FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tyler Habiger-573.751.4727
(JEFFERSON CITY)– Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson and wife Teresa will co-chair the new Board of Directors for Jobs for America’s Graduates in Missouri (JAG-Missouri). The organization will become a separate nonprofit organization on July 1.
“Teresa and I believe in the young people of Missouri,” said Lieutenant Governor Parson. “We have looked closely at Jobs for America’s Graduates and we are impressed with the results the program has achieved nationally and in Missouri for more than three decades. JAG positively affects Missouri students, both rural and urban, and we want more students to have this opportunity. We are excited to lead the JAG-Missouri Board of Directors,” Parson said.
Paul Kincaid is the Executive Director of JAG-Missouri, which includes these high schools: Roosevelt, Sumner and Vashon in St. Louis; Normandy; Jennings and Jennings Educational Training School (JETS); Riverview Gardens; Hillsboro (and Middle School); Farmington; Central (Park Hills); Bismarck; West County (Leadwood); Hayti; Caruthersville; South Pemiscot; Kennett; West Plains; Study Alternative School (Springfield); and Central Academy of Excellence (Kansas City).
JAG is a state-based national organization currently offered in 32 states and the Virgin Islands, serving about 57,000 students in 1,200 communities. JAG is dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who have potential, but who are, for a variety of reasons, at-risk for not graduating from high school. Over one million students have participated since 1981. There are currently 19 JAG schools in Missouri, serving 1,050 students. Approximately 30 schools are anticipated to be in JAG for 2017-18. The graduation rate for JAG-Missouri students in recent years has been 95% or above.
"I commend Lieutenant Governor Parson for his continued commitment to the Jobs for America's Graduates program and to the Missouri students who benefit from the program,” said JAG board member and AT&T Missouri President John Sondag. “His leadership will move education forward throughout the state."