INDIANA—Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Indiana, administered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, reached a 97% graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year, higher than the state average. In pursuit of doubling its program count by 2025, JAG Indiana also received national recognition as a JAG “6 of 6” award recipient at the Annual JAG National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada.
JAG Indiana students continue to outperform their counterparts across the nation. JAG National set a graduation rate goal of 90% for the 2023-24 program cycle. JAG Indiana saw a 97% graduation rate from 95% the previous year. Graduating seniors accumulated over 20 million dollars in scholarship funding.
JAG National bestows the 6-of-6 Award to state programs for exceeding six national goals related to graduation rates, post-secondary education, job placement, and other significant milestones. This is the third program cycle JAG Indiana has received this notoriety.
Commissioner Richard Paulk is vested in keeping JAG at the forefront of the Hoosier Heartland’s youth initiatives.
“JAG works,” Paulk said. “It’s as simple as that: JAG Indiana makes a difference in students’ lives. JAG Indiana provides support in scholastic, career, and personal development matters. The results are more productive, and I truly believe, happier students who then join the workforce or move on to post-secondary education.”
Since its inception in 2006, JAG Indiana has served over 45,000 students. The youth enrolled in JAG are promising students who have experienced life challenges and traumas and need support to achieve success through graduation. JAG offers education surrounding in-demand employability skills and provides career exploration and coaching experiences. This programming provides a structured bridge to successful post-secondary education and workforce opportunities, changing the students’ lives.
“The strong performance of JAG students is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and resilience,” said Director of Youth Initiatives and Field Support Brianna Morse. “Every diploma represents a journey of growth, learning, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. The inspiration from our student’s success has fueled our continued success and growth as a program.”
Currently, JAG Indiana, with the support of Governor Eric J Holcomb, is undergoing an expansion effort that will double the number of programs operating within the state from 125 to 250. Once fully implemented, JAG Indiana’s footprint will impact an estimated 10,000 Hoosier high school students annually.
Hoosiers are encouraged to support the expansion by talking with their school superintendent or principals. For more information, email jagindiana@dwd.in.gov.
About JAG Indiana: A state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenges achieve success through graduation. JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation.
