Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) of Tennessee has a motto that reads, "Improving young lives forever." This powerful statement encapsulates the organization's mission: to provide high school students with the necessary resources and support to graduate successfully and pursue post-secondary education and job opportunities. It is fantastic news that JAG has been brought to Benton County, thanks to funding from the Carl Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) and a State grant secured by JAG TN. Mrs. Courtney Vance has accepted the invitation to become the program's first teacher, which bodes well for the program's future success.
For many years, JAG TN, a non-profit organization, has been helping high school students achieve their academic and career goals. The organization's impact on students has been remarkable, with JAG TN students performing better academically, graduating at higher rates, and experiencing higher positive outcomes than their peers. This impact is a testament to the effectiveness of the JAG TN program, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. Recently, Mr. John Dwyer, the organization's President and CEO, visited the new program in Benton County. He spent time talking with students in the program and getting valuable feedback on how the new year was developing. Mr. Dwyer was pleased to see the level of excitement the students had.
One of the reasons that JAG TN is successful is the preparation it affords students to take and pass recognized industry credentials such as the National Work Readiness Credential and the Soft Skills Essential credential. These credentials are critical in helping students successfully transition to the workforce, whether after high school or post-secondary training.
The students enrolled in the program have ambitious goals this first year, and they are already eyeing state and national competitions. This level of enthusiasm is a testament to the impact that JAG TN has had on the students in the program. The organization is doing an excellent job, and seeing how the program will develop further is exciting. Overall, the JAG TN program is an essential resource for high school students in Tennessee, and it is great to see it expanding to new locations.