Strong Finish

Scholars thrive when they can connect what they do in school to their hopes and dreams for life after high school. Jackson Public Schools is committed to putting every scholar on a pathway to post-secondary success, ensuring that they graduate college-ready and career-minded. The district endorses the state’s post-secondary attainment goal, Ascent to 55%, which supports efforts to increase the number of Mississippians with a degree, credential, or industry certification earned beyond high school. Through the strategic initiatives below, we will help all scholars identify and pursue pathways that align with their goals and interests, help them earn valuable credentials, and prepare them for success in education, employment, or enlistment.

KEY INITIATIVES

• Create a post-secondary success dashboard and goals aligned to the Mississippi Economic Council’s Ascent to 55% campaign.
• Ensure that all pathways have clear course sequences that incorporate opportunities for scholars to earn early college credit or credentials with labor market value.
• Develop and implement a Grades 6-12 post-secondary advising framework to help all scholars identify their interests, discover potential careers, and enroll in aligned post-secondary education.
• Increase access to college exposure and work-based learning opportunities.
• Implement college transition supports, including near-peer advising and college partnerships.
• Develop and implement a tailored transition support program to address the unique needs of scholars with disabilities and provide the resources and guidance necessary to help them successfully navigate post-secondary education and launch meaningful careers.
• Launch a Family Post-secondary Academy that helps families understand and support college and career options for their scholars.