Jobs for America's Graduates

JAG is a national, nonprofit corporation established in 1980 to assist States in creating dropout prevention, recovery and school-to-career transitions programs at a state wide level. 

Currently JAG is in 29 states and the District of Columbia and is listed by the American Youth Policy Forum as one of the top 6 youth development and employment models in the nation.  JAG is also one of only 3 programs
recognized by the Workforce Investment Act.

Jobs for America's Graduates-Indiana has implemented the multi-year program targeting at-risk high school juniors and seniors.  35 to 45 Students are selected per site by an advisory group consisting of a program specialist, high school counselors and administrators, and workforce program managers.

1. The number one goal of the JAG program is for participants to complete their diploma or GED.  Students receive basic skill assessment and remediation where needed.

2. The second goal is the attainment of employability skills.  Students are taught 37 core competencies with the possibility of 81 total competencies to assure a strong attachment to the labor market.  The primary problem for at-risk students is unemployment, the students do not possess the skills they need for employment and they lack opportunities for gaining those skills.  JAG teaches these skills and provides opportunities for students to practice the skills needed to enter the job market.

3. The third goal for JAG graduates is to remain employed full time after graduation.  Students receive 12 months of follow up services.

How does the JAG model work?

Trained Specialists teach the 37 core employability competencies, students may receive instruction in up to 81 competencies based on need and barriers to success.  Tutoring is provided to assure academic completion.

Students receive adult mentoring.  The specialists provide individual attention and identify specific barriers to success- these may include academic problems, life skills, personal skills, social or economic barriers.  Students receive one full year of follow-up service after graduation.

The Specialists and the Regional Program Managers work to provide job placement services.  The specialist must nurture employer contacts and special services contacts.  This involves employer marketing and job development to identify placement opportunities for students.  Also the Specialists assist students in postsecondary education opportunities and help to navigate the financial aid process.

Students also develop leadership skills through a student-led Career Association.  Students practice speaking skills, leadership and teaming skills, volunteerism and community action, and compete at regional, state and national conferences.

Additionally JAG uses an internet based data management system to track data on
• Participants served
• Services delivered
• And outcomes achieved

This data is used for research and evaluation and used in the accreditation process.  These reports insure program compliance, they provide recommendations and improvements, and are used to assess measurable results.

JAG in Indiana:

Through the Department of Workforce Development and the cooperation of the Regional Workforce Boards, the JAG initiative in Indiana will provide services in 9 school districts throughout Indiana.

Currently the JAG model is being implemented in 15 schools:

During the first year, 97% of the seniors in the JAG Indiana Program graduated.  

What does JAG-Indiana need to succeed?

Quality Specialists:  they must carry an incredible variety of responsibility as well as nurture their role within the public school environment.

Powerful relationships:  Workforce Providers and the school system, including teachers, principals, other administrators, counselors, and superintendents must work together to ensure a quality program at each site.

Support from Regional Workforce Providers as Program Managers for Employer Marketing, Job Development and Staff Development, along with support and advocacy from the Regional Workforce Boards.

• Employment opportunities:  
  Students need the opportunity to move from part-time positions to full-time positions after graduation.
• Job shadowing

  A survey by the US Chamber of Commerce found 98% of employers involved with the JAG model, hired JAG graduates; 86% said that JAG graduates exceeded, or greatly exceeded their expectations

• Apprenticeships
• Internships
  paid and unpaid so students can research job expectations and skills
• Speakers for in-school classes
• “Adopt” a JAG student 
  sponsor them for the State and National Competitive events
• Publicity for JAG in your company’s newsletter
• Incentives for students
• Volunteer opportunities
• Scholarships
• Judges at competitive conference events
• Sponsors for Conference events
• ADVOCACY

Contact information:

Sue Honcharuk, JAG-Indiana State Project Director
The Indiana Youth Institute     
603 E Washington Ave, Suite 800     
Indianapolis, IN  46204      
shoncharuk@iyi.org
866-778-1085   toll free mobile
317-396-2738
317-396-2701   fax