High School JAG program in jeapordy under Indiana budget bill
More than 900 students from throughout the country are expected to participate in a national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Career Development Conference April 24-26 in Indianapolis. That the conference is being held in our state is an exciting opportunity!
But we’re sad to share that the future of JAG across Indiana is in jeopardy. The current Indiana House budget does not include funding for JAG. For this program to continue its success, it is essential that full funding be restored and the day-to-day administration of the program be maintained by local nonprofit workforce development boards, like us.
JAG is a national workforce preparation program that provides life changing opportunities to students who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences. Indiana’s JAG program is one of the best in the nation.
The workforce development boards (like us) that oversee the program are dedicated to developing, attracting, and retaining talent. These organizations across the state are led by regional employers, who often participate in providing JAG students with real-world projects and work experiences.
Students involved in the JAG program learn a host of in-demand employability skills. The program helps students prepare for post-secondary education, the workforce, or other career enhancing opportunities. In Indiana, JAG was recently expanded to 250 programs and it is expected that 10,000 students will participate annually in Indiana.
In 2024, the JAG graduation rate of 96.6% was higher than the overall state high school graduation rate of 90.2%. Those who graduated through the JAG program earned $20.4 million in scholarships.
Moreover, JAG statewide registered more than 2,000 engagements with employers last year. The program maintained a job placement rate of 55.2%, making it a premier generator of talent to meet the needs of area employers.
JAG is important to us and much more than an educational program. It is an essential, multifaceted experience that directly links to building and sustaining the workforces across the Southwest Indiana region and beyond.
The JAG programs prepare students to learn and compete in areas like career decision making, business planning, financial literacy, project-based learning, and prepared speaking.
Southwest Indiana Workforce Board oversees 16 JAG programs regionally. We are proud to have the national conference in Indiana to celebrate not only the country’s young talent but the achievements of our state’s young people under the stewardship of Indiana’s workforce development boards.
We are asking that you please consider sharing your support of the JAG program to Indiana State legislators. Southwest Indiana Workforce knows the impact this makes and is working to ensure students are not denied the opportunity and impact that this program supplies.
We are dedicated to supporting Southwest Indiana’s workforce for years to come and are asking that you join us on this mission as we spread our support of the JAG program to state leaders.
Sara Worstell
Executive Director
