USA Funds Supports Jobs for Arizona's Graduates

For the fourth consecutive year, USA Funds^® has provided a $50,000 grant to the Jobs for Arizona's Graduates program. JAG helps at-risk young people to stay in school and graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. Portions of the grants support scholarships for deserving students. So far 32 youths have received financial support from USA Funds through JAG.

JAG offers its services to nearly 1,000 students in grades nine through 12,
70 percent of whom are seniors, at 10 high schools in Maricopa and Pima counties. Program coordinators assist students in eliminating barriers to completing their education. Coordinators also help students gain the skills needed to complete school and secure a quality job, enlist in the military, or enroll and be successful in postsecondary education or training.

Coordinators work with 35-45 students each school year. Program coordinators provide nine months of in-school services to each student participant, in addition to 12 months of follow-up assistance after graduation. Services offered include:

• JAG classes.
• One-on-one and group counseling, tutoring and remediation that focus on students' academic, personal and vocational goals.
• College- and job-placement assistance.

One of the highlights each year for students and program coordinators is a career-development conference. At the conference, students participate in competitive events and workshops, attend a professional "sit-down" lunch, and are recognized for mastering JAG core competencies.

Jobs for Arizona's Graduates is an affiliate of the Jobs for America's Graduates program. Jobs for America's Graduates is a school-to-career program implemented in 1,000 high schools, alternative schools, community colleges and middle schools across the United States and in the United Kingdom.

JAG-model programs regularly exceed a 90-percent graduation rate, with at least 80 percent of graduates finding employment, joining the military or pursuing postsecondary educations during their 12-month post-graduation follow-up periods. In each of the past six years, the Arizona JAG affiliate has exceeded the national organization’s standards, with 40 percent of seniors pursuing postsecondary education.

“With USA Funds’ support, we will be able to continue our record of success in preparing and transitioning young people from high school into their chosen career paths,” says Graciela Garcia Candia, president of Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates Inc.

USA Funds’ support for JAG is part of its commitment to enhance postsecondary-education preparedness, access and success in Arizona. Arizona is one of the eight states in which USA Funds is designated by the U.S. Secretary of Education as the guarantor of federal education loans. USA Funds also serves as the designated guarantor for Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and Wyoming.