Latest / The Commercial Builders’ Network (TCBN) / Get Paid While You're Still in High School! | Youth Apprenticeships & Career Opportunities

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Get Paid While You're Still in High School! | Youth Apprenticeships & Career Opportunities · The Commercial Builders’ Network (TCBN)

• speaker-0: What if students could graduate from high school with more than just a diploma? What if they could leave with actual work experience, industry connections, career direction, and even money they've earned while still attending school? For many students, the challenge isn't necessarily a lack of ambition. Sometimes it's simply not knowing what opportunities exist and how to access them. Today we're exploring how Clayton County Public Schools Is helping students bridge the gap between education and employment through career technical and agricultural education, youth apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Joining us today is Dr. Cecilia Jackson, Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Program Specialist for Clayton County Public Schools. She brings more than 20 years of experience across education, workforce development, marketing, and student leadership. We're discussing how these programs work, how students and parents can take advantage of them, and how local businesses can help develop the next generation of talent. Let's get into it. This is the Commercial Builders Network where we like to say construction can change your life and it's starting to look a lot like you. This is the Commercial Builders Network, where trust is restored, power is reclaimed, and legacy is built. Let's get to work. Hello, beautiful people, and welcome to another episode of the Commercial Builders Network. My name is Tanisha Reed and I'm your host. And today we have the beautiful Dr. Cecilia Jackson. She is the youth apprenticeships program specialist from Clayton County Schools. How you doing today? speaker-1: I'm doing well. Thank you for having me. speaker-0: Awesome, awesome. So glad to have you. So we're gonna dive right in and I know that you wanted to preface some things as in your position that you want to. speaker-1: So I do want to say that I'm not a spokesperson for Clayton County Public Schools, but I'm definitely wanting to sp speak from the perspective of the role that I play in being the youth apprenticeship program specialist. speaker-0: Awesome. So what is C T A E and how is it impacting the students of Clayton County? speaker-1: Yeah, so CTAE stands for career technical and agricultur education. you will see CTAE blasted throughout all of Georgia as it relates to our public school systems. it's something that is not the same when you go to other states. And what I mean by that is you'll normally see CTE, so career technical education in other states. But the reason why we add the A is because agriculture is such a big industry here in Georgia. And so that is the reason why you see CTAE listed as kind of the moniker for our career pathways that we offer in our school systems. speaker-0: Awesome. And so there it is, I know that work based learning is part of your position as well. What's the difference between work based learning and youth apprenticeship if you can explain for the people? speaker-1: Well, work based learning is something that you probably yourself have seen you know, when you were in high school. it's part of you being able to connect a job that you have out in the field. So let's just say you're working at a Chick-fil-A, a McDonald's, a retail store, and you're able to actually have a schedule set up for work-based learning where you may leave, let's just say you have four blocks of of schoolwork and you are able to leave. you know, the latter half of the day and go out into the field and work in your position and earn money. apprenticeship is connected in the same way. You still get to leave, of course, and go and work in in the in the job, but it's actually part of you building a foundation of learning skills, getting some type of trade, training, certification, licensing that leads to an actual career pathway. For example, there have been opportunities that we've been able to bring to our students that are in the healthcare and maybe working for a hospital. And those are opportunities are connected to those students who are in the healthcare pathway, if that makes sense. So it's for building your workforce readiness skills in that field that you are part of in terms of the school courses that you're taking. And so that's the main difference between. you know, an actual work-based learning opportunity and apprenticeship opportunity. Like I said, they work hand in hand because you're still going out and working in, you know, a particular field. But the caveat is that with apprenticeship, it's more of that defined role of earning a skill or trade. And you're looking to pursue that career pathway based upon what you've taken course wise in school. speaker-0: Awesome. So what are some of the career path? I know you spoke on healthcare, but other career pathways and industries that the students get access to. speaker-1: Yeah, so my background is in marketing in terms of teaching marketing. I'm certified in marketing and business. So I've taught marketing courses, business courses. Those are two pathways under CTAE. You also have engineering in most schools. usually some of them even start at the middle school level. we have computer science, we have law and public safety. We also have food and consumer science, which is more the culinary side of things. And then we even have areas such as, I'm trying to think because we have so many that we offer construction, because I know that's something that is is big now, construction. we also have aviation. And so that is all a part of CTAE and helping the students to connect to