Jackson Madison County Schools’ Loop program gives students paid, off‑campus experience; recruiting opens March 23–31

Jackson Madison County School System is expanding its Loop (Local Options and Opportunities) work‑based learning program, which places high school students in paid, off‑campus roles with industry partners and provides academic credit alongside on‑the‑job training.

"It's been a great opportunity," said Nicholas Harris, district support advisor for workforce development, describing Loop as a chance for students to "get real world experience" at sites including Stanley Black & Decker, West Tennessee Healthcare and Jackson Energy Authority.

Harris said recruiting for the program will run March 23–31, with the district visiting each high school and hosting a virtual session for Jackson Academic STEAM Academy (JASA). Students may apply for Loop 1, 2, 3 or 4.0 placements during a two‑week application window; industry partners conduct interviews, submit top selections, and the district issues offer letters.

"We want students coming out of high school to be either enlisted, employed, or enrolled," Harris said, framing Loop as a bridge into high‑demand careers such as advanced manufacturing, education and healthcare.

Students who have worked in the program described hands‑on learning and increased confidence. "I go around and I help students with IEPs ... that one‑on‑one interaction ... it's very impactful," said Ellanne Rutled, a JASA student who works at Barker Elementary. Brian Hart, a Liberty Technology High School student employed in the district's maintenance department, said his placement in HVAC tasks made technical concepts easier to grasp than textbook study: "It's a lot to take in at first, but eventually you'll get it ... it's more fun than taking in technology just simply from a book."

Laya Cox, a Loop participant employed by Jackson Energy Authority, said the placement improved her communication skills and noted a district‑workforce connection: "Fun fact, more than half of the employees at Jackson Energy Authority are graduates of the Jackson Madison County School System," she said.

Harris warned that placements are competitive. "Most definitely" the process is competitive, he said, emphasizing that industry partners pay different wages and advising students to choose placements based on interest and career fit rather than pay.

He described partner selection criteria as including soft skills, professionalism, academic standing, attendance and whether a student is on track to graduate. Students recounted an intimidating online interview experience but said preparation and clear goals helped secure placements.

The district also highlighted career exposure at partner sites: students rotate through departments at some employers (two‑week rotations at Jackson Energy Authority), experience HR and administrative roles at manufacturers such as Stanley Black & Decker, and gain customer‑service skills in healthcare placements.

For families and students interested in applying, Harris said the district will provide in‑school information sessions, a virtual presentation for JASA, and application links through guidance counselors. The district directed listeners to jmcss.org for program details and to its YouTube and Spotify channels for the episode replay.

The Loop recruiting window is March 23–31; students who apply will be interviewed by industry partners before offers are extended.