Celebrating our Past. Fueling our Future.
We’re looking back – and leaping forward – with a strategic vision to serve one million youth by 2035.
From milestones to a million:
Be part of JAG’s vivid vision to change a million young lives.
To date, JAG has provided 1.7 million youth with the support and skills they need to thrive. Many exciting milestones mark our journey, but 2025 signifies a bold new chapter: building on our legacy to fuel our future – and the futures of 1 million young people annually by 2035!
The JAG model was formed by Delaware leaders who sought a statewide solution for helping at-risk youth stay in school and succeed at work. A successful pilot in eight high schools led to statewide expansion of Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc.
Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG) was established to bring the model to additional states. State governors, senior officials and top corporate executives comprised the board of directors, including then-Vice President Bush and former Vice President Mondale.
Arizona launches its first JAG program.
Massachusetts and Tennessee launch their first JAG programs.
JAG hosts its first National Training Seminar.
At the request of school leaders, the board developed a Multi-Year Program for grades 9-12, providing early support to youth to ensure students graduate high school.
Maine launches its first JAG program.
California launches its first JAG program.
Mississippi and Montana launch their first JAG programs.
Kentucky launches its first JAG program.
Rhode Island launches its first JAG program.
The JAG program expands to six new states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, and Virginia.
JAG holds its very first National Student Leadership Academy.
West Virginia launches its first JAG program.
Iowa launches its first JAG program.
JAG board of directors approved the launch of the Trust for Jobs for America’s Graduates.
Minnesota launches its first JAG program.
New Jersey launches its first JAG program.
New Mexico and Wyoming launch their first JAG programs.
Missouri and South Carolina launch their first JAG programs.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a grant in the amount of $1.5 million to test the out of school program of the JAG Model in three locations (Ohio, Florida, and Louisiana).
Colorado launches its first JAG program.
JAG launched its middle school program in seven states and 45 schools after a successful seven-year pilot by Jobs for Maine’s Graduates.
Seventeen state legislatures invested in JAG Model programs.
JAG launched the JAG Model in four new states and a U.S. territory—North Dakota, South Dakota, Virgin Islands and Washington (State).
Governor Brian Sandoval led Nevada to join the JAG national network by piloting the JAG Model in five schools in northern Nevada.
JAG built on current and new partnerships including Walmart Foundation, McDonald’s, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Maximus, AT&T Foundation, Delta Regional Authority, Regions Bank, the National Urban League and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.
Governor Brownback (Kansas) used TANF funds to launch JAG in 25 schools. Governor Pence (Indiana) secured $2.5 million to grow from 80 to 150 schools. Mississippi expanded from 32 to 50 schools with its largest legislative funding request.
JAG served its one-millionth student in one of the 1,000 classrooms of the 32-state JAG National Network.
The JAG national network grew to 1,041 programs in 32 states, serving more students than ever (50,979). JAG delivered its services with the largest state/national budget ever ($70 million) at just $1,300 per participant.
JAG expands its curriculum to focus on Project-Based Learning.
JAG Advantage becomes bedrock of curriculum to include project-based learning, employer engagement, and trauma-based instruction.
Launch of Headrush to allow students autonomy to develop projects independently
JAG hosts its first National Career Development Conference, the pinnacle experience for JAG youth to demonstrate their skills, explore career options and connect with employers.
Janelle Duray succeeds Ken Smith as President and CEO
JAG includes 3 student representatives as voting members of the board of directors.
Transitioned into an independent nonprofit as Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc.,
JAG enacts Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 to expand programming to one million students by 2035.