real career. skills that they can learn while they're in high school and some sometimes in middle school. speaker-0: Awesome. Now you know, the construction part avenue is definitely close to my heart being on this platform. can you tell me about like maybe some partnerships or how that works where they're actually getting these actual skills trades or they're just getting exposure to it? speaker-1: Yes. So there have been a few opportunities that we've been able to bring to students within Clayton County. One of them is with the Clayton County Fire Academy. And so there's a cohort of students that are part of that academy right now where they are actually learning some of the fire skills, law and public safety, all of that in one. and they go to it every day. So that Partnership has allowed for them to be in a class where they're learning the skills, to go out on the field in terms of being on site at the fire academy and really learning kind of the skill sets that they need to be successful in the fire academy. we also have a partnership with Atlanta Gas and Light, where students are able to work out in the field and sometimes work in other capacities, not just, you know, Atlanta Gas and Light when you think of the electrical side of things or maybe the field operating side of things, but some are even administrative in nature where they may be working in marketing or maybe working in in sales. So it's a lot of different things that students are able to do when it comes to the opportunities that we have with our partnerships. And that's just two examples of industry partners that we work with and we've been able to bring that to our students and continue it. It's something that even before I I got into my position, It was a partnership that was already in place with Clayton County Public Schools. speaker-0: Awesome. with there being a huge workforce gap in construction right now, is there a push to give access 'cause a lot of times the push is to go to college. Is there a push to get more people, more students, access to opportunities in construction construction specifically? speaker-1: Yes. And so I was able to look at the data consistently across the board this summer because part of my position is not just being all talk, right? And trying to convince business industry partners to connect with us, but I have to look at data and see where trends are are going. And so we've across the board in other Metro Atlanta districts, there were positions for construction teachers. And that was a key sign that something's going on. Now we know experts may say that we're in a time where you know the market is not doing as well as it was, you know, i.e. COVID, right? With with with home sales, construction, et cetera. But it's obviously something to take a look at because there's a need out there for some reason or another. And obviously it's because there's still a need for housing, right? And other types of things, whether it's commercial. or residential. And so what we've been able to do is we have two construction programs that we have in our schools and that allows us to really kind of put those students in there and kind of give them the information that they need. And that is important because that allows us to then connect with others, not only locally within Clayton County but other areas so that way we can have the insight to provide to our students to who are really engaged and passionate about possibly pursuing or pursuing a career in construction. So we're real really keen on bringing in people who are knowledgeable when we have seminars, when we have workshops, to talk to them about opportunities, not just in some of the standard CTAE pathways that we've discussed, but in those areas like construction that are not the common pathways that you see kind of consistently across the board and in CTAE. So it is something that we're constantly trying to build up. We know that there's a need, obviously, because of the trend, but it's just more so getting the buy-in from our stakeholders, specifically our students, their parents and guardians, to say, hey, there is an opportunity here in construction. And I think it's something that is doable. It's just a matter of building up that momentum so that way the kids are aware about it and are knowledgeable about what we have to offer here within CTAE. speaker-0: Awesome. So if I'm a parent with a child that's in Clayton County Public Schools, how do I find out about these different odd opportunities and if my child is el eligible to be a part of it? speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. So the main thing to do is to talk to your counselor. Usually there's, you know, several counselors at each school. Talk to them because they're the ones that normally handle the scheduling. Not only talking to them, but finding out who your teachers are in that school within the CTAE realm. And so talk to your counselor. Find out, hey, do we have this engineering program? Do we have an a business program if you're not aware? do we have this? And they will connect you with the teacher. The teacher is where you're going to get really the specifics and the knowledge. They're the ones that are going to lay it out for you and tell you, okay, this is what you need. This is what you need to do. The counselors are there because they're going to handle and make sure that you're scheduled in it. But the teachers are the ones that are really going to lay the foundation of you truly understanding CTAE and what that pathway is about. So they're not going to steer you wrong, neither one, the counselor or the teacher. also, when it comes time to open house, when it comes time to You selecting your electives and you have teachers there that are speaking from those pathways. Have those conversations with them. look up the information if you're not able to attend