Arlene Duncan

aduncan@jacksoncac.org

Arlene Duncan, a native of Jackson, MI, is a dedicated college advisor specializing in guiding students towards their academic and professional goals. A proud alumna of Michigan State University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising Management & Media. With a background in marketing and youth mentorship, Arlene brings a wealth of experience to her role, empowering students to navigate their educational journey with confidence.

In her free time, Arlene finds joy in lifelong learning, shopping, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Favorite Quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

The College and Career Access Center (CCAC) is a non-profit organization that opened its doors in 2008 and is located in the Jackson Crossing Mall. All of our services are free and open to the public. We also partner with each of the 13 districts, which host a College and Career Advisor at your high school a day and a half per week. Your advisor, along with your teachers and counselors, provides a continuum of support and coordination to assist students and families in understanding, accessing, and navigating available post-secondary systems- including 2- or 4-year colleges, skilled trades, military, or directly entering the workforce. Assisting students in effectively navigating these post-secondary waters ultimately supports their successful entry into the workforce.

Advisors coordinate and participate in post-secondary planning events within your district, including FAFSA, Scholarship, and Decision Day events.  These provide parents and students with career planning tools as well as scholarship and financial aid resources. Additionally, the CCAC provides an 8th grade initiative called, "Kids2College & Pathways to Professional Skilled Trades," which provides a curriculum and visit to a regional college and manufacturers, and also an initiative entitled "Juniors Over the Local Circuit," which provides an admissions presentation, lunch, and college tour to our three local colleges-Jackson College, Baker College, and Spring Arbor University.

The CCAC encourages match and fit for all students, believes in post-secondary planning with a dedicated advisor for all students, and encourages all students to view ongoing training and education as a means of achieving their goals after high school graduation.