Success increases as Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Indiana Chapter expands

 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Indiana, administered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, reached a 97% graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year, higher than the state average. While in pursuit of doubling its program count by 2025 JAG Indiana also received national recognition as a JAG “6 of 6” award recipient at the Annual JAG National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada.

JAG Indiana students continue to outperform counterparts across the nation. JAG National set a graduation rate goal of 90% for the 2023-24 program cycle. JAG Indiana saw a 97% graduation rate, up from 95% the previous year. Graduating seniors accumulated over $20 million dollars in scholarship funding.

The 6-of-6 Award is bestowed by JAG National to the state programs for exceeding six goals set at the national level relating to graduation rates, post-secondary education, job placement and other significant milestones. This is the third program cycle JAG Indiana has received the notoriety.

Commissioner Richard Paulk has a vested interest in keeping JAG at the forefront of the Hoosier Heartland’s youth initiatives.

“JAG works,” Paulk said. “It’s as simple as that, JAG Indiana makes a difference in students’ lives. JAG Indiana provides support in scholastic, career, and personal development matters. The results are more productive, and I truly believe, happier students who then join the workforce or move on to post-secondary education.”

Since its inception in 2006 JAG Indiana has served over 45,000 students. The youth enrolled in JAG are students of promise who have experienced life challenges, traumas and in need of support to achieve success through graduation. JAG offers education surrounding in-demand employability skills and provides career exploration and coaching experiences. This programming provides a structured bridge to successful post-secondary education and workforce opportunities, changing the students’ lives.

“The strong performance of JAG students is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and resilience,” said Director of Youth Initiatives and Field Support Brianna Morse. “Every diploma represents a journey of growth, learning, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. The inspiration from our student’s success is what has fueled our continued success and growth as a program.”

Currently, JAG Indiana, with the support of Governor Eric J Holcomb, is undergoing an expansion effort doubling the number of programs operating within the state from 125 to 250. Once fully implemented, JAG Indiana’s footprint will impact an estimated 10,000 Hoosier high school students per year.

Hoosiers are encouraged to support the expansion by talking with their school superintendent or principals. For more information email jagindiana@dwd.in.gov.

About JAG Indiana: A state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenges achieve success through graduation. JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation.