March 14, 2018
Today, at a Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) board meeting, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an agreement recognizing a new partnership between Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) and LCTCS. The new partnership establishes a $500 one-time scholarship for every student who earns a high school diploma and completes the JAG Louisiana program.
“Results driven programs like JAG are exactly the type of programs we should be continue to invest in,” said Gov. Edwards. “Even more importantly, we should invest in students who are gaining the education and training that will make them competitive for opportunities right here in our community and technical colleges.”
In the agreement the three groups express their commitment to ensuring that at-risk youth have the support they need to overcome personal, academic, economic and social barriers that could prevent them from earning secondary and post-secondary credentials. This agreement formally recognizes that through a strong partnership JAG Louisiana, LDE and the LCTCS can mutually achieve their missions.
“We are honored to provide JAG graduates with an opportunity to attend our colleges,” said Dr. Monty Sullivan, LCTCS system president. “These students have demonstrated a considerable amount of resolve and shown the ability to achieve in school while blocking out distractions. They are the future leaders of our great state, and we want to do everything we can to support them as they transition into college.”
“Louisiana strives to ensure all students are on track to attain a college degree or succeed in a professional career,"said State Superintendent of Education John White. "JAG supports this mission by offering a unique set of services and opportunities to help struggling students reach their potential. We’re proud to partner with JAG-Louisiana and LCTCS to further invest in the students who need it most.”