2024 ANNUAL REPORT
IGNITING THE ADVANTAGE™
Strategic growth to transform more lives.
OUR MISSION:
Empower our nation’s young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life
MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
“Our students inspired us every step of the way… At JAG, youth voice isn’t just something we lift up—it’s what leads us forward”
Janelle Duray
JAG president and CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters of JAG,
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose. This was a defining year for Jobs for America’s Graduates—a year that marked my first as President and CEO, following the extraordinary 43-year leadership of our founder, Ken Smith. It was also the most ambitious and inclusive planning effort in JAG’s history, culminating in our bold new strategic plan: Leveraging Our Legacy, Fueling Our Future.
This plan charts a transformative path forward: to grow from serving 80,000 young people annually to reaching 1 million by 2035.
At the heart of this effort was a simple truth, voiced by more than 250 leaders across the JAG Network and echoed by funders, public sector partners, and national experts: our youth need us—now more than ever. As barriers grow and systems fall short, JAG remains one of the most effective solutions in the country.
Dear Friends and Supporters of JAG,
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose. This was a defining year for Jobs for America’s Graduates—a year that marked my first as President and CEO, following the extraordinary 43-year leadership of our founder, Ken Smith. It was also the most ambitious and inclusive planning effort in JAG’s history, culminating in our bold new strategic plan: Leveraging Our Legacy, Fueling Our Future.
This plan charts a transformative path forward: to grow from serving 80,000 young people annually to reaching 1 million by 2035.
At the heart of this effort was a simple truth, voiced by more than 250 leaders across the JAG Network and echoed by funders, public sector partners, and national experts: our youth need us—now more than ever. As barriers grow and systems fall short, JAG remains one of the most effective solutions in the country.
We saw that impact clearly in 2024. Our graduates achieved a 96% high school graduation rate and 84% positive outcomes in education and employment. These results reflect the power of our model—and the unwavering commitment of the Specialists, affiliates, and communities that bring it to life.
Our students inspired us every step of the way—through the election of our third slate of JAG Career Association officers, the energy of over 1,000 young people at our National Career Development Conference, and countless stories of perseverance, courage, and leadership. At JAG, youth voice isn’t just something we lift up—it’s what leads us forward.
As we prepare for transformational growth, we’re embracing a “better before bigger” mindset—ensuring that every step forward strengthens our foundation and deepens our impact. Our strategy reflects both internal wisdom and external realities, positioning us to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
We know we cannot do this alone. Our strength lies in the collective force of national, state, and local leaders; our network of Specialists and affiliates; 19,000 employer partners; and the many public and private champions who stand with us.
And to those who are new to JAG—or just discovering our work—we invite you to join us. If you believe in the power of young people, in removing barriers to opportunity, and in building a more inclusive future, there’s a place for you in this movement.
It is a privilege to lead this extraordinary organization, and even more so to lead alongside each of you. Thank you for your belief in our mission and in the young people we serve. Together, we will fuel the future—for JAG, and for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
With deep gratitude,
Janelle Duray
President & CEO
Jobs for America’s Graduates
From the desk of
’24-’25 JAG Career Association President, Frida Modrano
One of the most powerful aspects of JAG is that it’s not just a program for students—it’s a movement led by students. The JAG Career Association (JAG CA) has become a dynamic platform for elevating student voices, ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of our work but also active architects of its future.
This year, that commitment to student leadership was on full display as JAG CA played a critical role in shaping our strategic plan. Alongside my fellow national officers, we didn’t just participate in these discussions—we led a number of them. Through JAG CA, we engaged JAG student leaders across the country, gathering insights, experiences, and priorities from the students who live JAG’s mission every day.
Being heard as a student is one of the most powerful things about JAG. It ensures that our strategy reflects the needs, aspirations, and lived realities of young people everywhere. It isn’t just about student engagement—it’s about cultivating belonging in action. When young leaders step up, share their perspectives, and influence decisions at the highest levels, we create a stronger, more inclusive JAG where every student has a voice and a seat at the table.
