For Over 40 Years, JAG Has Helped Vulnerable Youth Achieve Positive Outcomes, Overcome Academic, Economic, & Emotional Challenges
Washington, DC – May 19, 2021 – SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a company on a mission to create better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together, has announced that it will support Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)’s Affiliate Assistance Program (AAP).
In the last four decades, JAG Affiliates, staff, and Specialists have helped over 1.5M of our nation’s most underserved youth overcome significant economic, emotional, and academic challenges. The donation from SHRM will help cover the cost of the Affiliate Assistance Program (AAP), a 24/7 online service that will support JAG affiliate staff, Specialists and household members.
Services provided through the Affiliates Assistance Program include:
- Master’s level clinician for in-the-moment support and guidance when you need someone to talk to
- Behavioral health resource navigation including short-term counseling support
- Consult with a legal or financial expert
- Request childcare or eldercare referrals
- Browse lifestyle management resources
- Participate in a training or the monthly webinar series on the BHS Portal
“The 76,000 students that JAG serves across 40 states have been hit the hardest – and likely will be impacted for the longest – by this COVID pandemic. Many were experiencing significant barriers before the crisis hit, including poverty, homelessness, trauma, food-insecurity, and more, and now those scenarios are even more acute, given the loss of jobs and income many are facing,” said Ken Smith, President of Jobs for America’s Graduates. “The JAG National Network of quickly transitioned to virtual services, offering remote learning and support when schools closed. JAG Specialists (teachers) are engaging regularly with students across the country, ensuring that their basic needs are met and that they’re continuing to pursue positive career pathways.”
“SHRM and JAG share a common goal: Breaking down barriers to employment and creating brighter futures for all,” said Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary. “As we strive to create better workplaces for a better world, SHRM is thrilled to partner with JAG as they help the next generation overcome academic, economic, and emotional hurdles.”
“Ensuring that employees have access to timely and high-quality resources during a period of challenge and change is absolutely critical,” said Sean Sullivan, SHRM Chief Human Resources Officer. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a major psychological and economic toll on Americans, HR professionals serve as the backbone of our country’s workplaces—working around the clock to provide support to employees and their families.”
As businesses and schools continue to adapt in response to COVID-19, JAG, their state-based Affiliates, and dedicated JAG Specialists continue to provide ongoing services to 76,000 youth across the country so they are prepared for the competitive job market following graduation. Ensuring that JAG Affiliates, staff and Specialist have access to timely and high-quality resources during such a difficult time is a top priority.
About Jobs for America’s Graduates
The JAG National Network has a footprint across 1,500 communities in 40 states and impacts more than 76,000 youth annually. JAG graduates consistently achieve outstanding results, including a 95.7% graduation rate. JAG graduates are 230% more likely to be employed full-time compared to their peers, and twice as likely to go to college. For more information, visit http://jagprd.wpenginepowered.com.
About SHRM
SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.