Local JAG Specialists Recognized at State Ceremony

Press Release

Indiana's Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) specialists gathered in Indianapolis today to learn new techniques designed to continue their success in helping young Hoosiers improve their employability skills and graduate from high school. Additionally, more than 50 educators and schools were recognized for their efforts over the previous school year, which enabled JAG Indiana to earn the prestigious "5 of 5" statewide award for the second-consecutive year.

"As Indiana continues to commit to building strong communities of innovators, training tomorrow's leaders, and creating a business climate designed for job creation, Jobs for America's Graduates is playing a critical role in helping and inspiring young Hoosiers to reach their full potential through high school graduation and beyond," said Governor Mike Pence, who serves as the national Vice Chair for the JAG Board of Directors. "I applaud the work of Indiana's exceptional JAG program and look forward to the program's continued growth and success in the years to come."

Indiana's program has been expanded by Governor Pence, with additional support from the Indiana General Assembly, and has grown to be the largest in the nation posting successful results for at-risk youth.

JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to reconnecting students with barriers academically by helping them on their path to graduation. Indiana's program graduates more than 94 percent of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school.

"Indiana's JAG program is a national leader in creating positive outcomes for students with barriers and encouraging them to achieve their highest potential," said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "JAG Indiana's receipt of the "5 of 5" award is testimony to the continued hard work of JAG specialists who are making a positive impact on the young Hoosiers they serve."

More than 15,000 students have participated in Indiana's JAG program since 2006. Currently, more than 5,500 students participate in JAG through 104 programs throughout Indiana, making Indiana's JAG program the largest in the nation. Indiana's program graduates more than 94 percent of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school.

Students are taught up to 88 competencies such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills that will increase their marketability in today's workforce. JAG students also receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. The JAG program is funded through community partners and grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Source