The purpose of the Career and Technical Education Counseling program at the Jackson Public Schools Career Development Center is to provide students with knowledge and information to make positive decisions about their future endeavors.  This goal is reached by focusing on academic, career, and social/emotional development of our scholars. The Career Development Center’s counseling department also provides support to students, administrators, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders that serve to assist students with college and career opportunities and workforce exploration.  The Counseling department realizes that preparing 21st century learners is a collaborative effort that involves all stakeholders (teachers, administrators, students, families, employers, legislators, and the community) working together. The ultimate goal of the Career Development Center’s counseling department is the academic, career, and social success of all of our students.

The Career Development Center offers 17 career and technical education programs, four programs with dual credit/dual enrollment opportunities, national certifications, a national technical honor society, seven student organizations, and a strong business community base.

The CDC’s counseling department counselors, Mrs. Shelia Ford, and Mrs. Travita Horton are both National Board Certified Counselors.