PREPARE YOUR STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE WITH JAG

How do we help young people overcome the challenges they face? What’s the key to engaging students so they want to learn? Is there a curriculum of practical skills we can provide to increase their chances of success after high school? If these are questions that keep you awake at night, JAG has answers.

Evidence from JAG-affiliated schools shows a number of positive results. Attendance and GPAs go up. So do graduation rates. In addition, 86% of grads are employed in full-time or part-time positions or are working while attending vocational training, community colleges or universities.

98% of JAG Nebraska students graduated in 2021-2022, as compared to an 88.6% nationwide graduation rate*.

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

JAG SCHOOLS HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS

JAG Nebraska is a part of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) nonprofit organization. Since 1980, JAG’s evidence-based, data-driven model has been making a quantifiable difference for school districts in 38 affiliated states – resulting in positive outcomes for students, educators, employers and communities.

JAG was established in Nebraska in January 2019 through the collaboration of United Way of the Midlands, state agencies, school districts and community partners. The program has since expanded rapidly throughout rural and metro communities statewide. As an inclusive program, JAG Nebraska serves a diverse range of students and works to help them overcome barriers and achieve successful outcomes.

LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR NEBRASKA

In alignment with the guiding principles and priorities of the Nebraska Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, part of the Nebraska Department of Education, JAG Nebraska prepares our young people for postsecondary education and/or entry-level careers.

JAG upholds the CTE mission through a program of training in 37-87 employability competencies, taught in the classroom by a certified JAG Career Specialist. Business and community partners add another layer of support by providing mentoring, hands-on training and civic experiences that engage students in the learning process.

SUPPORT FOR A VARIETY OF AGES AND LEVELS

The JAG Nebraska model features six program applications. They are available to any student who wants, needs or can benefit from the curriculum. JAG programs focus on dropout prevention and include support for young people who are at various stages of education:

  • middle school (6th to 8th)
  • multiyear (9th to 12th)
  • alternative school (6th to 12th)
  • seniors (12th only)
  • out-of-school (opportunity students)
  • new college students (freshmen)

At $1,800 per student, JAG helps each participant succeed for $5 per school day. Contact us about becoming a JAG Nebraska school district.

PLAN TO BECOME A JAG NEBRASKA SCHOOL DISTRICT

JAG Nebraska is a program of United Way of the Midlands. Our goal is to help schools successfully implement the JAG Nebraska program and provide ongoing support so they can achieve positive outcomes. Here is a timeline to follow if your school district is interested in becoming a JAG affiliate.

JAG NEBRASKA SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

14 - 12 months prior to start

  • Introductory meeting with district and school leadership
  • District school board approval
  • MOU signatures

12 to 10 months prior to start

  • Teacher presentations
  • Appoint JAG Advisory Committee
  • Student invitations to JAG Nebraska presentations

10 to 8 months prior to start

  • Teacher presentations
  • Appoint JAG Advisory Committee members

8 to 7 months before start date

  • Letter to parents
  • Student invitations and presentations
  • Student enrollment

3 to 2 months prior to start

  • Hire JAG Nebraska Specialist/Teacher
  • Conduct UWM and JAG Nebraska onboarding training

2 to 1 month prior to start

  • Complete school district new teacher trainings
  • Order supplies and set up JAG Nebraska classroom

1 month post implementation

  • Verification of final class rosters
  • Advisory Committee reviews and verifies baseline data

START BUILDING YOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY

The JAG Advisory Committee identifies potential JAG students, approves class rosters and participates in meetings. The committee is made up of school staff members with insight on students who could benefit from the program, including:

  • administrative staff
  • counselors
  • core academic teachers
  • vocational faculty
  • other supportive school personnel

“The JAG program has given our students a positive connection to their learning, their community and their futures. It has provided the support students needed at a critical time in their lives.”

– Dan Phillips, Director of Innovation for College
and Career Readiness, Grand Island Public Schools