Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) held its one-week National Training Seminar during the month of July in Orlando, Florida. The National Training Seminar (NTS) is an annual event for local and state affiliates of the JAG National Network. This seminar allows participants to use technology solutions to manage and capture data, allow for the sharing of best practices that will improve the JAG methodology, processes and results and to recognize outstanding performance among the JAG National Network.
Leaders at the seminar presented the Virgin Islands with a plaque and said JAG-VI was recognized as a high performing state organization for delivering world-class services to the Class of 2009 and achieving extraordinary outcomes based on complete and accurate documentation in the JAG database using the Electronic National Data Management System. Recognition is also awarded for selecting youth who need, want and can profit from a fully implemented JAG Model program led by well-trained and motivated specialists.
In February 2010, JAG-VI was initiated at three public high schools — Charlotte Amalie High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas and Central High on St. Croix. There are 64 students enrolled in the program. In 2010-2011, a fourth program will be added and each of the four programs will serve 50 students (25 freshman and 25 sophomores). The goal is that by 2011-2012, the four new JAG-VI programs will be implemented across the territory, extending the program to the 9th -12th grades, and providing 12 months of follow-up.
JAG-VI is an initiative of the deJongh/Francis administration and is a joint collaborative effort of the V.I. Departments of Labor and Education. The program benefits the territory by: increasing high school graduation rates, preparing high school students to enter the workforce, preparing youth to become productive members of our community, decreasing juvenile crime and delinquency, and by increasing the number of people working and contributing to society. JAG students develop character and improve performance needed to realize one’s potential for excellence in school and the workplace, as well as continuous self-development. Each JAG-VI student across the territory will annually contribute more than five hours to community service.
For more information about JAG-VI, contact Michelle Joseph at 773-1994.