Our bold vision: Impact 1 million young people annually by 2025.
We’re scaling our reach while maintaining sustained quality through JAG’s proven model of mentoring, education, and workforce readiness.
A CRITICAL NEED
OUR NATION’S YOUTH ARE IN CRISIS
From trauma to unhoused living and rising suicide rates, today’s youth face severe barriers to graduating and leading a successful life. What sets JAG apart is its ability to help youth overcome adversity. We meld Trauma-informed care with education, job skills, and hands-on work experiences to ensure students thrive.
Did You Know?
One in five high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023.
A staggering 54% of teenagers express deep anxiety about financing their futures.
Young people from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out.
16% of all children in the United States — 11.4 million kids total — are living in poverty.
In 2022, there were 2.1 million high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 24
32% of students ended the 2023–24 school year behind grade level in at least one academic subject
From poverty to past trauma,
JAG students face 10+ challenges
OUR WORKFORCE IS IN CRISIS, TOO.
JAG prepares the next generation to rise and thrive in a changing world.
Every year, talented young people leave high school without the support, skills, or connections needed to thrive in the workforce. Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) bridges that gap—equipping students with the career readiness, guidance, and real-world experience they need to succeed.
Our vision is clear: to prepare the next generation not just to find jobs but to build lasting careers—and, in doing so, strengthen the future of our workforce and our communities.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Together, we can ensure students thrive. Donate today! If you’re an employer wanting to get involved, contact our Vice President of Development, Michelle Payne, at michelle.payne@jag.org to learn how.
JAG BY THE NUMBERS
%
OF JAG SENIORS GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL,
besting the national average of 86%
1.7 MILLION youth served since our inception
In 2024, Jag served 84,195 students
in 1,546 programs
across 36 states
%
ACHIEVE POSITIVE OUTCOMES
(employed, enrolled in post-secondary or combination)
80-90% of our students receive a job offer
MORE THAN
EMPLOYERS SUPPORT JAG PROGRAMS
WE SUPPORT
DIVERSE LEARNERS
More than 50% of the students we serve are from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, and low-income.
- White: 46%
- Black: 30%
- Latinx: 14%
- Multiethnic: 5%
- National Black Unemployment Rate: 34.9%
- JAG Black Unemployment Rate: 11.48%
- National Latinx employment rate: 17.38%
- JAG Latinx employment rate: 11.22%
JAGCA ’23-’24 STUDENT OFFICERS PASS THE BATON
Thank you, Kira Canada, Frida Medrano (moving up to president), Seth Kenner, and Jenna Flores, for your dedication to JAG students across the nation. This is just the beginning of your journey, and we can’t wait to see the fantastic leaders you will become!
PORTRAITS OF IMPACT
JAG was featured in the New York Times
Angelo Cortina, a JAG Arizona alumnus, was recently featured in a New York Times story highlighting high school graduates who have achieved high-paying jobs without a four-year college degree. The article focuses on a new study by the Burning Glass Institute, which reveals that one in five workers with only a high school diploma earns over $70,000 annually by the age of 40, with some even reaching six-figure salaries. Cortina’s journey underscores the growing recognition that hands-on experience and critical workplace skills pave the way to well-paying jobs and economic mobility.
Zariah Farga
“JAG changed the trajectory of my high school career – and my future. I developed communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It gave me the chance to explore career pathways and connect with people in the fields I wanted to pursue. JAG was a wonderful experience and that’s all thanks to my amazing teacher, Elizabeth Mangan ❤️“
– Zariah Farga, Hammond Central High School
New JAG Alaska model could transform youth shelters nationwide.
