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.

99% 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 39 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 Midlandsstate 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 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 training program in 37-87 employability competencies taught in the classroom by a certified JAG Career SpecialistBusiness and community partners add another support layer by providing mentoring, hands-on training, and civic experiences that engage students in learning.

SUPPORT FOR A VARIETY OF AGES AND LEVELS

The JAG Nebraska model is available to any student who wants, needs or can benefit from the curriculum. JAG programs include support for young people who are at various stages of education:

  • Middle school (7th to 8th)
  • Highschool (9th to 12th)

At $1,500 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. We aim to help schools successfully implement the JAG Nebraska program and provide ongoing support to achieve positive outcomes. Here is a timeline to follow if your school district wants to become a JAG affiliate.

JAG NEBRASKA SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

1st Semester of the Prior School Year

  • Introductory meeting with district and school leadership.
  • District school board approval and MOU review.
  • Informative overview provided to faculty.
  • Assemble JAG Advisory Committee.
  • Letter to parents. *template available
  • Invite students to informative discussion.

2nd Semester of the Prior School Year

  • Student enrollment for JAG classes for the upcoming year 

Spring of the Prior School Year

  • Recruit, interview and hire JAG Nebraska Specialist.

Summer of the Prior School Year

  • Recruit, interview, and hire JAG Nebraska Specialist.
  • Conduct UWM onboarding and JAG Nebraska training.
  • JAG Nebraska Specialist obtains NDE CTE Certification.
  • JAG Nebraska Specialist completes new teacher orientation and district trainings.
  • JAG Nebraska orders classroom and PBL curriculum supplies.

August of the JAG Nebraska Program

  • JAG Nebraska consent forms provided to all students and parents.
  • Verification of class rosters and all consent forms.

1st Semester of the JAG Program

  • School to provide baseline data for prior school year for students enrolled in JAG classes.
  • Student elections and school selection for Local Career Association Chapter Officers.
  • Local Career Association Chapter Officers attend JAG Nebraska’s Statewide Annual Leadership Conference in Omaha.
  • JAG Nebraska’s State Officers attend JAG National’s Annual Leadership Conference (out of state).

End of 1st Semester

  • Student surveys.
  • Advisory Committee reviews and verifies baseline data
  • School to provide mid-year data for students enrolled in JAG classes.

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 into 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