Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones Banner

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 seven different credentials within specialized industry certificate tracks:

The Stepping Stones manufacturing program gives students hands-on training and the skills needed for a successful career in manufacturing, including problem-solving, production planning, and quality control.It prepares students for careers in many areas including warehousing, paper mills, power plants, automobile manufacturing and construction. Program participants will focus on building knowledge and skills training in Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), NCCER and Forklift Training. NCCER introduces both hand and power tools, construction math and construction drawing. Forklift introduces students to the safety hazards, general information about the safe usage of forklifts, as well as how to transfer materials from receiving, picking, and shipping.

The Entrepreneurship tract in the Stepping Stones Program provides students the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset - a competency that will help in all areas of life. They will also gain the knowledge and skills necessary to open and operate a small business. Coursework prepares future business owners with skills they can use to make their ventures a success including business operations, marketing strategies and sales, basic accounting principles, and overall management techniques. Upon completion of the course, the Stepping Stones students will be able to sit for the Entrepreneurship Small Business (ESB) certification.

The Python I 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.

Low voltage technicians are electrical professionals who install and maintain low voltage wiring systems such as alarm systems, security systems, and fire alarms.

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 Medical Assisting Specialist program prepares students to perform administrative work in the health care setting, including patient communications, maintaining patient records, billing, scheduling appointments, ordering supplies and processing insurance claims as a medical assistant.

 

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:

  • A $1,500 scholarship 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 2025 cohort are now being accepted. Those interested in joining the program need to fill out the 2025 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.

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