Stepping Stones
FSCJ’s Stepping Stones Program was created to provide accelerated career-related training and personal soft-skill development and strategies to qualified high school graduating seniors from the greater Jacksonville area, specifically in low-income, high-needs schools who are unsure where they should go next in their journey. The innovative workforce and employment initiative gives students a clear plan to help them achieve their personal and professional goals and earn one of five different credentials within specialized industry certificate tracks:
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is designed to equip students with important health care concepts and the professional career development skills necessary to help patients perform basic tasks within a long-term care, acute care or rehabilitation facility. The CNA program introduces students to the basic skills necessary to become a professional and competent member of a patient’s health care team. This comprehensive program includes classroom training, simulated laboratory exercises, hands-on experience and a CNA exam prep boot camp.
The Phlebotomy program is designed to educate and train students in the latest procedures, skills, standards and equipment for safe and effective blood collection. The program includes both theory and hands-on instruction in medical concepts such as infection control, human anatomy and physiology, and phlebotomy equipment, procedures and fundamental essentials. Phlebotomists have successful careers working in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices.
The Python I & II Certification is a critical first step in opening the door to your IT career, providing students the essential skills needed to start a career working within the industry. Python is a general-purpose programming language that helps programmers write clear, logical code for small and large-scale projects, giving students a competitive advantage no matter where their career takes them.
Working toward one of two focus areas in the Supply Chain Management industry certification, students will learn the principles and strategy of supply chain management and the purpose and function behind customer service operations.
Program participants will focus on building knowledge and skills training in Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and HAZWOPER. The manufacturing program gives students hands-on training that prepares them for careers in many areas including shipbuilding, paper mills, power plants, aerospace, automobile manufacturing and construction.
Selected students will spend the summer after their high school graduation working toward industry certification while also earning an attractive stipend. Participants have the opportunity for job placement and continued guidance toward further education and career advancement upon completion.
Additional Benefits:
- Free transportation
- An over $1,500 stipend that will allow you to focus on your studies
- Industry recognized certifications that can be applied toward earning employment and degrees
- Mentorship from FSCJ faculty and staff, and leading industry partners
- Soft skill development such as time management, career and financial planning, goal-setting and critical thinking/problem solving
- Academic support through small class sizes, advising and tutoring
- Financial aid/scholarship assistance
- Student Success Advisor/Coach who will help you stay on track and provide guidance on furthering your studies to enhance career opportunities
- Job Placement Coordinator who will assist with career placement in your field of study
Program Instructions
Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are now being accepted. Those interested in joining the program need to fill out the 2024 Stepping Stones Interest Form and submit for review. An application will be sent to you upon receipt of the interest form. If you have any questions, please email steppingstones@fscj.edu.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
For Program Information:
Maggy C. Dartiguenave
Director
(904) 632-3044
For employers who would like to partner with us to provide job placement for these certified graduates, please contact:
Cheryl A. Duff
Program Coordinator
(904) 632-3039