Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – The April meeting of the Region 8 Workforce Development highlighted the growth and success of Indiana’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program and recent accomplishments of JAG students in Region 8.
Several students from high schools in Region 8 were winners and finalists in the regional and state Career Development Conference.
- Project Based Learning: Eastern Greene students Brayten Enlow, Brooklyn Johnson and Claire McGee, first place
- Career presentation: Owen Valley student Brailen Morries, first place
- Outstanding senior: Mitchell senior Andrea Williams, second place
- Writing skills: Emily Rumley, Owen Valley, second place
- Employability skills: Isabella Morrow, second place
- Financial literacy: Edgewood student Josh Roberts, third place.
Last month, Williams was announced as a winner of the 2024 Ken Smith Scholarship, a scholarship just for students enrolled in JAG.
JAG is a skill-building workforce program that helps Hoosier high school students overcome barriers to graduation. Led by a JAG specialist, students learn employability skills and receive career exploration and coaching experiences. Students continue to receive support from JAG after high school as they navigate jobs, work training or college.
JAG Indiana launched in 2006 with 12 programs to prevent kids from dropping out. Since then, JAG has grown to 125 high school-based programs serving more than 5,000 students. The focus has evolved to preparing students for the workforce and increasing their employability.
Last year, Gov. Eric Holcomb set a goal of growing the program to 250 total programs. Since that challenge was issued, nearly 100 new programs have been added across the state.
Region 8 includes Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Owen counties. Jennifer Robinson, JAG field support manager, said nearly every high school in Region 8 has a JAG program.
Robinson is working with schools to bring more JAG programs on board. Bloomfield and Linton-Stockton high schools started programs this spring for juniors and seniors. There is no cost to the school to have a JAG program. Robinson said lack of classroom space is the most common reason why schools don’t offer JAG.
The JAG specialist covers 37 core competencies. Students learn basic life skills, workplace skills and leadership qualities. Classes are small and the JAG specialist works to create a classroom that feels like a family, Robinson said.
Rob King, director of Workforce Services for Region 8, saluted the efforts of JAG staff and students recognized at the state conference.
“I think this is close to the most state finalists we’ve ever had,” King said.
MHS pathway programs
Another development in workforce education is happening at Mitchell High School. Apryl Kidd, director of COSMOS – Collaboration of Shoals, Mitchell and Orleans Schools – said MHS now has construction trades and a Smart Manufacturing program.
Kidd said students will have the chance to explore CAD, CNC, programmable automation, additive manufacturing, sensors and human to robot collaboration. Students can also earn certifications.
In construction trades, students learn about common hand and power tools, basic terminology associated with construction drawings and the basics of framing, including floor and wall systems.
MHS’ pathway programs are always looking for guest speakers, as well as opportunities for industry tours and job shadowing.