JAG Nebraska is an evidence-based, for-credit classroom elective that provides professional and technical education to all students who need, want or can benefit from the assistance.
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Empowering students with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment and life – that’s the mission of JAG Nebraska. By utilizing a model developed by the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) organization, the program is dedicated to empowering students with personal and professional development training and support to succeed in high school, further education and employment following graduation.
Founded in 2019 through a partnership with the State of Nebraska’s Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services – JAG Nebraska started with three schools and has now grown to serve over 1,000 students at 34 middle and high schools across the state. With the current support of Governor Jim Pillen, Commissioner John Albin and DHHS CEO Dannette Smith – we plan to grow JAG Nebraska by 38 programs for the school year beginning in August 2024 –exponentially increasing capacity to serve all students that would benefit from JAG Nebraska.
Through this unique public-private partnership, there is no charge to schools offering JAG Nebraska for the first two years. Then moving forward, the cost is $10,000 per year for the program.
All students face challenges, some more overwhelming than others. Common barriers standing in the way of high school graduation include economic factors, academic difficulties and personal or social development issues. Despite these barriers, there is a solution: JAG Nebraska. And while the program is relatively new to our state, it’s already making a major impact.
JAG Nebraska is an evidence-based, for-credit classroom elective that provides professional and technical education to all students who need, want or can benefit from the assistance.
Since 2019, JAG Nebraska has served 2,200 students through 34 programs at 31 schools in 15 school districts – and the numbers only continue to grow as data supporting the success of the program increases. This is good news for the young people in Nebraska who face significant barriers to success.
Our students are gaining skills and employment by …
The JAG Advantage model of learning empowers students to overcome their challenges and achieve in school, work and life
At a time when Nebraska employers face significant difficulty attracting enough skilled workers, JAG students are the solution to the problem. They are a diverse and inclusive group of individuals who are ready to use their training and talents in the workplace.
“JAG Nebraska is the gold standard of state partners. JAG’s work with our agencies, business leaders and community members has cultivated the next generation of Nebraska workers. The students they serve are set up for success in the years to come.”
– Nebraska Senator/ Former Gov. Pete Ricketts
Studies show JAG students are equipped with skills that help them engage in creating positive connections with peers which leads to increased engagement, attendance and GPA scores. In 2020, JAG Nebraska realized a 100% graduation rate.
JAG Nebraska is aligned with the guiding principles and priorities of the Nebraska Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, part of the Nebraska Department of Education. CTEs like JAG help students explore career options, identify interests and develop skills that prepare success in Nebraska’s workforce.
At $1,800 per student, JAG provides a comprehensive range of services that help each participant to succeed for $7 per school day.
The JAG Advantage model incorporates three key components, proven to ensure students’ development and success:
All JAG participants are expected to master up to 87 core competencies, based around:
Governor
State of Nebraska
Commissioner
Nebraska Department of Labor
Director
Nebraska Community Foundation
Columbus Campus President/Division VP
Superintendent
Umonhon Nation Public Schools
K-12 Coordinator of Career Education & Programming
Tribal Extension Educator/UNL/Extension Division
Executive Director
York County
Director
Associated Staffing, Inc.
Director of Innovation for Career & College Readiness
Lampson, Dugan & Murray / UWM Board Member
Head of Institutional Division
Pacific Life
We want to hear from you. Please contact us with any JAG Nebraska questions you may have.