directly. Go on to the directory for the school and find out who teaches in CTAE. Reach out, send an email. Those are the ways that you can stay connected, and then the parents and guardians and students can find out information about CTAE pathways. But the real conversation is gonna come from the counselors and then mainly the teachers who are in those areas because they're really gonna break it down and give you the real info and real insight into the expectations for whatever it is you may be interested in. And they're gonna be able to hone in on some of your passions and and what you truly may wanna pursue. The kids are not always going to know what they want to do. So the goal is not to force them or tell them, okay, this is gonna be your career for the rest of your life, but you have to give them the options and have that for them so that way they can choose and see if it's something that they do wanna pursue. They may decide once they get in it, it's not for me, but at least providing them with the tools and the resources and being able to answer their questions when they're seeking advice on how they should proceed career-wise. speaker-0: I love that 'cause a lot of times we're figuring that out in college and after money is spent and all the things. But the simple exposure is the thing that's that's really critical 'cause like when I went to was in high school, we didn't have shop anymore. You know, I do regret that I didn't take what I was supposed to be doing, cosmetology, but it wasn't even at my school, it was a separate school. speaker-1: And they called it vocational. speaker-0: Exactly. Exactly. So I actually was wondering I know you spoke on one of the programs being starting like you exposing them in middle school. Mm-hmm. Do they start in middle school? Is it just some parts of the program or is it really getting ahead at high school level? speaker-1: Yes. So you're not gonna see every pathway because the viability of the programs is not there at that grade level, right? And what I mean by that, the buy in is not gonna be there a hundred percent because they're still middle schoolers, they're still focused on getting through that aspect of their school life, right? And so We try to give them kind of like a little dose of CTAE at the middle school level, if that makes sense. And so you're gonna have your basics, like you may have a business technology class, right? Because they need to learn how to utilize technology because definitely they're using it then in middle school and they know how to use it, but they have to learn some of the skills behind that. they may have in they may have an engineering class, like I mentioned, that they're able to start. And what normally happens is when they have some of those two or three CTAE courses that are available for them to choose as electives in middle school, sometimes they can receive credit for that once they get to high school. And what do I mean by that? Let's just say they take a business technology class. That may be, you know, and I'm not speaking to it being exact, but this these are some of the things that you can see when you're going from middle school to high school having taken a CTAE course. You may be able to earn like half a credit or one credit to go towards that pathway, right? So let's just say, like I said, you take business technology that may go towards the three courses that you would take to complete the pathway when you get to high school. So you're not ta having to take three when you get to high school. You may only have to take two, right? Because you started at middle school with that pathway. So that's a way to shorten your time in that pathway in the sense of you being able to finish that pathway early and pursue other options too. it kind of lessens the load in terms of the your scheduling and you're able to let's just say you want to do the b finish the business pathway, but then you also want to see if if food and consumer science is something that you like. So you finish that pathway in business, you know, maybe as a sophomore. And then you immediately go into the pathway of food and consumer science. Well, you were able to do that because your schedule allowed due to you having taken the first level when you were in middle school. And like I mentioned, it's not for all pathways, but that option is there for a lot of schools. Kind of like like my son, he took like a physical science when he was in eighth grade. Well, by the time he got to high school, that physical science was like a a credit for him. He didn't have to he doesn't have to take like the full amount, three, I believe it's three or four credits for science because he started in in middle school and that class was approved for that credit sequence. Right. Yeah. So yeah, so it's it's there at middle school. We have it, we have it available for them to at least get that initial knowledge. And I think it's important for them to get an understanding of CTAE. And you're gonna see more increase in CTAE programs and pathways at middle school because I believe that now, in the days and times we are in, in terms of the workforce, there's a need for it to start at at middle school. Sometimes even in elementary. I mean, the kids in elementary are even learning C T A E. It's not a focus where they actually go to class, of course, but it's something that they still do to a certain degree. Think about the child that comes in and with their toy, in kindergarten and and basically talks about their toy. Well, that's a part of marketing and selling, right? It's not literally labeled as that, but they are giving features and benefits of what their toy is about, right? So those skills can be learned even at that early age. But yeah, at middle school, we definitely set that foundation and allow for them to kind of understand how they're gonna complete