College in the City: Classes at MLK Center offered by Jackson College

The City of Jackson and Jackson College are coming together to break down barriers to a college education. Since last fall, the college has offered entrepreneurship classes at the City's Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center on the south side of Jackson.

Dr. Clevester Moten teaches courses at the center and says the response from students has been very positive. "Some students have indicated that courses offered at the MLK Center takes another barrier off their shoulders by not having to worry about transportation to and from the central campus," Dr. Moten said.

Jackson College's Central Campus is located in Summit Township four miles south of the City. Kelly Crum, Jackson College's Chief Diversity Officer, says the MLK Center's reputation as a welcoming space made it a natural fit for college classes within the City. "In the long run, it is about creating a community where access and class offerings can provide skill training, certification, transfer options, and degree completion for those living in the area or outside to create opportunities for their families to sustain employment," Crum said.

The new community education partnership was celebrated by City and college officials in Dec. with the unveiling of a new sign at the center's front entrance. MLK Center Director Antonio Parker says the college classes have been a welcome addition. "This collaboration provides residents a wonderful opportunity to advance their education, and shows our youth that college is something within reach," Parker said.

Contact the Jackson College admissions office at 517-796-8425 if you're interested in taking classes at the MLK Center.