In partnership with Covenant House Anchorage, JAG Alaska has developed a powerful model to support unhoused youth by combining shelter with trauma-informed care, education, and career development. Recognizing that shelter alone isn’t enough, the program equips unhoused youth with the skills and support needed to break the cycle of homelessness and build stable, successful futures.
This approach—tailored to Alaska’s unique challenges—has already shown impressive results, including a 100% graduation rate in a rural high school where fewer than half typically graduate. With flexibility at its core, the JAG model offers a replicable blueprint that could transform youth shelters nationwide.
AT&T incentive grants expand JAG’s reach, benefiting thousands of youth in need.
Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided over $13 million in funding to JAG and its local affiliates. This funding plays a crucial role in advancing JAG’s mission to grow its reach and support even more students in need. AT&T’s grant also supports local mentoring events through AT&T’s Aspire program. AT&T, the National Retail Federation Foundation, and JAG work together to offer the NRF Foundation’s Retail Industry Fundamentals Credential to more than 100 JAG students in 7 Aspire communities—an industry-recognized certification that prepares students for customer service roles in AT&T stores.
“This funding has fueled so many opportunities and student success stories. I’m extremely grateful to AT&T for their generous grant to help sustain our program.”
Nicole Perry, specialist, Morgan County High School, West Liberty, KY
Zulma Young, specialist, Copper Basin High School
JAG Specialist Zulma Youngs drives a three-hour roundtrip to give her students a future.
When her students ask Zulma Young why she literally goes the distance to support them at Copper Basin High School, she says, “It’s because you deserve a mentor.” Youngs is teaching her students how to ride the waves of adversity and find the motivation to overcome their challenges.
OUR PARTNERS: THE FORCE BEHIND THE FUTURE
At JAG, we know that real impact doesn’t happen alone. It takes a dynamic network of leaders, changemakers, and everyday champions working together to help young people succeed.
From national agencies and corporate giants to school administrators, local businesses, and passionate donors, our partners are at the core of everything we do. These partnerships go far beyond financial support. They open doors to internships, hands-on training, mentorship, and career pathways that empower our students to thrive in the workforce and beyond.
We’re proud to stand alongside more than 19,000 employer partners and countless supporters, each playing a vital role. Whether it’s Microsoft or a hometown hero, every contribution strengthens our mission to equip the next generation with the tools they need to rise.
Together, we’re building futures. Won’t you join us?
Help us amplify the Advantage.™
Visit our Partners page for more information and contact our Vice President of Development to create your sponsored program. michelle.payne@jag.org
Premier Partners
When we say thanks a million to Boeing, we mean it literally! Boeing has invested $1 million to support JAG’s Youth Opportunities and Outcomes 2024 Strategic Goals, which ensures a successful transition for students entering the workforce. During JAG’s 12-month follow-up phase, JAG Specialists support career pathways and opportunities for students transitioning into the workplace, post-secondary, or both, with roadmaps and benchmarks to guide the way.
We are grateful for Boeing’s ongoing partnership and support. Thank you for powering the JAG journey from the classroom to career success!
ADM, a global leader in agricultural origination and nutrition, has partnered with JAG to provide a significant contribution through ADM Cares and a wealth of agribusiness exposure for our students. The funds supported a wide range of key initiatives, including employer engagement with ADM employees across several JAG affiliates.
JAG is extremely grateful for ADM‘s contribution and is thrilled to be working together. Agriculture and its related industries provide 10.4 percent of U.S. employment. A special thank you to ADM board member Jennifer Weber, CHRO for all her support. Our students will be able to learn, grow, and lend their skills to an industry trailblazer!
Synchrony and the Synchrony Foundation have donated more than $1.5 million to JAG and its affiliates since 2015. The company is more than a financial partner. They proudly support JAG and its inspiring mission to equip students with skills to succeed in the workplace.
“JAG’s mission very much aligns with ours, and we’re honored to help grow the next generation of leaders,” says Synchrony Foundation President Denise Yap.
