Jackson County Early College Get a Head Start JCEC helps Jackson County high school students earn real college credit, save thousands in tuition, and step confidently into life after graduation — with personalized advising and built-in support from day one. Learn more Apply Now We have an overlay Jump to Section About Academics Cost Support & Student Life Outcomes Apply Contact about jcec Jackson County Early College (JCEC) gives high school students across Jackson County the chance to start college early while still earning their diploma. Students follow a guided academic pathway that can lead to an associate degree, certification, or up to 60 transferable college credits — all while saving families thousands in tuition and preparing for college, careers, and life after graduation. Academic Advantages JCEC helps high school students succeed in college-level classes while still finishing high school — giving them a smarter, more confident start toward degrees and careers. A Tuition-Free College Year Many school districts cover most – or even all – tuition costs for JCEC students. That can mean: Very little to no tuition bills No student loans during participation Thousands of dollars saved Students should always check with their high school counselor to confirm district coverage. Not all districts pay in full, but most cover a large portion of the cost. Earn Real College Credits Students earn transferable college credits that count toward: Associate degrees Bachelor’s degrees Career and technical programs Michigan Transfer Agreement These are the same credits taken by traditional college students. A Stronger Start JCEC acts as a bridge between high school and full-time college, helping students: Adjust to college-level expectations Build study and time-management skills Gain confidence before their next step Financial Benefits JCEC helps families make college more affordable — now and in the future — by lowering upfront costs and helping students stay on track toward graduation. Preserve Financial Aid Students keep their federal financial aid available for future years by not using it during the 13th year of JCEC. This helps protect Pell Grants, scholarships, loans, and the Community College Guarantee — which can add up to tens of thousands in long-term savings. Lower the Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree By earning college credits early, students can shorten the time it takes to graduate, reduce total tuition costs, and even open the door to double majors or early graduation. Avoid Costly College Missteps JCEC gives students a low-risk, high-support way to explore majors and career paths before paying full university tuition — helping prevent lost money from dropped classes or changing programs later. Support & Student Life JCEC surrounds students with personalized guidance, career exploration, and a supportive college environment — helping them grow academically, socially, and personally while planning their next steps with confidence. One-on-One Advising Every JCEC student works with a dedicated advisor who helps them plan for college and careers while staying on track. Academic planning Career exploration Transfer guidance Regular check-ins and accountability Advisors who know students personally Support that’s rare at most colleges Career & Life Readiness Students explore their interests and build skills that prepare them for college and the workforce. Take classes tied to career goals Try majors without financial pressure Make informed future decisions Communication and professionalism Independence and responsibility A Supportive Environment JCEC offers a smaller, welcoming college setting where students can mature and grow. Smaller classes with more instructor interaction Extra academic support Less intimidating classrooms Time to build confidence and independence The 13th Year is optional — but recommended for students still deciding on a transfer plan Long-Term Outcomes JCEC helps students build momentum that lasts well beyond high school — creating strong academic, career, and financial advantages for the future. Graduate With an Associate Degree Many JCEC students have the opportunity to complete an associate degree, sending a powerful message to employers and universities. More competitive in the job market Qualified for higher-paying entry-level roles Stand out compared to students with partial credits Transfer Ready Universities often prefer students who transfer with a completed associate degree because it shows: Academic persistence College-level readiness A clear academic path Students with a completed degree often: Transfer more smoothly Face fewer credit issues Enter as juniors rather than sophomores Lifetime Return on Investment An associate degree keeps paying off — even if students pause before continuing to a four-year school. Holds lifelong value Supports returning to college later Recognized and respected by employers How to apply Step 1 Expression of Interest Student expresses interest in JCEC with their High School Counselor and receives a JCEC Pre-Application Packet. Pre-Application Packet Parent Waiver Step 2 Parent/Guardian Review Student takes the Pre-Application home, reviews it with their parent/guardian, and obtains all required signatures. Step 3 Counselor Submission The completed and signed application is returned to the High School Counselor and sent to JCISD for processing – this step officially gets a student into our applicant funnel for early college. Contact JCEC E-mail: info@jxncec.org Chris Kimball Director, Jackson County Early College Phone: 517.325.3492E-mail: KimballChristoL@jccmi.edu Jean Logan Administrator, Jackson County Early College E-mail: jlogan@jccmi.edu Mike Reynolds Assistant Administrator, Jackson County Early College E-mail: reynoldmichaels@jccmi.edu Find Your Navigator Every JPEC student receives one-on-one support from a Student Achievement Navigator. Use the dropdown below to find your navigator. Do you belong to any of these student groups?Select your student groupJCEC/JPEC StudentVeteran/Military-Connected StudentTRIO StudentInternational StudentI don't belong to any of these groupsSelect your high