TEACH, MENTOR AND ADVOCATE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

JAG Nebraska believes people are more powerful than circumstances. As a JAG Career Specialist, you can help students realize this power over the barriers they face and ultimately change the trajectory of their lives.

HOW DOES JAG NEBRASKA WORK?

Starting with middle school and continuing through postgraduation follow-up, JAG Career Specialists play a crucial and supportive role for young people who face barriers to their success. The curriculum includes teaching 87 core competencies identified by JAG as essential leadership development and work readiness skills. Programming is delivered in partnership with local school districts during the school day using an evidence-based model created by the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. 

WHAT ARE JAG CAREER SPECIALISTS?

JAG Nebraska Career Specialists are:

  • Teachers who facilitate hands-on learning experiences’ and individual tutoring to improve graduation rates and student success.
  • Mentors who guide and support to students during this critical decision-making period of life.
  • Advocates who extend 12 months of post-graduation follow-up and support services to help young adults access living-wage employment and/or continuing education.

CAREER SPECIALIST RESPONSIBILITIES

JAG Nebraska Career Specialists are committed to developing students’ personal, leadership, and employability skills to ensure graduation from high school and positive postgraduate outcomes. As such, Career Specialists are charged with presenting relevant and challenging classroom and work-based learning experiences for their students. Partnerships with local businesses and community leaders aid this effort. Because JAG is an evidence-based program, data management and accountability proficiency are essential.

Want to be a part of a team that’s focused on the holistic delivery of education with the goal of helping students develop into successful, self-sufficient adults?

WHAT’S NEEDED TO BECOME A CAREER SPECIALIST?

Education, experience, and traits necessary for becoming a JAG Nebraska Career Specialist include:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in education, sociology, psychology, or business or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience
  • A teaching certificate in the state of Nebraska
  • Experience working with high school students and knowledge of childhood development
  • Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary education settings
  • A professional and collaborative demeanor
  • A sincere interest in motivating young people toward success in school, work, and life

CHOOSE A CAREER WITH AN IMPACT

JAG Career Specialists make a real and quantifiable difference in the lives of the young people they inspire. GPA scores go up – along with graduation rates.

Data gathered since JAG Nebraska was started by United Way of the Midlands in partnership with state agencies in 2019 show that:

  • 98% of JAG Nebraska students graduated in 2021-2022, compared to an 88.6% nationwide graduation rate*.
  • 86% of JAG Nebraska grads are employed in full- or part-time positions or are working while attending vocational training, community colleges, or universities.

Join our team of innovative advocates who are dedicated to inspiring empowerment for Nebraska’s young people!

“I think the Career Specialists do an outstanding job preparing young people for the labor force. They go way beyond the call of duty to ensure students are supported and act as the teacher, mentor and the glue that holds the program together.”

Administration leader quote