Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association, was unanimously elected to the Jobs for America’s Graduates board of directors in late August. The JAG board is composed of 11 state governors (the largest number to serve on any board in the U.S.), national and state government leaders, national community leaders, educators, and business leaders, and is currently chaired by Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi.
“I am honored to be named to the JAG board, and serve among such an esteemed group of individuals who work together to support an organization that so profoundly changes the lives of so many underserved youth, all of whom can help to enhance the fabric, fiber, and future of America,” Wahlquist said. “This is a testament to the strong relationship between JAG, ASA, and ASA member companies, which was confirmed earlier this year by the formalization of a strategic educational and hiring partnership to help prepare JAG’s youth of great promise for their future roles in the workforce.”
JAG is a state-based, national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. The results of the graduating class of 2015 include:
* Graduation rate: 94%
* Positive outcomes rate: 82% (work, college, or a combination)
* Full-time placement rate: 89% (combination of work or college alone or together equal to a 40-hour weekly commitment of time)
* Further education rate: 43%
“The members of the JAG board are especially pleased to have Richard Wahlquist join us,” said Ken Smith, JAG president. “Richard possesses longstanding leadership in understanding labor market issues and trends and the current and future needs of employers. We commend Richard and ASA member companies for their commitment and support of JAG and its mission of helping young people to overcome barriers to graduation from high school and become college and career ready.”
The ASA–JAG partnership is celebrated during ASA Cares Month in February. During this special month dedicated to corporate social responsibility, staffing professionals with ASA member firms are encouraged to volunteer with JAG in their local areas.
To learn more about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net. To learn more about JAG, visit jag.org.
# # #
About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its affiliated chapters advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
About Jobs for America’s Graduates Jobs for America’s Graduates now operates in 1,000 classroom sites in 31 states. It provides intensive employability skills training, motivational student organization activities, remediation, academic support, and problem-solving for external issues that affect young men and women. JAG students receive a full 12 months of follow-up after graduation to ensure their successful transition into work, higher education, or both. For more information visit jag.org.
Contact Michelle R. Snyder
Director, Public Relations
703-253-1151
msnyder@americanstaffing.net
Janelle Duray
Senior Vice President
Jobs for America’s Graduates
703-706-9645
janelle.duray@jag.org