schoolSelect your high schoolAckerson LakeColumbia Central / Columbia OptionsConcordDavinciEast Jackson / EJ The WayGrass LakeHanover HortonJackson High / Jackson High PathwaysJPECMichigan CenterNapoleonNorthwest / Northwest AlternativeSCMVSpringportWestern High School / Western Career PrepVandercook LakeWhich county do you reside in?Select your countyHillsdale CountyLenawee CountyJackson & all other countiesAre you a dual enrolled or high school student?Select your optionYesNoAre you a dual enrolled or high school student?Select your optionYesNoSelect your pathwaySelect PathwayBusiness & Computer TechnologyHealth SciencesLiberal ArtsScience, Engineering & MathematicsSocial SciencesProfessional TradesWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – LM – ZWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – FG – MN – ZWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – FG – MN – ZWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – FG – MN – ZWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – CD – IJ – MN – ST – VWa-WhWi-WzX – ZWhat does your last name start with?Select your last nameA – JK – ZThis field is hidden when viewing the formHillsdale NavigatorsYour Navigator is: Audrey Foust Hillsdale Center and Early Middle College Coordinator 517.990.3911 E-mail Audrey Foust Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Emmalee Gillaspie Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.3913 E-mail Emmalee Gillaspie Schedule Advising Session This field is hidden when viewing the formLenawee NavigatorsYour Navigator is: Charlie Johnson Student Achievement Navigator/Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official 517.990.1461 E-mail Charlie Johnson Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Kenneth Roberts Student Achievement Navigator Phone: 517.990.1484 Text: 517.418.6651 E-mail Kenneth Roberts Schedule Advising Session This field is hidden when viewing the formCentral Campus NavigatorsYour Navigator is: Melissa Potter Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1414 E-mail Melissa Potter Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Tiffany Thomas Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1430 E-mail Tiffany Thomas Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Bo Chong Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8542 E-mail Bo Chong Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Melissa Potter Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1414 E-mail Melissa Potter Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Tiffany Thomas Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1430 E-mail Tiffany Thomas Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Bo Chong Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8542 E-mail Bo Chong Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Steven Smith Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1419 E-mail Steven Smith Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Joseph Kroa Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1458 E-mail Joseph Kroa Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Anthony Fassett Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1417 E-mail Anthony Fassett Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Melissa Potter Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1414 E-mail Melissa Potter Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Tiffany Thomas Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1430 E-mail Tiffany Thomas Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Bo Chong Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8542 E-mail Bo Chong Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Savannah Chevalier Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8547 E-mail Savannah Chevalier Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Nicole Benner Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8540 E-mail Nicole Benner Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Jacob Hagerty Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8545 E-mail Jacob Hagerty Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Nicole Benner Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8540 E-mail Nicole Benner Schedule Advising Session Please Note: Nicole is temporarily overseeing this caseload.Your Navigator is: Jacob Hagerty Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8545 E-mail Jacob Hagerty Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Nicole Benner Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8540 E-mail Nicole Benner Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Savannah Chevalier Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8547 E-mail Savannah Chevalier Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Savannah Chevalier Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8547 E-mail Savannah Chevalier Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Anthony Rana Student Achievement Navigator – TRIO 517.990.1352 E-mail Anthony Rana Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Randall Locke Veteran Resource Representative, Student Achievement Navigator – Veterans 517.990.1333 E-mail Randall Locke Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Bo Chong Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8542 E-mail Bo Chong Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Jamie Witt Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1413 E-mail Jamie Witt Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Jerry Thompson Student Achievement Navigator 517.990.1459 E-mail Jerry Thompson Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Taylor Hudson Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8548 E-mail Taylor Hudson Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Mayce Nunez Student Achievement Navigator, JCEC 517.990.1451 E-mail Mayce Nunez Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Corey Lewellyn Student Achievement Navigator, JCEC 517.990.1319 E-mail Corey Lewellyn Schedule Advising Session Your Navigator is: Kandice Karll Newsome Lenawee County High School Student Achievement Navigator 517.796.8493 E-mail Kandice Karll Newsome Schedule Advising Session Δ