And there’s more! Synchrony’s generosity didn’t stop at financial contributions. In October, they hosted the JAG national staff at their annual retreat in Stamford, Conn., an epicenter of collaboration, innovation and good JAG vibes.
Janelle Duray, JAG national’s CEO, sings Synchrony’s praises, “Top-notch hospitality, staff to supercharge our efforts, and a stunning space at their corporate HQ. What more could we ask for?”
And if that wasn’t enough, DJ Casto, Synchrony’s chief human resources officer, sits on the JAG board and Executive Committee. Talk about a powerhouse partnership.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Synchrony and the Synchrony Foundation. Thanks to you, JAG is very much in synch with the needs of today’s youth!
“JAG can provide new opportunities and relevant industry-recognized certifications for students interested in pursuing in-demand tech careers.” – David Campbell, Director, Microsoft Leap
During the 2018-19 school year, JAG and Microsoft enhanced their partnership in alignment with Microsoft’s Skills and Employability initiative, empowering JAG students to gain expertise with critical platforms and business fundamentals. JAG students in Fresno and San Diego, CA, were offered industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications in Excel, Database concepts, and more.
Microsoft’s partnership continues to support students in preparing for and securing the many certifications needed to be eligible for data analyst positions, which are among the most in-demand positions in tech.
JAG and Microsoft also collaborate on a summer program in partnership with local partners in Phoenix, AZ. In addition, JAG AZ has been working with local dropout prevention programs and Maricopa Community College to make online micro-credentialing courses available to all JAG students.
Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided over $13 million in funding to JAG and its local affiliates. New JAG programs funded by AT&T incentive grants benefit thousands of youth and allow JAG to expand and serve more young people in need.
AT&T’s grant also supports local mentoring events between JAG students and AT&T employees through AT&T’s Aspire program. AT&T, the National Retail Federation Foundation, and JAG teamed up to offer the NRF Foundation’s Retail Industry Fundamentals Credential to over 100 JAG students in 7 Aspire communities. The industry-recognized credential prepares students for customer service roles in AT&T retail stores.
Nicole Perry, Specialist, Morgan County High School, West Liberty, KY, expresses our appreciation for AT&T’s valued partnership: “My students have had so many positive experiences with employers, the community, and within the classroom, and I’m incredibly proud of their successes. I’m also extremely grateful to AT&T for their generous grant to help sustain our local program.”
Partners
WE DREAM BIGGER SO THEY CAN, TOO.
At JAG, we see the potential in every young person.
We believe in the spark within them—even when it’s buried under hardships beyond their control. Far too often, that potential is weighed down by challenges no one should have to face alone.
JAG creates the path forward—and walks it with every student we serve.
We equip students with real-life capabilities before graduation—from internships and interview prep to communication skills and leadership development. We help them grow into who they are and who they’re meant to become. It’s not just about school—it’s about preparing for everything life offers.
Join us.
Whether you’re a supporter, corporate partner, educator, or advocate, you have a role in this mission. Together, we can fuel potential, expand opportunity, and shape a future where every young person has the chance to shine.
“We imagine a future where every young person has the chance to thrive—and we’re taking bold steps to make that vision real. By expanding our reach and strengthening our foundation, we’re creating lasting pathways to success for thousands more youth each year. Our commitment is to dream bigger, do better, and never stop believing in what’s possible.”
— Janelle Duray, President & CEO
Together, JAG National and its affiliates deployed more than $100 million across youth programs nationwide.
%
Program Services
%
Management & General
%
Fundraising
Financials
Assets:
Receivables: 1,115,808
Other Current Assets: 250,643
Investments: 3,129,5436
Total Assets: 4,557,282
Liabilities:
Pass-Thru Funding: 55,000
Accrued Expenses: 64,609
Deferred Revenue: 869,962
Total Liabilities: 1,468,674
Net Assets:
With Donor Restrictions: 113,635
Total Net Assets: 3,088,608