McCracken County High School announces acceptance into Jobs for American Graduates program

PADUCAH — On July 11, McCracken County High School announced that it was accepted into the Jobs for America’s Graduates Kentucky program, which aims to help students overcome barriers to graduation and transition into postsecondary education, the workforce, or the military after graduation.

JAG is a nonprofit that was was established in 1980 by Pete DuPont, the governor of Delaware at the time, and Kenneth M. Smith. According to the organization, JAG provides elective classes for credit taught by specialists in high schools, middle schools, and after-school programs, where students acquire job skills, get hands-on experience, and receive a year of post-graduate support.

JAG states that their “competency-based curriculum educates students in areas of career development, job attainment and retention, leadership, financial literacy and numerous other life skills, all of which enhance a student’s employability and likelihood of success upon graduation.”

“The graduation rate for JAG seniors is 96%, with some states reaching 100%,” JAG states. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average is 87%.

According to JAG KY, “JAG Kentucky actively engages with local employers, professionals, and service providers to expose students to the numerous opportunities for career options after graduation.”