their high school career at an early age. speaker-0: Now, just for clarity, are all these pathways at every school or is it at specific schools like before when it was vocational, you might have to go to a different school to get it, you know, get or get the exposure to that, or how does that work? speaker-1: Yeah. So you're not gonna find every pathway at every school, right? It's just the logistics of the demographics, the the data, the trends, right, on how maybe Forest Park is doing in this area and what's needed for them, right? In that area. Jonesboro, the same thing. Morrow. it's looking at those demographics and really kind of understanding, okay, what where is how is workforce the workforce industry leaning in this area? What are what are the majority of jobs that we're seeing in those areas? Now we know Clayton County is not so big that people don't intersect, right? But we have to look at that. So you may find a business class at one school and it's no marketing, right? Or you can go to another school, another high school in Clayton County and you find both. Same thing with engineering or food and consumer science, law and public safety. You're not gonna find every pathway to every school. That's just the way it's kind of set up. Now it doesn't mean that one day they all won't be there or there could have been one point, you know, I'm not privy to all of the data, of course, from years ago that 10 years ago they were in every school, right? But due to certain changes, right, they had to, you know, and those changes are not necessarily always CTAE related. Sometimes they're related to the money, right? And them having to take away a program because maybe they don't have the resources, right? So, like the aviation program that we offer, you're not gonna find that at every school, right? It has to be connected to a school that has those resources or has that connection with that particular kind of that area. And so you're not gonna find it at every school. It doesn't mean that that's wrong at all. It just means that it's not there. But we do have a career academy, it's called Perry Career Academy, and that offers a lot of the programs. But even that Academy doesn't offer everything, but it does give that option. Kind of like a way for students to where if they don't have that pathway in their school, then they can be transported to that career academy to pursue that particular pathway if that makes sense. That's right. So options are there for them to kind of do what they need to do if they're really wanting to pursue certain areas and it's not offered at their school. So we do provide those options for that. And you will see that at a lot of schools they do that same thing. If one school doesn't offer it, they have one main central area that kind of offers everything, i.e. the cosmetology, like you mentioned, may not be offered. Like my daughter was in the school district. That did not have cosmetology at her school, but they had it in the district, right? So she was bused, transported to the main area where they offered cosmetology and transportation may have been a pathway, right? So, you know, and it, you know, which is of course separate from aviation. so those options were there for her. And then she was bused transported back to her homeschool. So You'll see that a lot in Metro Atlanta with that. And so we try to make those options available for students, even if it's not right there for them in their main hub of learning. speaker-0: So for the just to cla clarify, the for the Perry Career Academy you said, will they have transportation being transported through the system or will they have to provide their own for that program? speaker-1: No, usually they're transported because it's all school related. So buses are being transported to that academy, yes. speaker-0: So I know part of your position also is to create partnerships with these different institutions and businesses to help provide some collaboration with the school system and c opportunities for the students. What are you guys looking for when you're looking at these partnerships? speaker-1: We're looking for me how it works, now I can't speak for everybody else. I'm looking for the passion. And the passion for the kids is important for our youth. you gotta have a desire to want to partner with me, partner with the school district. because if the passion's not there, how much of a buy-in are you gonna have to make sure that our students are getting the tools and the resources that they need? And I will tell you. I have gotten so much buy-in since I've been in this role. I've been in the my position since March and I've gotten connected with so many people, including yourself. So that has been great. And I've been able to have those conversations with others to and really kind of see just the light behind their eyes. And it's not you know, a fake c you know, relationship in terms of the discussions that we're having. It's organic in the sense that these professionals are really wanting to do things positively for our students to help to open doors to the opportunities. Even the ones who may not have that capability right now, they can still do other things. When we're having you know, seminars for our students to go over life skills or soft business skills, they will show up and, you know, speak to them and present about certain areas that our kids need to understand. And so when I connect with these industry professionals, it's not me Saying, hey, what can you do for me in the sense of I need something right now, an opportunity for our kids? No, it's about creating those organic relationships that can continue to grow. So that way it's a system of, okay, you know, we've we've had this relationship. Let me go ahead and call Dr. Jackson. I have this opportunity. I know it's been, you know, nine, ten months, but you