JAG schools in Radius region awarded for student success

Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report

BEDFORD – Keeping high school students on track to graduate and improving their chances of being successful after school in a career or education are the goals of JAG – Jobs for America’s Graduates.

The JAG Region 8 group, which includes Lawrence, Greene, Orange, Daviess, Owen and Brown counties, was recently recognized for exceeding measured goals of student success.

Metrics include graduation rate, employment, job placement, education advancement, connections and full-time outcomes.

Called the 6 of 6 Award, JAG Manager Jennifer Robinson said the award reflects exceptional efforts by JAG specialists.

“It’s not easy to achieve success in all six metrics,” Robinson said.

The JAG program in Region 8 had six schools earn 6 of 6 honors for their individual program.

For the Class of 2022, Region 8 JAG programs had a graduation rate of 94.5%, exceeding the goal of 90%. For job placement, 81% were working at least part-time; the goal was 60%. Of the 219 JAG students, 43% were pursuing a two-year or four-year career degree or certification, surpassing the goal of 35%. 

6 of 6 schools

Eastern Greene High School

In addition to those schools, Region 8 Jobs for America’s Graduates program is also in Bedford North Lawrence High School and Edgewood High School. Each JAG program has a roster of approximately 40 students made up of 20 juniors and 20 seniors.

Coordinator of the Region 8 JAG program is Derek Morgan, who was named JAG Coordinator of the Year.

“We work with an advisory committee made up of teachers, administrators, and counselors to identify students who need, want, and can benefit from having a mentor in their life,” Morgan said. “A JAG student’s participation in the program consists of two years of employability skills instruction through a JAG Specialist during a dedicated class period during their school day to help them graduate on time.”

Through project based learning methods JAG students learn about the skills necessary to be either employed, enlisted, or enrolled. Students participate in field trips to local employers and post-secondary schools to learn first-hand the options available to them after they graduate high school. JAG students also receive a year of follow-up services where their JAG Specialist works with them to help them attain/retain employment, enroll in post-secondary schooling, and/or enlist in the military. 

Robinson spoke about how JAG is helping students during a meeting of the South Central Region 8 Workforce Board last week at StoneGate Arts & Education Center in Bedford. 

In Indiana, JAG is funded by the Department of Workforce Development and managed by Vincennes University.

There are 135 JAG programs at schools in Indiana.

In addition to teaching life skills and preparing them for future education, career training and jobs, JAG gives students a sense of belonging.

Robinson pointed to a student at Eastern Greene High School who knew she wanted to work in health care management but aspects of the job were out of her comfort zone.

Ali Harper enrolled in JAG where she received mentoring from her school’s JAG specialist Jayme Bellman. She earned college credits in high school and became a JAG National Career Association officer. Today, she is a senior at Indiana University and will graduate with a degree in healthcare management and policy. She plans to seek a career as an executive director of an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. 

Morgan, the Region 8 coordinator, said exposing students to a variety of careers is another objective. Any business or employer who would like to partner with JAG, can contact Morgan, 812-360-8240 or [email protected]. 

WorkOne highlights

Also during the meeting, Rob King, Region 8 Workforce board director, and Susan Neal, executive director of workforce development services, provided updates on other programs. 

• During April and May, WorkOne hosted 14 hiring events and job fairs around Region 8. 

• Three employers filed WARN notices of employee layoffs. WorkOne staff assisted affected employees at General Motors in Bedford, Catalent Pharma Solutions and Cook Medical, both in Bloomington, with information about resources.
• A grant-funded program to provide career services, training and support to dislocated workers affected by COVID enrolled 149 workers through April 30. 
• Workforce Ready Grant funds totaling $425,160 provided tuition assistance. From July 1, 2022 through June 26, 2023, 109 students enrolled in training. 92 completed training and 17 are attending classes.