Bipartisanship Works: The Success of Jobs for America's Graduates

Strategic Insights -

In the realm of bipartisan collaboration, few programs have exemplified its power as effectively as Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG). Over four decades, this nationwide organization has helped 1.7 million young Americans, particularly those at-risk and marginalized, achieve remarkable success. JAG's dropout prevention program has a 40-year record of over 90% graduation from high school, with 96% of participants graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic despite immense challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • JAG's dropout prevention program, operating in 1,450 locations across 39 states, has a 40-year record of over 90% graduation from high school, with 96% of participants graduating during the pandemic.
  • The program's success is attributed to bipartisan collaboration, starting with Delaware Gov. Pete du Pont and Vice President Walter Mondale in 1979.
  • Trained Job Specialists work with JAG students to master 37 employability skills that prepare them for workforce and life success, with those in multi-year programs eligible to master up to 81 competencies.
  • JAG's students learn how to explore career options, improve academic performance, and develop employability skills, not only providing support services for students but also for their families.
  • The organization provides crucial follow-up assistance for students for a full year after graduation, helping them navigate post-secondary education, military or other national service, or employment opportunities.
  • JAG's success during the pandemic has brought a renewed commitment by the JAG Board to double the number of students and schools served in the next four years.
  • Current and former state governors, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, are promoting JAG in their respective states.

Statistics:

  • 1.7 million young Americans have benefited from JAG's services since its establishment.
  • 96% of JAG participants graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite immense challenges.
  • Nationwide youth unemployment soared to 30% in May 2020, while JAG enrollees had a mere 11.5% unemployment rate.
  • 14 state governors are on the JAG organization's board of directors, along with 12 C-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] Delaware Gov. Pete du Pont and Vice President Walter Mondale (1979)
  • [Source 2] Ken Smith, President and CEO of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)
  • [Source 3] Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)
  • [Source 4] Duggan Flanakin, Director of Policy Research with the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow