Jackson College receives Reconnect Community Action Grant

Jackson College has recently been awarded a Reconnect Community Action Grant from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. The grant program has been designed to help improve access to college education for adult learners, and to help develop the region’s economy and workforce. Among the initiatives Jackson College will introduce due to the grant funding are a new Workforce Development Collaborative, increasing the college’s number of college navigators, and examining local workforce needs to ensure college programming aligns with regional needs. These initiatives will be carried out via collaborations with community organizations like the College and Career Access Center, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Michigan Works! Southeast.

According to an article on Jackson College’s website, Jamie Vandenburgh, who serves as the college’s dean of Workforce, Technical and Professional Education, was quoted as saying of the initiatives, “We’re proud to collaborate on this initiative that strengthens our local workforce and expands opportunities for access to higher education across Jackson County. By partnering with our business, education, and nonprofit communities, we’re creating clear pathways to credentials and careers — and we’re excited and proud to support our community partners in helping students succeed every step of the way.”

The MiLEAP Reconnect Community Action grants are the result of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to have 60% of the state’s working-age adults have a college degree or certificate by the year 2030. The goal is to have more of the state’s residents educated and employed to enrich the state’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Ryan Tarrant, who serves as the president & CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson, said, “Aligning Jackson County’s workforce development resources and implementing best practices will further the Chamber’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce for our area’s businesses. By identifying opportunities to advance this work, the partnership between business, higher education, K12 and area non-profits will lead to higher levels of educational attainment in Jackson County and the potential for higher wages for our residents.”

A total of $8.1 million has been invested across the state of Michigan by MiLEAP to reach these economic, education, and workforce goals.

“These investments reflect our deep commitment to adult learners and the communities that support them. By working with local colleges and community leaders, we are removing barriers to education and helping more Michiganders earn the credentials they need to thrive in today’s economy,” said MiLEAP director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea.

For more information about Jackson College, visit the school’s website.