STUDENT SUCCESS
COLLEGE WITHOUT THE COST EARLY COLLEGE, REAL RESULTS
Keon Walker got a head start on his college classes starting in his freshman year of high school. He graduated from Jackson High a year ago and recently completed his 13th year with JCEC. This fall, he plans to continue his studies at Grand Valley State University. “It’s super beneficial,” he said. “You can get your general education classes done in high school. I wasn’t sure what field I wanted to pursue, I took some business classes and found the material stuck with me. Now I’m pursuing that.” Justice McKevitt found taking college classes was an easy fit. Jackson High provided a free hour where students could work on their college assignments. “I’m getting all of my core classes at Jackson College. That will make it easier and less expensive when I transfer,” she said. In the future, she plans to continue her studies at a university to become an architectural engineer. “The early college is such a great opportunity — more people should look at it. It is free. It can put you ahead more than most people think.”
In less than a decade, Jackson County Early College (JCEC) has transformed from an ambitious idea into a thriving program, serving over 1,300 high school students who are getting a head start on their college careers.
This innovative partnership between Jackson County’s 12 public school districts, the Jackson County Intermediate School District, the da Vinci Institute, and Jackson College has created unprecedented opportunities for students since opening its doors in fall 2018. WHY EARLY COLLEGE? The early college model allows students to begin earning college credits as early as their freshman year, but more typically in their junior year, continuing through a unique 13th year of education. Students can accumulate up to 60 college credits and earn an associate degree or
certificate at a fraction of traditional college costs, all while maintaining their connection to their home high schools for sports and extracurricular activities through 12th grade. “Our students benefit financially, yes. They can also earn high school credits. And they benefit from all the wraparound supports offered at the College,” said Jean Logan, JCEC administrator. Logan — a
former school superintendent herself — reaches out to all the local school districts throughout the year to keep them updated about the JCEC. She is continually looking for new and better ways to connect with students, parents, and schools to make sure all are successful and informed. YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY STARTS NOW Jackson College offers early college programs in Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties, as well as dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers. Connect with your high school counselor or principal, or your local Jackson College location, to learn more.
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