Jobs for America’s Graduates and AT&T Team Up to Provide Academic and Career Training in 32 States
Support will help JAG reach more youth at risk of dropping out
Washington, D.C., December 3, 2015 – Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and AT&T are working together to help raise the high school graduation rate by expanding academic support and providing mentoring opportunities for underserved students. JAG has received a $2.55 million contribution from AT&T to allow the national non-profit to add new schools and/or expand existing programs through their 32 JAG State Affiliates with proven records of success of keeping kids in school.
JAG programs help underserved students overcome barriers to graduation through mentoring, tutoring, academic support and links to social services, among other interventions. With a high school diploma or General Educational Diploma, students are guided into post-secondary education, entry-level careers or the military.
In addition to the expansion of JAG programs, the $2.55 million contribution that spans over 2015 and 2016 will support local mentoring events between JAG students and AT&T employees through the Aspire Mentoring Academy. JAG students will have the opportunity to learn about career pathways and employment skills while visiting AT&T facilities and/or through JAG classroom visits by AT&T employees.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, and JAG is helping students graduate and foster the critical skills they need to succeed in 21st century jobs,” said Nicole Anderson, Executive Director of Philanthropy at AT&T. “This contribution will allow JAG to reach even more students in states across the country and help them reach their full potential.”
In 2014, JAG’s network of affiliates reported a 93 percent high school graduation rate, compared to the national graduation rate of 81 percent. Currently, the JAG model is offered in nearly 1,000 public high schools, community colleges, and alternative learning centers in 32 states.
“Jobs for America’s Graduates is impacting the lives of thousands of students across the nation currently,” Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and JAG Chairman said. “This huge contribution from AT&T will allow us to expand our reach even more and mentor students that are at-risk of dropping out of school. AT&T is dedicated to influencing young lives for the better and with this gift they have undoubtedly accomplished that goal. I thank AT&T and look forward to seeing the positive results from adding new schools and students to the program because of this contribution.”
In more than three decades of operation, JAG has helped over one million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities. The JAG Graduating Class of 2014 achieved a 93% graduation rate and 80% successful outcomes, meaning students were enrolled in post-secondary education, were employed, or some combination of the two a full 12 months after they graduated from high school.
Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided over $7.5 million in funding to JAG and its local affiliates. This support is part of AT&T Aspire, AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education – through technology, social innovation and relationships – to ensure all students have the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
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About Jobs for America’s Graduates
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), is a non-profit youth development program committed to helping America’s most at-risk kids excel in high schools, prepare for success in college, and embark on a rewarding career. Since its inception in 1980, JAG has served over 1 million at-risk kids, and is currently serving over 48,000 students in 32 states. JAG students have a graduation rate of over 90 percent, and approximately 80 percent of those graduates go on to postsecondary education, military service and/or full-time employment.
About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring. Through Aspire, we’ve passed the $250 million mark on our plan to invest $350 million in education from 2008-2017.