As we are all feeling, COVID-19 has shifted how the world operates in a way that is unprecedented for our generation, and Jobs for America’s Graduates is no exception. The impact of the coronavirus and the immediate danger it presents to the American public has closed our education system, directly affecting students and their families. This is especially detrimental to JAG students, who often look to their JAG Specialist and classmates for steadiness and security in their lives.
We also recognize that our students and their families are disproportionately affected by the closure of restaurants, stores, bars, and other service-industry places of work. These jobs often provide the entry-level opportunities our students need to enter the workforce. A difficult environment is likely to continue for some time, so we are in the process to reposition our training and support to make the best case for our JAG students to be considered for employment.
At a time when we must social distance ourselves in order to protect each other, the 75,000 JAG students we serve need us more than ever. We are inspired by the thoughtful communication and applaud the innovative efforts we have seen from many Affiliates. We are responding to and encouraged by the requests from many JAG Affiliate Staff and Specialists to access online learning modules and platforms provided by JAG educational partners like the Skills to Succeed Academy, EverFi and Tallo. We are excited to see the interest in the JAG Genius and the use of virtual connectivity and the online sense of community – something we all need in these times.
JAG National recognizes we need to modify the way we provide support and deliver competencies to our students during this time of uncertainty. In response to the way business and education are adapting (in real time) to COVID-19, JAG National is establishing new protocols and processes to ensure full, virtual engagement with our young people to assure they have the competencies they need to meet the very competitive job market ahead. That is why JAG is providing the immediate recommendations below that are of highest priority, which impact the day-to-day lives of our students and Specialists. Like our world right now, please know that these are in real-time and subject to change.
Moving forward, we will have ongoing recommendations that will be built into new practices that will serve as both short- and long-term solutions to continue JAG’s data-driven model. This will help us remain accountable to our students, our partners, funders, and each other.
Requested response: As we continue to look towards an even more virtual world, please let Karey Webb know if you or your state has begun the process for piloting, developing, or delivering JAG Model content to students. We want to work together to provide the highest quality online learning environment for our JAG students with consistency.
We know these are difficult and unprecedented times. But, after 40 years, we also know JAG is a resiliency model and that those who work in JAG have always understood the value in community, relationships, and supporting our children. We are thankful and fortunate to call you family, and the actions we see now are a clear reminder of why we do this work for our students and communities. We wouldn’t (and now can’t) leave home without you!