JAG Indiana students earn more than $23 million in scholarships (photo available)

JAG Indiana students earn more
than $23 million in scholarships

JAG program continues to excel by again winning top honor

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 22, 2023) - The Indiana chapter of Jobs for America’s Graduates announced today that this year's graduating class earned more than $23,200,000 in scholarship money. Recipients included students from 52 Indiana counties.

JAG Indiana, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, is 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. 

"This year's graduating class is the latest example of young Hoosiers overcoming challenges to succeed in school, and begin their journey to a productive and rewarding career," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "JAG starts with jobs, and local businesses continue to pour in advice and support to students to not only expose them to job opportunities, but also the career pathways available in their hometowns."

The scholarship money includes millions of dollars for JAG graduates who are receiving funds from the 21st Century Scholarship and Frank O'Bannon Grant.

"With many graduates receiving the 21st Century Scholars and the Frank O'Bannon Grant, JAG Indiana continues to be a leader in increasing access to education beyond high school for all Hoosier students," said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. "I applaud and recognize JAG Indiana in its efforts to empower and prepare young people for success after high school."

A list of scholarship amount by county be found here.

Recently, JAG Indiana received the “6 of 6” Award at the 40th Annual National Training Seminar held in Louisville, Ky. The award recognized the Indiana program for exceeding six goals set at the national level relating to graduation rates, post-secondary education, job placement and other significant milestones.

JAG Indiana’s achievements for the 2022-2023 school year include:

• 95% graduation rate (national goal is 90%);
  
• 83% full-time employment rate (national goal is 80%);
• 82% positive outcome rate (national goal is 80%);
• 96% maintain contact with student through their first year after high school (national goal is 91.5%);
• 72% job placement rate, including military (national goal is 60%); and
• 39% further education rate (national goal is 35%).

“JAG Indiana students continue to achieve amazing results that will set them up for success now and later in life,” said DWD Director of Youth Initiatives Brianna Morse. “We're so proud of our statewide team and classroom Specialists for all they've accomplished this year to benefit Hoosier students."

Since 2006, more than 40,000 students have participated in JAG Indiana with 95% graduating from high school.

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Photo Caption: Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb answers questions during a fireside chat with Pendleton Heights senior and 2023 JAG graduate Manna Standish on March 17, 2023, at Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center in Indianapolis. The discussion between the governor and the JAG student took place during the 2023 JAG Career Development Conference where students participate in competitive events highlighting the employability skills they learned during the program.