Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a national state-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing dropouts and securing job and college success for young people who possess a multitude of barriers to success to be eligible for JAG Program services. Since 1980, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping nearly 950,000 young people to stay in school through graduation (or completion of a GED), pursue a postsecondary education and/or secure quality employment that leads to career advancement opportunities. This Annual Report is dedicated to the students served by the nearly 900 highly professional and well-trained JAG Specialists who work tirelessly, creatively and persistently to identify the right young people with barriers to academic, personal and/or career success; deliver engaging and effective outcomes-based JAG Model services; and, achieve extraordinary “success against the odds!” JAG is a life-changing experience for those fortunate to be selected in a program that is customized to fit the needs of its participants.

Gov. Brian Sandoval celebrated a high school dropout prevention program he helped launch in Nevada at Desert Pines High School on Wednesday night.

JAG student, Keon Whitted, was called a Christmas Day hero for running into a burning apartment building to tell residents about the danger.

“I saw the top floor on fire so I jumped the gate and I kicked every door down in that building,” 18-year-old Keon Whitted said. 

Henrico Fire Department Capt. James Mellon said the fire broke out just before noon at the Coventry Gardens apartments in the 200 block of Newbridge Circle.

The fire displaced 16 people according to officials however no residents were injured thanks to the heroism of Whitted.

Washington, D.C. ŸNovember 15, 2012

The end-of-year JAG Board meeting was held on November 15 to set the agenda for 2013.  In a very interactive and engaging Board meeting, key decisions were made, including:

Washington, D.C. ŸNovember 14-15, 2012

On November 14-15, we had one of the largest turnouts and one of the most engaging and successful series of Leadership Awards Events in our history.  Nearly 700 were in attendance for our Leadership Awards Reception and Luncheon, led by Governors Jack Markell (DE) and John de Jongh (VI) of our Board of Directors.

Make Plans to Attend….. 

Pre-NTS Professional Development Workshops, July 8-10, 2013

30^th Anniversary National Training Seminar, July 10-12, 2013

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

2800 Opryland Drive ŸNashville, TN 37214 ŸTel 615.889.1000

The 2012 National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) 418 of our young leaders and 121 Specialists and staff.

An intensive series of leadership development and teaming activities were conducted.  All of the students were able to participate in the Leadership Awards Luncheon.  They also received a special tour of the icons of American democracy and interacted with the senior management of Jobs for America's Graduates.

The Smith Scholars are selected by members of the JAG Board of Directors who invest considerable time in reviewing applications, high school transcripts, essays and support letters. Selecting recipients for a $1,000 scholarship is a challenging assignment since the vast majority of the applicants need, want and can use the scholarship to pursue a collegiate education and their career goals. It is expected that 75-100 applications will apply for the ten scholarships. Scholarships are funded through the generosity of JAG Board members and will continue to be supported by the JAG Board. In addition, the Board has agreed to encourage others to donate to the Scholarship Fund including alumni, employers, and Friends of JAG. The purpose of expanding the donor base of the Scholarship Fund is to increase the number and amount of scholarships awarded annually. JAG is proud to announce that nearly 50 percent of the JAG graduates are pursuing a postsecondary education. The ultimate goal is for a growing percentage of JAG graduates to apply and be recognized as a Smith Scholar. This is a fitting tribute to Kenneth M. Smith, the only President of Jobs for America’s Graduates since the organization’s inception in 1980.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and AgCareers.com partner to share the excitement of agribusiness careers with talented post-secondary students.  This relationship has lead to sponsorship of the fourth annual essay contest.  Cameron Clement’s winning essay rewards him with a trip to attend the JAG National Student Leadership Conference which will be held in Washington D.C. in November. 

There is a school of thought that individuals are born to do certain things. Call it destiny or natural talent, nineteen year old Fred Green would be considered one of these people. Politics is in his blood. Just a year out of high school, Wilmington, Delaware residents recall Green entering the political arena at just 13 years of age.  Now Green is being called Delaware’s first Youth Czar by many.