know, let I have this opportunity now. And I know she's gonna be excited about it for her for her students. So those types of things that are important and connecting with those industry professionals and seeing them. So like I said, the passion, the willingness for them to stay connected is important. it and it doesn't mean of course every day because we're all busy, but you know, you're just we're we have like that that connectivity piece where I can call or email and say, hey, I have this workshop coming up. Do you want to just drop by? Or, you know, can I stop by and see what's going on at your, you know, at your site location and see kind of how things are moving so that way I can see what the needs are in this particular field, right? So those types of things that I really look for, the passion, the willingness to build a relationship, the ability to connect, whether it's in the forefront or in the background with our youth, right? And really just providing those key nuggets of insight into their industry. can keep things going so that way there's no gap in understanding for, you know, whatever field you may be connected with. And that we are able to bring that knowledge back to our district so we can say, hey, this is what's going on. You know, I'm talking to a construction professional. I'm talking to an aviation specialist. I'm working with, you know, someone in the food and culinary industry. And this is what they're saying. And so having that insight is important. So it's not just about, you know, having those apprenticeships right at the forefront every time I'm speaking with you or having conversations. It's about an organic relationship that allows for us to grow and build opportunity from that, if you will. speaker-0: So if I'm a small electrical company or HVAC company or construction company and I'm looking to partner with Clayton County Schools, what steps should I take to partner? speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. So you will reach out to me. And normally even if you reach out, you so you'll reach out to Clayton County School District if you don't know who I am, right? And normally what's gonna happen is someone within the district, whoever you reach out to, is going to make sure you get connected with the CTAE department. Okay. And once they do that, nine times out of I'll say 99.9% of the time, I'm gonna get an email, a call or something saying, hey, we have someone that called in that's looking for this, or here's an email, I'm forwarding it to you. And I usually get the information. And then what I do is once I receive information, say like your your name, email address, phone number, then I reach out directly to you to have the conversation, to introduce myself, give you some insight into what youth apprenticeship is about. And normally we set up a meeting. It can be virtual, it can be in person. And once we do that, the relationship starts, right? With you know, the ongoing conversation of how we can make CTAE grow and make it. as seamless as possible for our youth, 'cause really it's it's about our students, it's about what we can provide for them, and to really make them workforce and career ready. That's really the ultimate goal. speaker-0: so with that partnership, is it expected that it's paid opportunities or is it okay to have like job shadowing, internships, maybe mentorship, career days? Like what are the different ways that they can partner? speaker-1: Yes. So as I mentioned before, they can do opportunities where they're coming in to be a guest speaker, right? But when it comes to the first thing that you said about paid opportunities, yes, we do expect apprenticeship opportunities to be paid because these kids are not gonna work. I'm just gonna be honest with you, and not get paid. They will say that they will. I I I'm I wanna go into the healthcare field and I I'm just gonna wanna learn. you know, but after some period of time, you know, we are in 2026. Gas is not cheap, right? So People are gonna wanna be paid. I mean, that's just really just the the the you know, the ultimate, you know, you know, thing when it comes to that. And so yes, we do expect them to be compensated, but we don't tell you how much you should compensate. So if you say this is what we're offering for the role, that is what we're offering for the role you're offering for the role. And then we do what we need to do on my end, working with our work based learning coordinators and or teachers to find students in those areas who are in those career pathways at our school to connect with the opportunity. And so yes, we do expect it to be paid. But there are some times, like I've had an opportunity with a healthcare organization recently where it's for a language services interpreter position, right? It's not a paid position, but it gives that student the opportunity to work in the healthcare field, right? And they're doing it maybe like two days a week. So it's something that they are willing to do. And I believe because they were in the healthcare pathway in Clayton County, they're like in the now in the third level, because they wanna pursue that career, they're gonna stay on board, even though they may not be getting directly paid for it. But because it's it's hard to get into this particular, you know, healthcare facility, right? So they're gonna continue on with that. But just for everyday just conversation, we got this opportunity for fifteen kids and they're not gonna, you know, they're not getting paid. No. We we wanna make it an opportunity that's gonna be conducive for them, to keep them going because they have, you know, expenses some sometimes too, just with transportation. Because in those types of opportunities, if it's a one off in terms of, you know, I have this one position at my company, they have to take on the burden of transportation, right? To