PARTNER WITH JAG TO BUILD OUR WORKFORCE

With approximately 69,000 job openings in Nebraska*, workforce development has become a major issue for our state’s employers. JAG Nebraska has a solution that’s beneficial for students, businesses and the entire state.

*Source: The Wall Street Journal, November 2021

JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) Nebraska is a career and technical education program supported by United Way of the Midlands in collaboration with government agencies, participating school districts, and local partners. Its goal is to provide students with instruction, mentoring, and skills to be successful in education, employment, and life.

Learn how you can support JAG Nebraska and help move our students and our economy forward.

YOU’LL SEE SUCCESS IN OUR STATISTICS

United Way of the Midlands is proud that 99% of JAG Nebraska students graduated in 2021-2022, compared to an 88.6% nationwide graduation rate*. We thank our business partners, who are essential in creating positive outcomes for our students and economy.

When compared to non-graduates, JAG Nebraska graduates:

  • are 2.3 times more likely to be employed full time
  • have a 20% higher rate of earning
  • produce over $5 million in annual earnings/spending
  • are 15% more likely to own homes
  • create an economic benefit of over $50 million
  • are 50% less likely to be at risk for poverty

*Source: U.S. News and World Report, U.S. graduation rates for 2019-2020

JAG NEBRASKA TEACHES NEEDED SKILLS

JAG Nebraska students receive training in at least 37 employability skill competencies and explore career development opportunities with business partners like you. JAG’s project-based learning model engages students in realistic experiences and hands-on activities that reflect the workplace environment.

HELP STUDENTS IN CLASS AND AT WORK

JAG coordinates opportunities for students to connect with local employers to explore Nebraska’s in-demand industries and occupations. When you partner with JAG, mentors from your company visit the classroom to explain workplace skills and build relationships with students. In turn, JAG participants visit your business to see how it functions and visualize themselves in a professional environment. Your company also can participate in JAG leadership-building activities like student conferences and community events.

JAG CONTRIBUTES TO WORKPLACE DEI

JAG is an inclusive program that brings together youths from all backgrounds. While student demographics may vary, they all have encountered barriers to academic and personal achievement that can narrow their future career options. Your support helps remove those barriers and improve their equity of access to employment, education, and opportunities. Each JAG student is a prospective employee, and many can contribute to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the future.

When your company collaborates with JAG Nebraska, you’re part of an ecosystem providing students with opportunities they wouldn’t have had without you.

JAG PARTNERS SHAPE LIVES

There are multiple ways JAG business partners can positively impact the students who will help comprise Nebraska’s future workforce.

Through training and education:

  • Help students gain credits, credentials, or certifications
  • Join in continuing education and civic activities
  • Customize a scholarship program for graduates

Through employment opportunities:

  • Provide on-the-job training or paid work experience programs
  • Offer registered apprenticeships
  • Guarantee interviews for JAG students who fill out application

Through donations and in-kind contributions:

  • Provide JAG high school sponsorships at the cost of $1,800 per student (that works out to $5 per day)
  • Host, volunteer, or donate to JAG Nebraska Career Development and Leadership Conferences
  • Assemble kits for JAG students with items for personal care and project-based learning

“JAG was the one that got me interested in school and is the one class that actually got me interested in finding a career. I followed everything that JAG taught me and I got it.”

– Taylor Bruce, JAG Graduate and employee at Commonwealth Electric