High school jobs initiative expanding in Marion County
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The Indianapolis office of nonprofit Jobs for America’s Graduates says the program continues to expand throughout Marion County. JAG Indy is a state-affiliated program, based on a national model, that aims to keep young people in school through graduation by providing work-based learning experiences.
The hope is the experiential learning will lead to career advancement opportunities, or enrollment in a postsecondary institution.
Jag Indy says the program was launched for the fall semester at Franklin Central High School, bringing its reach to 16 Marion County high schools.
“An increasing number of state, regional, and local partnerships, such as JAG Indy and Franklin Central High School, are being developed to blur the lines between PK-12, higher education, and the workforce,” said Flora Jones, director of student pathways & opportunities for the Indiana Department of Education
Jones says funding from the IDOE helped expand the program into Franklin H.S. It was part of $57 million in grants awarded to school systems as part of the state education department’s Explore, Engage and Experience (3E) initiative.
“Supported by the 3E Grant, more students will have access to resources, mentoring, and follow-up counseling through JAG Indy, ultimately leading them to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities after high school graduation,” said Jones.
JAG Indy is house at EmployIndy and has served more than 7,000 students since 2006. JAG says participants maintain better than a 95% graduation rate and over 75% positive outcomes, or full-time hours pursuing a postsecondary education or retaining employment.
“JAG Indy is increasing student engagement in school and creating new ways for students to connect with each other and the community,” said Amy McCabe, assistant principal at Franklin Central High School. “I’m excited to see how it continues to impact student attendance, grades, and ultimately, their success once they graduate.”
Click here to learn more about the program.