Opportunity comes knocking once Northwest students enter their final years of high school. Built on Sept. 9, 1976, the Jackson Area Career Center (JACC) is a way for students to jump-start on a career path for the future. The JACC also provides college credits that can transferred over to Jackson College. With 21 different programs available, the JACC welcomes nearly 1,200 students from multiple districts annually.
105 Northwest students have decided to enroll in CC (Career Center). These students go to the JACC either in the morning or afternoon. Students go every day to learn more about the program they chose to participate in.
Among the students, junior Isabella McPherson has started her first year at the JACC and it has provided her with valuable knowledge.
“I love learning about the body and health so every day is interesting and fun, I made lots of new friends in this program. We got to learn vital signs which is my favorite thing we have learned so far,” said McPherson.
McPherson has been enjoying CC and is looking forward to learning more and more about the medical field.
“If you want to work in the medical field one day this is a great way to start. You learn many basic and important health skills. You learn so much,” said McPherson.
Switching gears to a heavy physical training program, Senior Glena Kelly is in her second year with the JACC. Kelly participates in the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program to become a member of the Air National Guard.
“My favorite part of JROTC is the bond we have as a class. We are so connected and I have made such good friends in it,” said Kelly.
Alongside Kelly and her comrades, the entire class becomes a big encouragement to success.
“Sometimes JROTC is stressful, but we talk over what made it that way and try to find solutions,” said Kelly.
Senior Levi Berry uses his creativity to take Visual Communications at the JACC. An art-based class that consists of digital art, photography, screen printing, and many other art forms. Berry has enjoyed his first year at CC and continues to expand his experiences.
“I got to design my own custom stickers, t-shirts, and sketchbooks, and I was able to keep them, It’s amazing being able to make those things and keep them,” said Berry.
Megan Lige, our junior counselor, has helped many students with their schedules and has also informed students about the opportunities at the JACC. Lige also provides comfort to students who do CC, to ensure they will still have enough credits to pass high school while at the JACC.
“The career center also allows students to learn in a different atmosphere as students get to leave NW campus, but they also provide a more hands-on approach within the programs they offer,” said Lige.
Instead of always being at school, students can spice up their day and go to the JACC to train for something they want to do in the future. This opportunity can drive students forward and prepare them to be work-ready and college-ready.