January 21, 2025
Celebrating Success: Kayleigh Wells’ Journey with JAG
At the core of every JAG program are success stories that inspire and uplift, like Kayleigh Wells’ journey with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in Austin, Indiana.
“I joined JAG as a junior. Quiet. Reserved,” Kayleigh shares, recounting her initial reluctance. Circumstances had pushed her into the program unexpectedly, yet what unfolded was nothing short of remarkable. “My JAG specialist brings up how much I’ve grown since joining often, and I know it’s true.”
Through JAG, Kayleigh discovered not just her talents and skills, but a newfound confidence that propelled her towards her dreams. “My confidence skyrocketed. I could perform impromptu public speeches. My leadership was strengthened.” She discovered her career pathway in career aptitude tests, pinpointing her passion: becoming a Child Life Specialist. “I spent two years preparing and researching and planning my future, all because of JAG. I had a purpose in life.”
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. “My whole entire world tipped upside down,” she recalls, facing sudden adversity just weeks before graduation. In this challenging time, JAG was her unwavering support. “In that classroom, I pieced my future back together. I made a new plan.”
Supported by her JAG specialist, Kayleigh had the ability and courage to persevere through the storm. “It was the only class where I felt like somebody finally understood what it was like to feel like you had no control.”
Kayleigh’s resilience and determination continues to guide her through life and her education. “I leave for college in three days. I have scholarships for 95% of my tuition for the next four years, mostly thanks to JAG and the help I got in finding financial aid.”
As she moves forward on her path to becoming a Child Life Specialist, Kayleigh attributes much of her success to JAG. “JAG, in many ways, saved my life. I don’t know what I would have done without it. But I know I wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Kayleigh’s story highlights how JAG programming transform lives, nurturing the potential within each student. Join JAG’s mission today and become a monthly donor to make an impact on more students like Kayleigh. Your support helps us empower the next generation of leaders!