where: Jackson Area Career Center, 6800 Browns Lake Road, Jackson
Who: Alumni, former and current employees, students, families, community partners and the public
Contact: Kaci Babineau, JCISD Communications, kaci.babineau@jcisd.org, 517-768-5216
![Career Center opens greenhouses for public sale]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776954293/jcisdorg/yb1tsgi5iuvuegzzqihh/2026PlantandFlowerSaleforFB1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776954293/jcisdorg/yb1tsgi5iuvuegzzqihh/2026PlantandFlowerSaleforFB1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776954293/jcisdorg/yb1tsgi5iuvuegzzqihh/2026PlantandFlowerSaleforFB1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776954293/jcisdorg/yb1tsgi5iuvuegzzqihh/2026PlantandFlowerSaleforFB1.png","width":940}])
KACI BABINEAU
A variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets will be available for purchase on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 9.
April 23, 2026
Jackson, Mich. - Get your gardens ready! The Jackson Area Career Center will be opening its greenhouses for the 18th annual Agriscience/FFA Plant and Flower Sale on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 9, from 8am - 12pm. A variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets will be available for purchase. The complete variety list and pricing can be found below.
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 follow a new traffic flow due to ongoing construction on campus 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.
![Jacktown Vectors earn first state award, cap strong robotics season]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776870546/jcisdorg/koepr7zrkkqg2jswilld/JacktownVectorsStates3.jpg","width":1958}])
KACI BABINEAU
The Jacktown Vectors Robotics Team 2611 has concluded its 2026 season with a milestone performance at the FIRST Robotics State Championship, earning its first state-level award in program history.
April 22, 2026
Jackson, Mich. – The Jacktown Vectors Robotics Team 2611 has concluded its 2026 season with a milestone performance at the FIRST Robotics State Championship, earning its first state-level award in program history.
Jackson, Mich. – The Jacktown Vectors Robotics Team 2611 has concluded its 2026 season with a milestone performance at the FIRST Robotics State Championship, earning its first state-level award in program history.
Competing against top teams from across Michigan, the Vectors were selected as the 6th Alliance Captain and advanced to the playoff rounds, finishing with a 2-2 record and placing fourth on their field.
The team also received the Gracious Professionalism Award, which recognizes teams that demonstrate respect, collaboration and integrity in competition.
“This is a significant achievement for our program,” said advisor John Riedeman. “We are incredibly proud of our students and the growth they demonstrated throughout the season. Their dedication, teamwork and perseverance continue to move our program forward.”
The team’s performance reflects continued development in engineering design, strategic play and student leadership, while the award highlights its commitment to the core values of the FIRST Robotics program.
With the competitive season complete, the team will focus on offseason development, including expanded learning opportunities and continued growth in technical and leadership skills.
The Jacktown Vectors program is part of the Jackson Area Career Center and prepares students for future careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing and other high-demand technical fields.
Photo credit: JTV
![Open House to highlight hands-on career pathways for high school and adult learners]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750787348/jcisdorg/zggphu5ufzufn6qtfjec/2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750787348/jcisdorg/zggphu5ufzufn6qtfjec/2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750787348/jcisdorg/zggphu5ufzufn6qtfjec/2.png","width":800}])
KACI BABINEAU
The Jackson Area Career Center is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by opening its doors to students, families and community members during its annual Open House on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4pm - 7pm.
February 18, 2026
Jackson, Mich. – The Jackson Area Career Center is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by opening its doors to students, families and community members during its annual Open House on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Eighth- through 11th-grade students and their families are invited to explore nearly two dozen career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage and high-skill careers. The Open House provides an opportunity to tour classrooms and labs, meet instructors, and see firsthand how students gain real-world experience while still in high school.
From engineering and robotics to visual communications, healthcare, skilled trades, public safety and more, Career Center students don’t just learn about careers — they experience them. Students work with industry-grade equipment, collaborate on projects, earn industry-recognized certifications, and in many programs, gain work-based learning experience with local employers. Many students also earn articulated college credit, giving them a head start on postsecondary education.
“Our annual Open House is the best way for families to truly understand what the Career Center offers,” said Dan Draper, principal of the Jackson Area Career Center. “Students are building technical skills, earning credentials, developing leadership abilities and gaining confidence that prepares them for both college and the workforce. We encourage any student even considering enrollment to come explore.”
High school counselors from area districts will be on site to assist incoming juniors and seniors with enrollment questions and scheduling. Because students are required to tour a program before enrolling — and many programs maintain waitlists — attending Open House is especially important for 10th graders who are preparing to make decisions about their junior year.
In addition to high school programming, the Open House will also highlight the Career Center’s Adult Enrichment programs, which provide opportunities for young adults and adult learners to gain new skills, pursue training in high-demand fields and benefit from hands-on instruction led by experienced industry professionals. Whether beginning a new career path or building upon existing skills, the Career Center offers options for learners at every stage of life.
The Jackson Area Career Center is located at 6800 Browns Lake Road in Jackson. For more information about programs or the upcoming Open House, visit www.jacc-mi.net or follow the Jackson Area Career Center on Facebook.
![Career Center Expands Adult Education Offerings]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755095315/jcisdorg/mszym9iunagkhjmgzyiy/Adulted41.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755095315/jcisdorg/mszym9iunagkhjmgzyiy/Adulted41.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755095315/jcisdorg/mszym9iunagkhjmgzyiy/Adulted41.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755095315/jcisdorg/mszym9iunagkhjmgzyiy/Adulted41.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755095315/jcisdorg/mszym9iunagkhjmgzyiy/Adulted41.jpg","width":1440}])
KACI BABINEAU
In addition to an updated schedule of evening healthcare programs, JACC is launching a community survey to help guide future classes.
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.