The overarching purpose of the JAG-Missouri program is to provide participants with classroom and work-based learning experiences that result in a quality job, leading to a fulfilling career after graduation.
JAG-Missouri provides an effective “Future Ready” strategy to strengthen education systems by serving youth needing additional assistance in completing a secondary education, pursuing post-secondary education or training, and/or entering the workforce in a quality job leading to a career.
JAG-Missouri has proven to be a cost-effective and successful program by increasing:
The JAG Advantage
This national three-pillar strategy is recognized as a model program by the National Dropout Prevention Center.
The primary mission of the Middle School Program is to help 6th through 8th graders to transition more successfully from middle to high school. Specialists will provide an array of counseling, skills development, career association, and experiential learning experiences that will improve their academic performance, school behavior, attendance, confidence, participation and self-esteem. Middle School participants will improve their skills in leading and being an effective member of a team.
A JAG Multi-Year Program, helping them overcome barriers like poverty and trauma to graduate and transition into college, careers, or the military. Specialists teach elective courses focused on employability and life skills, providing hands-on experience, job training, and a full year of follow-up support to ensure long-term success.
The Alternative Education Programs operate similarly to the High School Program, except the students served are less likely to succeed in a traditional high school program. Usually, a Specialist will work with 25-35 students due to the individual counseling and support services required by an alternative education participant.
Testimonials
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
