Navigating the Pathway to Your Success
Kids2College and Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades
About the Initiative
The CCAC introduced the Kids2College (K2C) initiative in 2014. Kids2College is a free program for 8th graders, funded by the Sallie Mae Fund. It includes in-class sessions that teach the importance of education after high school in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Students also get materials to take home to discuss with their families. At the end of the program, students have the opportunity to visit a local college, helping to build a 'college-going culture.' The program is managed by the CCAC and supported by the Cradle 2 Career Network.
In 2016, the CCAC added the Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades (PPST) component to Kids2College. This addition includes a two-hour session on navigating and affording skilled trades training, a visit to a local skilled trades business, and information about careers in skilled trades. The CCAC aims to give every resident of Jackson County access to education and career opportunities, valuing all career paths equally. The enhanced program is made possible through funding from various grant funders.
This combined program, Kids2College/Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades (K2C/PPST), has grown over the years. More schools and businesses have joined, with 10 local companies and 9 colleges now involved. Thanks to this program, over 1,300 students from all 13 of Jackson's Connected Community Middle Schools have benefited.
For more information on funding for skilled-trades programs check out the Sigmund Foundation Trades Scholarship and the Lammers Scholarship Program. Additionally, check out our Link to the Trades resource to locate skilled-trades programs near Jackson.
Student Feedback
After the college and manufacturer tours, the CCAC administered a survey to college student insight and feedback about their visits. To view the results, click the link below.