Staff Spotlight: Jason Harrison, LEAD Academy, College Counselor
As graduation approaches this week, LEAD Public Schools is proud to spotlight our dedicated college counselor at LEAD Academy, Jason Harrison. Behind every acceptance letter and scholarship award our seniors receive lies Harrison’s guidance and expertise.
At this pivotal moment when our students stand at the threshold of their futures, Harrison’s role becomes more visible than ever – transforming dreams into actionable plans, navigating complex application processes, and ensuring our graduates are positioned for success in their next chapter. His commitment to helping students discover and pursue their unique paths makes him not just a counselor, but a cornerstone of the LEAD Academy mission to launch prepared, confident graduates into the world.
Harrison describes his role as college counselor as a “jack of all trades” position. It’s “one that has to be very flexible in the ever-changing landscape of college and career readiness,” he noted. “The college counselor wears many hats from advising, to supporting and mentoring.”
His focus on college preparation begins as soon as the school year kicks off to ensure that from day one, students are considering their options, dreaming about their futures, and being exposed to the opportunities available to them after they leave LEAD Academy. “The early bird catches the worm!” he emphasized. “Applying [to college] early in the year allows for a better chance of acceptance, showcasing demonstrated interest to colleges with the opportunity to be in consideration for scholarships.”
Harrison is also instrumental in hosting LEAD’s signature “College App Party,” which took place at the beginning of October. The purpose of the College App Party is to celebrate 100% of seniors applying to at least one college. During the event, each student receives a certificate of achievement for completing a college application.
Harrison also leads college trips throughout the year to get students on college campuses across the region during the school day. This helps students picture themselves in the postsecondary environment and fuels enthusiasm for their futures in college.
For students who want to enter the workforce directly after graduation, Harrison supports them by helping to identify their strengths and weaknesses while seeing what career paths suit them best. From there, he brings in organizations within different career clusters to expose them to the options and opportunities available.
When asked about his favorite part of the job, Harrison said, “Too many to name. But I would say building and establishing relationships with students that are rooted in their best interests. Along with watching their growth year over year as they navigate these transformative years.”
As we celebrate the Class of 2025 preparing to walk across the stage, Harrison’s impact on our LEAD Academy students extends far beyond college acceptance letters and scholarship awards. His dedication to meeting each student where they are—whether college-bound or workforce-ready – exemplifies the personalized support that defines our school community.
Through college application parties, campus visits, and one-on-one guidance, Harrison creates pathways to success that students might not have discovered on their own. As our seniors count down the days until graduation, they carry with them not just the knowledge gained in classrooms, but the confidence and direction Harrison has helped instill. Harrison doesn’t just help students get into college – he helps them discover who they’re meant to become.
