Celebrating a 10-year milestone for Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates, a life-changer for 20,0000 students and counting.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (JAG Nevada), we reflect on the incredible journey and impact the organization has made on the lives of over 20,000 students. In 2013, then-Governor Brian Sandoval recognized the significant impact of Jobs for America’s Graduates nationwide, leading to the launch of JAG Nevada in 2014, which has since become a pillar of support for high school students facing numerous challenges.
Nevada high school students face many obstacles, including poverty, traumatic experiences, and an overwhelmed education system.
Entering the JAG Nevada program, students typically face an average of nine barriers, spanning academic, economic, personal, and environmental challenges. Despite these hurdles, JAG Nevada successfully equips students with essential life skills, career preparation, and a clear pathway toward meaningful employment and further education.
For in-school participants, the average GPA is 2.18, with 14.68 average absences, and 95.10% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. Through a comprehensive program and caring educators who provide mentoring, inspiration, and workplace readiness training, JAG Nevada helps students gain skills and talent and increase their desire to succeed. This support is reflected in the impressive outcomes: a 97.49% graduation rate, a 79.67% positive outcome rate (employment, college, or military), and a 51.14% further education outcome.
JAG Nevada programs are designed to guide students from high school to successful careers. The Multi-Year Graduation and Workforce Development Programs support 9th to 12th graders in completing high school and connecting to career pathways. The Workforce Pathways Program assists post-high school graduates in entering job skills training through apprenticeships, accreditation programs, or traditional post-secondary education. Collaborating with community training partners like Tesla, Kinross, CSN, TMCC, GBC, and Tech Impact, JAG Nevada creates opportunities for students to learn and succeed. The Supportive Service Program removes barriers to education and employment by providing resources such as work cards, college application assistance, transportation, job attire, and tools.
JAG Nevada’s commitment to student success extends through strong partnerships with employers. Notable initiatives include Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders® Award, which recognized JAG Nevada for advancing economic mobility in underserved neighborhoods in Las Vegas. This award provided $200,000 in grant funding and leadership training to expand professional development programs. Additionally, Tesla’s Gigafactory offers career paths to Nevada high school graduates, currently hosting 13 JAG Nevada apprentices, with another cohort starting in October.
The Tesla Career Readiness Program has shown remarkable outcomes: 36% of JAG Nevada students employed with Tesla since 2017 are still employed there, with an average employment tenure of 2.2 years. Notably, 30% have been employed for over three years, and 61.36% of youth employees are Production Associates. This successful partnership has helped JAG Nevada gain notice from other employers, and they are currently in discussions to create further talent and opportunity pipelines.
From July 8-12, JAG Nevada students and staff participated in the National Training Seminar (NTS) 2024 at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Students enjoyed the experience, while graduates volunteered at the JAG Merchandise table and connected with alumni like a Catering Convention Services Manager at Caesars. Highlighting their achievements, JAG Nevada received the prestigious “6 of 6” State Award for exceeding all six of JAG National’s performance metrics, including employment rate, full-time employment, positive outcomes, further education rate, and connectivity rate. Additionally, 25 Nevada program educators were honored with national awards for their dedication and outstanding student outcomes.
As JAG Nevada celebrates this milestone anniversary, the organization continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for strengthening families and communities by fostering a cycle of success and empowerment.
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