get there. And So we do want to offer that for them when it comes to the opportunities, but we know not every opportunity is going to be set up like that. But we do wanna ensure that we have those conversations and that is considered when we're trying to bring forth those opportunities to our students. speaker-0: Now, a lot of times they're we're seeing that companies are saying, complaining about not having qualified workers. And then you see the other side from the students where like, Well, you won't give me an opportunity 'cause I don't have any experience. How are you guys bridging that gap? speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. So that is the reason why we have our work-based learning coordinators and our teachers who work together collaboratively to ensure the students are career ready. And what does that mean? One of the first standards in basically every CTAE course, I don't care if you're doing you're in the business pathway, marketing, you're in a the law and public safety pathway, you're going to take coursework in terms of assignments that you're gonna do. In those courses, you're going to take over with information related to college and career readiness. So career development and employability skills are things that you're going to learn. And it's usually like either the first or second week of class, right? That you're learning those skills. Now it's just not a one time thing. It's something that's continuous. So throughout the whole process of you being in a pathway, you're going to learn. All the skills you need. Now it doesn't mean you're gonna know everything, right? But you are gonna learn the foundational processes of how to interview, how to dress, how you should present yourself when you're interviewing, resume development and review, right? You're gonna learn that on top of what you learned in the classroom with your teacher and working with your work burst work-based learning coordinator, as I mentioned before. We have seminars consistently throughout the school year. We just had one about two weeks ago where students were able to come over to our professional learning center and go to rotate to different workshops throughout the day, learning about some of the things that I just mentioned, learning about careers that are out there for them. And so this is not just a one-time process of them under you know, understanding career development and employability. So we do everything we can to prepare those students. So even though they may be thinking, you know, employers may be thinking, you know, sometimes, are they gonna be ready in Clayton County? And I would say in a lot of the Metro Atlanta districts, because I've worked in other areas, we get them ready in cur you know, CTAE. We do what we're supposed to do to make sure that they're ready. A lot of these students are connected to CTSOs, if you've ever heard of that before. And I'm gonna mention some to you and you're gonna know what I'm talking about. So career technical student organizations, that's what that stands for. So like your DECA, your FBLAs, HOSA, FCCLA. A lot of these students who are in these career pathways, for example, marketing. They're connected with DECA. Business, they're connected with FBLA, right? A lot of them join these organizations because that's really when they get into the nuts and bolts of competitions, right? Where they have to get in front of people that they've never seen before and do role plays, do written projects to submit for competition. So this is something that they are constantly. Immersed in. And even if they're not a part of those CTSOs, because they're not required to join just because they're in the class, right? Because it is considered extracurricular. But then those CTSOs are co-curricular in the programming. What does that mean? That basically means that, like DECA in a marketing class, you're going to do some sample DECA competitions in the class, right? So as a teacher, I'm going to bring some of those sample competitions and it may be a role play. that you're the director of marketing for an XYZ organization and we're gonna break you off in groups. And that may be an an assignment that we do in class. So that's how it's co-curricular. So yes, this is something that is it's all immersed in one for them to really learn. And we we spare no expense in making sure the students are prepped. So even though they, you know, they're they're children, their youth, they're not always gonna remember everything, but you better believe that in CTAE, they're gonna have some type of knowledge and training. So when they go to that employer, they're ready. And one of the things we do in our youth apprenticeship and even our work based learning is that we get them ready for the interview. So it's not just we br we're we bring the opportunities, we find someone and we just drop it off and leave it there. No, we're gonna make sure that they understand, okay, you know you got to wear this, you know, you got to have this. Let's do a mock interview, all those types of things. So whether it's myself, their teachers or their work-based learning coordinators, they're going to be prepp before they even get to the employer. And so that's what CTAE collectively is about. speaker-0: Love that. You've been in education, higher education, career development, workforce development. Yeah. Where does this po I mean, over two decades, right? speaker-1: Yes. Don't be telling my age now. I'm still young. I got a birthday coming up at the end of this month, Scorpio season. speaker-0: Young, all right. Especially working with the youth. Yes. Tell me where does this passion come from? Because I I hear it as you speak and that is like you said, that's what you want from the people that are gonna partner with you. I have a passion for the littles too, and it that's where it comes from