Our mission: empower our nation’s young people
with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life.
The Problem
Across the nation, thousands of young people face tremendous barriers to thriving in school and in life. On average, JAG students face 11 obstacles ranging from poverty to past trauma.
The Solution
JAG is the national program that’s solving these challenges – and the only all-inclusive program of its kind. Our Specialists teach elective classes for credit in high schools, middle schools and out-of-school school programs. We provide vital job skills, hands-on experience, and a year of follow-up to support the transition from graduation to employment, military service, and/or post-secondary education.
More than 40 years of data proves JAG works. Today, we’re achieving the best students outcomes in our history
JAG is proven. Our learners overcome and outperform.
Graduation Rate
Post Graduation
%
Positive Outcomes
(employed, enrolled in post-secondary or combination)
%
Full-Time Placement
%
Further Education Rate
How JAG works
Learning, Student Leadership, National Events
National partnerships lead state affiliates who deliver JAG programs through education Specialists.
Our student-led JAG Career Association (JAGCA) and annual conferences amplify the youth voice while promoting growth, advocacy, and a sense of belonging.
Our pinnacle events attract more than 1000 students each year!
With your support, we can serve tens of thousands more!
There’s nothing like
The JAG Advantage™
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
JAG helps learners overcome stress, trauma, and the “barriers that often prevent equitable opportunities that can lead to success. Students create healthy emotional skills and build supportive networks, becoming resilient, confident individuals with the essential skills skills they need to embrace the future.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
PBL boosts communication, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills through hands-on, long-term projects that solve real-world problems or answer complex questions. By providing authentic challenges and scenarios, JAG students become adept critical thinkers ready to take on the challenges of the workforce and their lives.
Employer Engagement
JAG partners with more than 19,000 JAG employers and industry experts. Our learners explore career paths, are exposed to opportunities in their communities, and have hands-on experiences with employers. Each JAG student creates their own Individual Development Plan (IDP) through employment, certification, or their avenue of choice.
The JAG Journey:
From Adversity to Advantage
UPLIFT
JAG Trauma-Informed Care addresses students’ stress and trauma, helping them leap the barriers of life’s most challenging circumstances.
EDUCATE
From in-school classes to flex programs, JAG Specialists provide for-credit instruction to help students develop confidence and thrive in school.
EMPOWER
JAG equips students with important competencies that boost employability and ensure success in their careers.
ENGAGE
Students interact with employers, solving real-world challenges with Project-Based Learning in the classroom and on the job.
PROPEL
Specialists help graduates explore career pathways, identify job opportunities, and navigate postsecondary education and financial aid.
PREVAIL!
JAG provides 12 months of post-grad follow-up and support services to ensure success on the job and/or enrollment in a postsecondary institution.
“JAG filled my world with hope. It gave me a chance to reach my potential.”
For young people like Aneissa Olsen, JAG is more than a program. Aneissa is now a CNA with plans to become a nurse and business owner.