he JAG Model is the measuring stick that is used to implement and evaluate local programs. 

The primary objectives of a JAG Model program are:

• Target the 'right' young people for services.
• Keep program participants in school through graduation or completion of a GED.
• Extend program services to participants for 12 months after graduation or completion of a GED.
• Assist graduates or completers in pursuit of a postsecondary education and/or an entry-level job that leads to a career.
• Deliver services to non-graduates and non-completers during the 12-month follow-up period to attain a GED certificate or a high school diploma.

Since its inception in 1980, JAG achieved extraordinary success in achieving the objectives of a JAG Model Program.  As a result of that success, enhancements are regularly introduced to improve the JAG Model.  The original JAG Model served "High School Seniors Only" (referred to as School-to-Career Programs).  In 1988, the JAG Board of Directors approved the implementation of a Multi-Year Program to reduce the dropout rate among young people in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.  In 1995, the Board approved a Out-of-School Program to serve young people who have dropped out of the traditional school system or are enrolled in an alternative school program or a community-based program leading to a high school diploma or GED.

Model Components

The JAG Model The JAG Model provides performance standards and best practices (take the link off best practices) for serving young people (ages 15-21).  The four Program Applications include the School-to-Career Program  (for students in the 12th grade); Multi-Year Dropout Prevention Program (for students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades); and the Out-of-School Program (serving dropouts and young people in alternative schools).

Compare JAG Program Applications

The ultimate objective of JAG Model programs is to provide participants (in-school or out-of-school) with classroom and work-based learning experiences that result in a quality job leading to a career after graduation or completion of a GED. 

The primary process objective is to keep participants in high school through graduation during the in-school phase of the program and to improve the rate of success in achieving their education and career goals. The high performance outcomes achieved consistently by JAG State Organizations and Local Affiliates are accomplished through a comprehensive set of services, including:

1. Classroom Instruction.  A trained "Career Specialist" provides individual and group instruction to 35-45 students carefully selected for the program by an in-school advisory committee, typically comprised of faculty, administrators and counselors.
2. Employability Skills. The JAG National Curriculum equips participants with 37 employability competencies that will prepare them for the workplace.  Multi-year participants may receive as many as 86 competencies identified by JAG.
3. Adult Mentoring. Specialists provide individual attention to students to overcome barriers that prevent them from taking advantage of their high school education, completing requirements for a high school diploma and/or securing employment or pursuing a postsecondary education leading to a career after high school or GED completion.
4. Advisement and Support. Specialists provide advice and support as students make significant career and life decisions in the earlier grades (9^th, 10^th and 11^th).  Based on the individual needs of students, Specialists connect participants to professional counseling services to address more serious barriers, such as mental health problems, substance abuse, etc.
5. Summer Employment Training.  Job placement services are provided dropout prevention students during the summer months and partnerships are developed with summer youth employment programs to support year-long learning.
6. Student-Led Leadership Development.  A highly motivating student-led organization the National Career Association builds on the competency-based curriculum and provides opportunities for students to develop, practice and refine their leadership and teaming skills. Participants are provided the opportunity to participate in regional and state Career Development Conferences offering general sessions, career workshops and competitive events.  The competitions are aligned with the core competencies attained by all graduates/completers.
7. Job and Postsecondary Education Placement Services.  Specialists are actively involved in intensive, one-on-one employer marketing and job development activities to identify entry-level job opportunities for students after graduation or GED completion.  Likewise, Specialists assist graduates in the exploration of postsecondary education opportunities and show them how to navigate the financial aid process to pursue these opportunities.
8. Linkages to School and Community-Based Services.  JAG programs serve as a school-based "one-stop center" for targeted youth to deliver academic and social services using school and community resources.
9. 12-Month Follow-up Services.  JAG provides no less than twelve months of follow-up services and support on the job or in a pursuit of a postsecondary education after graduation or completion of a GED.
10. Accountability System.  Computerized tracking of participants served, services delivered and performance outcomes (graduation rate, positive outcomes, rates, aggregate employment rate, full-time jobs rate, full-time placement rate, further education rate, wages, and return to school rate) provides JAG with a vehicle for holding programs accountable for achieving JAG Model outcomes. JAG accredits state and local affiliates based upon their ability to fully implement the JAG Model.  Site reviews are conducted by trained staff and an Accreditation Report is provided to stakeholders.
11. Professional Development. Continuous improvement through the ongoing professional development of managers, supervisors and specialists is an ongoing service provided to state and local affiliates.
12. Ownership provides strict accountability.  Specialists are held personally accountable for the success of young people targeted for a JAG Model Program.  The Electronic National Data Management System (e-NDMS) provides the JAG National Network with a comprehensive tracking system to report the students served, the services delivered, and the outcomes achieved.
13. Activity-based classroom instruction.  The JAG National Curriculum consists of 86 activity-based and competency-based modules providing more than 860 hours of classroom instruction.  Each module provides a math and reading assignment to improve basic skills.  A pre- and post-test assessment provides a method for documenting competency attainment.
14. Motivation is key to achieving success.  A variety of techniques are used to create a learning environment that is motivating to young people served by a JAG Model Program. The most unique technique is the use of a student-led organization (called the Career Association for In-School Programs and Professional Association for Out-0f-School Programs).  Chapter activities provide a laboratory for participants to develop, practice and refine their personal, leadership and teaming skills that are critical to success in the workplace and in pursuit of a postsecondary education. 
15. 12 months of follow-up services.  Program participants receive 12 months of program services after graduation or completion of a GED. Follow-up services include:
    • Guidance in pursuing a postsecondary education.
    • Placement in an entry-level job that leads to a career opportunity.
    • Positive change of status within the follow-up period.
16. Cost-effective program.  The JAG Board insists upon the operation of a cost-effective program.  The average cost per participant is $1,500 for the in-school phase of the program. Full-time employed graduates or completers who are full-time employed repay the cost of their participation within 14 months after leaving school through payroll or sales taxes.

The JAG Model is the foundation for JAG's four program applications.  Use the buttons above, or the links below, for additional information on each program application.

In-School Program Applications:

• Middle School Program Application (Dropout Prevention)
• Multi-Year Program Application (Dropout Prevention)
• Senior Year Program Application (School-to-Career)

Out-of-School Program Application:

   * Out-of-School Program Application (Dropout Recovery)