because they feel real and I know they feel you when you enter. So they want people to genuinely care. Where does that come from? speaker-1: firstborn, you how like they like to say about birth order, right? we three firstborn so I'm always I was always a go-getter myself and I would always try to excel in what I did because I never wanted to let my parents down, even my teachers down. I just always been like that. I've always had a drive like that. But my drive as I've gotten older professionally has really kind of immersed into a love for our youth. And, you know, of course, working in the postsecondary field, I get to see everybody because I get to see adult learners who are coming back from being out of school for years that are a little bit older and then brand new high school graduates, right? But in general, education is a passion for me because I understand what is needed, especially in our urban communities. I'm passionate about it. But when I say education, I'm not saying going to get all these degrees. We're not talking about getting in student loan debt and all that type of stuff, right? Because Lord knows I got, you know, degrees and you know how that goes. But I really focus on you learning what it is you may be passionate about. Like I said, keyword is passion, right? For today. and then using that. So it could be a trade that you're learning. I've had students that have who we knew probably they they weren't fit for college. They would tell you, right? But who set their mind on, I'm gonna go to HBA C school, right? HVAC school. And they knew coming out, they're probably gonna make an upwards of $60,000, right? you know, they got their high school diploma, go into that training program, they're making good money. And that is something that I knew when I this one particular student that I'm thinking of, I knew I said he's gonna be successful because h he can be zoned in on that particular field, something that he really wants to do in instead of being in class in college and wasting some of that time when it can be used for something that he truly wants to do, right? So my passion is is really connecting with the students. And there's nothing better than having a student that you may have taught. Or ha have had a, you know, a school relationship with and they come back and tell you, thank you. I appreciate you. I've had so many messages from students that I've, you know, some that I'm it was over 12, 13 years ago that I'm connected with now because they're, you know, of age on, you know, on social media and they're like, Dr. Jackson, I appreciate you. Thank you so much. I miss you. You know, I may have, you know, it feels like feels like we see each other because we're, you know, on social media all the time and we see pictures, but they It's nothing better than having that. Just thank you for doing what you did. And that's what keeps me going is because I know that even if it's not the say hundred students that I may have taught that year, even if I have just one student that is is reaching their goals from what they initially thought in the beginning and they're reaching their goals, even if it's two, three, four, five years from now, I feel like I did something worthwhile. I I feel like I created an opportunity. And I will tell you, this is not to brag on myself, but n I have been to schools where I've s may have only been there for a year and I made an impact. To the point to where I have had students sending me videos. Doctor Jackson, can you please come speaker-0: I love that. speaker-1: Because they understand that I have, you know, it's true. I'm not just in the classroom to say, you know how you you have conversations with people and you like, sometimes, you know, the teacher's mean or, you know, really the and I will tell you, because I I'm I am pro student. Now I'm pro-adult in terms of understanding that the kids can go crazy, right? But I never had any issues in my classrooms. I I I didn't even have to demand respect. It was just there. I got the respect. But we also had fun because we connected it to real world experiences, right? And so, I'm pro student all the way because I know that they are so intelligent. It's just that they're not always using their critical thinking skills like they need to on a regular basis. And once they put that together, when I tell you this n this generation is going to be a force to be reckoned with because they have it there. do we have some areas that we definitely need to work on? Yes. But th they are very, very smart and they're they're very intelligent. And so it the passion is just there because it's innate. It's in it's in me. I I follow people in terms of, you know, say just people who are involved in just positivity, you know, like celebrities and see the positive things that they do, especially in education, and that keeps me going along with what I do locally. And so it's just a matter of just having that faith for me. and understanding that I'm here for a purpose. That's why I got into education. I, you know, I came from being a marketing manager and I said, hey, there's a glass ceiling. I'm not gonna really go anywhere. What can I do? And I said, why not use my knowledge and what I currently know and segue into education where I can provide that knowledge to others behind me. So that way I understand and I can fully immerse in it in a field where I feel like I'm doing something for my community. And that's why I'm in education and why I do what I do. So this is like, this is not a just a, you know, fly by night thing for me. It's something that's in me. And then having a partner like my husband who's in education too, and in ministry, it really kind of works together because it's a passion for us. This isn't we don't play about, you know, education for our kids, for the kids that are out there that we work with or we see