Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Pathways for Youth program. This funding will enable JAG to expand its workforce development programs for young people ages 14 to 21, with a particular focus on underserved and marginalized communities.
The grant will allow JAG to partner with local and state organizations to offer a comprehensive suite of programs, including job training, career exploration, soft skills development, and work-based learning. These programs will be offered outside of school hours and over the summer, providing youth with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce.
JAG has a proven track record of helping young people succeed in school and their careers for nearly 45 years. In 2023 alone, JAG served 79,228 students in 1,528 programs across 36 states. Despite facing significant challenges such as economic hardship, family responsibilities, and other barriers, JAG students consistently achieve a remarkable 97% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 86%. In some states, this graduation rate reaches an impressive 100%.
Beyond graduation, JAG prepares students for success in the workforce. After high school, 84% of JAG students who enter the workforce secure full-time employment, and many also choose to continue their education or pursue additional training.
This new funding is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor to expand workforce readiness programs and improve job quality across critical sectors. As part of this effort, nearly $20 million in Workforce Pathways for Youth grants were awarded to six national organizations, including JAG, to help prepare young people for the well-paying jobs of the future.
At JAG, we are committed to helping our students build pathways to success. With this grant, we will be able to deepen our impact by creating more opportunities for students to explore career paths, build essential job skills, and gain real-world work experience. Whether it’s through internships, workshops, or work-based learning, JAG students will be better equipped to pursue meaningful, well-paying careers.
Ready to make a difference in the lives of young people? Partner with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and help provide them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in school, work, and life. Explore how you can partner with us by visiting our Partners page and join us in building brighter futures for youth across the nation!
*The total cost of the Workforce Pathways for Youth Grant is $4,261,777. $3,300,000 (77%) is funded through US Department of Labor via Workforce Pathways for Youth Grant Program. The other 23% is funded through leveraged resources.