INDIANAPOLIS (September 24, 2008) -- Governor Mitch Daniels today received the Founder's Award from the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program for his leadership and sustained commitment in bringing this national initiative to Indiana.  JAG is a multi-year program designed to assist at-risk high school juniors and seniors in earning their high school diploma and achieving the skills necessary for post-secondary education or entering the job market.

"In 18 short months, Indiana has achieved the highest national performance for JAG participants," said Ken Smith, JAG president.  "Governor Daniels' support of JAG is making a decisive difference in the lives of thousands of young people." 

Daniels announced Indiana's commitment to expand JAG into 30 additional schools, including seven in January 2009.  Currently, more than 500 students, in 25 Indiana high schools, take part in the program.  Students are taught up to 88 core competencies, such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills that will increase their marketability to employers.  Several companies offer unique internships and job shadowing opportunities for the students.  An advisory group at each school selects the 35 to 45 individuals that participate. 

Students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation.  Indiana's program has a 90 percent graduation rate and many students choose to continue their education after high school.  The JAG program is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.  The non-profit Indiana Youth Institute provides technical assistance and coordinates the program.

"We are delighted to recognize the outstanding leadership Governor Daniels in bringing JAG to Indiana," said Maine Governor John Baldacci, JAG board chairman.  "As a governor, I fully realize the many competing options for education and job training.  Mitch selected one of the very best when he brought this program to Indiana."

In Fort Wayne, eight recent JAG graduates at Elmhurst High School earned more than $300,000 in college scholarships for the 2009 school year.  Nationally, 98 percent of employers involved with the JAG program hire JAG graduates and 86 percent of those new hires exceeded or greatly exceeded their expectations.

 

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