and have conversations with every day. We don't play about that. And it's something that I Every day I'm constantly thinking. Like we're on fall break right now, technically. I think I told you in one of my emails, we're like on fall break, but I'm still doing this because I know it's something important and I know it's something that is needed to have a discussion about. And so I'm always thinking about ways to improve, not only my knowledge base, but ways that I can provide opportunities, not just inside Clayton County, but just in general. So I don't just do this here in terms of, you know, my professional career. I even give back to my community back home in Mississippi where I'm from. So it's all around me and it's always gonna be around around me to the day I die. That's just how it is. I'm just gonna always look be looking for ways to grow our community positively. And education is the way to go, no matter what route of education you take. speaker-0: So one of the major pillars of this podcast is building trust. Mm-hmm. What is your advice on the employers and partners that you're seeking to build trust in this next generation and this next generation, which Clayton Clown County is is a demographically wise for the most part, is a underserved community, even though Clayton County is doing a big one across the board to me. speaker-1: Yes, they are. speaker-0: but How do they build trust in the community that's surrounding them, the youth, and say, okay, these opportunities are real and I know that I can be something too one day? speaker-1: So how they build trust is to, I believe, do what you say you're gonna do. That's really the the comes down to it. If you say we're gonna have this available in terms of these opportunities, and what I mean by opportunities, if you say we're gonna we're gonna have a CTAE department, let's just be real, and their focus is on career employability, right? Then we need to do what we say we're gonna do. whether it's jobs, whether it's resources. Whether it's you know, providing them with the books that they need, whether physical or electronic, do what we say we're gonna do. And so if you're for the community, for your people, in terms of the students, the stakeholders, i.e. the parents, the guardians, all of that, offer those resources for them. Right. so for example, we I've had teachers that have asked me, you know, because of course I'm in the field of, you know. employability, you know, can we have some do we have some type of you know, interview closet for kids where they can find you know, interview attire, right? And we don't actually have that. Not that it's set up to where we're supposed to have it, but this this is something that I want to bring to fruition, right? having a some type of interview closet where kids who are going out for interviews who may not have those types of materials can come to the closet or whatever it may be. I'm just labeling the closet, but come to a a place and pick out an outfit for to interview in. And so those are things that are a need. If we want our if we're gonna prepare our students mentally, we have to provide some type of resource for them. We can't just, you know, bring them halfway in the water and then let them go and expect them to swim out when they haven't been provided with the raft or the life jacket to proceed further. Right. So we have to, if we're gonna give it to them, we gotta give it our all. And so I think that that's how you build the trust is that you do what you say you're gonna do. And doing what you say you're gonna do is not just being halfway with it. You have to go all the way and see it to fruition and and make sure there are students. So this is not just once they graduate, you just let them be, right? No, you do what you need to do to try to keep track with these students. You know, have those bringing those students back is important. I had a student, well, he wasn't my direct student, but I ended up meeting him at a college fair. He's a former student in Clayton County, and he's now a college recruiter for Auburn University. And so he came to our advisory board meeting that that I led about three weeks ago and he had a discussion about what our needs are and like what what is needed for our students because he sees that there's not enough Clayton County students applying to that. particular university. And why? Why are they not able to apply? And when they do, they're not getting admitted, you know, in the sense of, you know, these are some of the things that we need to do. So understanding how to apply for college, the college preparation piece is important too, if they do go that route. Right. So overall, you got you gotta you gotta do what you say you're gonna do and then put put put boots to the ground is it's important for what the whole mission of just being in our schools is about. speaker-0: Awesome. Do you have an ask from the community? speaker-1: just ask that you guys reach out to me. you'll find me if you just do a search, Cecilia Jackson. My name is spelled as you can see on the screen, it's spelled with an S. If you have any questions, have any resources, feedback, opportunities that you would like to discuss further with me, you can just do Clayton County Schools, Cecilia Jackson, and it you'll find me. My email is available online. So contact information is there. I would love to have those discussions further with you and see how we can build more opportunity for our youth. speaker-0: And if you can spell Cecilia Dex, I'm not sure if it's gonna be on the screen at. speaker-1: Okay, gotcha. Yeah, so it's spelled S, A as an apple, E as an Edward, C is in Charlie, I is in India, L is in love, I as an India, A as an apple. So it's S A E C I L I A, and then last name is Jackson. speaker-0: Awesome. Thank you so much, Doctor Jackson. I speaker-1: Thank you, Miss Reed.