The University of Olivet is proud to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. – César Chávez – Rosa Parks (KCP) Initiative Select Student Support Services (4S) Grant, a State of Michigan program designed to increase retention, persistence and graduation rates for students who are academically or economically disadvantaged.
“The KCP 4S program aligns perfectly with Olivet’s mission to provide relationship-based education that prepares students for meaningful lives and careers,” says KayDee Perry, Ed.D., provost and grant project director. “By connecting students with mentoring, career development and experiential opportunities, we are helping them build clear pathways to success.”
Rooted in Olivet’s historic mission to educate students in the “divine art and science of doing good to others,” the KCP 4S program strengthens the university’s commitment to supporting the whole student. Through intentional mentoring, career development support, and access to high-impact experiences, students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically and professionally.
Program Goals
The Olivet KCP 4S program focuses on:
- Increasing student retention and persistence toward graduation
- Supporting students in developing clear academic and career pathways
- Connecting students with experiential learning opportunities
- Promoting student belonging, engagement, and success
- Removing barriers for academically and economically disadvantaged students
“Our goal is not only to help students complete their degrees but also to prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong success,” explains Perry. “We want every student to feel supported, connected and empowered.”
Through personalized guidance and proactive support, the program helps students navigate their educational experience while preparing for life after graduation.
Career Development Navigator
A key component of the KCP 4S initiative is the Career Development Navigator, who provides individualized, relationship-based support to students.
Blake Jonassen, Olivet’s Career Development Navigator for the KCP 4S program, works closely with students, faculty and campus partners to:
- Explore career interests and professional pathways
- Develop individualized academic and career plans
- Connect with internships, experiential learning and professional opportunities
- Navigate campus resources that support academic success
- Identify and address barriers that may impact persistence and completion
Through mentorship and coaching, students strengthen career readiness skills while remaining on track academically.
Student Opportunities and Support
Students participating in the KCP 4S program benefit from a variety of high-impact experiences:
Career Exploration & Advising
Individualized mentoring helps students explore majors, career pathways and professional goals while connecting their academic experiences to future opportunities.
Professional Development
Programs such as Flash Friday Resume Reviews provide one-on-one feedback and additional career advising.
Career Readiness Workshops
Workshops introduce students to career tools like Handshake, where they can search for internships, jobs, and other professional opportunities.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students gain access to:
- Graduate school visits
- Job shadowing experiences
- Academic and professional conferences
- Career-focused campus events and mini career fairs
Alumni Networking
Through the Comet2Comet platform, students connect with alumni working in various industries to explore career pathways and mentorship opportunities.
“We believe students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and support,” says Perry. “The KCP 4S program creates a network of care that connects them to resources, mentors and opportunities across campus.”
Campus Resources Supporting Student Success
Participants are connected to campus resources that support holistic success, including:
- Career Development and Leadership programs
- Counseling and wellness services
- Service-learning and community engagement opportunities
- Comets’ Cupboard food support program
- Leadership development and student organizations
These resources work together to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and professionally.
Program Impact
The KCP 4S initiative continues to expand its reach and impact across The University of Olivet community.
Recent highlights include:
- 221 total student engagements through KCP programming and support
- 160 unduplicated student participants accessing services
- 301 total engagements across all career development programming
- 238 unduplicated participants in career readiness initiatives
These numbers reflect both program reach and sustained engagement, with many students returning for multiple advising sessions and career development activities.
Student Success in Action
Students have taken meaningful steps toward their futures through the program, including:
- Participating in Flash Friday Resume Reviews to strengthen professional materials
- Receiving early career preparation by creating Handshake accounts during Welcome Week sessions
- Connecting with alumni mentors through Comet2Comet to gain career insights
“The KCP 4S program gives students early exposure to professional opportunities and builds their confidence,” Perry notes. “These experiences help them envision the possibilities after graduation.”
Contact Information
Students interested in learning more about the KCP 4S program or exploring career development opportunities are encouraged to connect with
Blake Jonassen
Career Development Navigator
The University of Olivet
Grant Acknowledgement
This program is supported by the State of Michigan through the Martin Luther King Jr. – César Chávez – Rosa Parks Initiative (KCP) Select Student Support Services (4S) Grant, which provides funding to Michigan’s public and independent colleges and universities to support the success of academically and economically disadvantaged students.