Among the many opportunities offered at Kennett High School there is one that the community may not be as aware of.
That program is JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates), and it’s got JAG Specialist Andrew Webster fired up.
Webster, assistant football coach and head track coach at KHS recently gathered with JAG members to discuss the program and its benefits.
“Overall the program is twofold,” informed Webster. “First thing is we help ensure these kids graduate. After they graduate we meet with them once a month for a year to help ensure that they’re doing one of three things. They’re working full-time, involved in secondary education or involved in the military.”
JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to assisting young people with barriers to graduation and/or employment.
“You have to have some barriers to be in the JAG program,” explained Webster. “Usually around five barriers.”
These barriers range from at risk behaviors, poverty, or situations such as a parent being in jail.
Webster is to quick to praise the students in overcoming these barriers.
“These kids are great,” said Webster.
In more than three decades of operation, JAG has helped over one million young people stay in school through graduation, pursuing secondary education and securing quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.
Zoe Christopher, a senior at KHS and JAG Vice-President stated, “It helps us get skills for jobs we’ll have in the future and for choosing careers, so we can get ahead of the competition for jobs.”
Christopher continued, “They help us with resumes and help us find our goals. I didn’t have any job skills before JAG. I never had a job before.”
Senior Jose Perez and JAG member stated, “All the skills I’ve learned so far helped me get a job. Also I’ve got a good relationship with a lot of other places around here so if something happens I’ll be able to get a new job fairly easy.”
Perez is currently employed at Las Margaritas in Kennett.
Rebecca O’Connor, KHS senior and JAG secretary said she didn’t know what to expect from the JAG program.
“The program is different than what most people think,” said O’Connor. “I thought it was for bad kids, but it’s not.”
KHS senior and JAG Vice-President of Career Development, David Hill shared on his experience in the program.
“It’s helped me a lot in meeting new people,” said Hill. “It’s helped me in the real world because I didn’t know anything like this at all.”
Webster commented on the progress and accomplishment of the JAG students.
“Before JAG, Zoe was real quiet and didn’t talk to anybody hardly,” he shared. “Now she’s shaking hands with millionaires who have donated to the program.”
Webster continued, “Rebecca has a great job at McDonalds and has been promoted to crew trainer, and since she’s done such a good job, now McDonalds wants other JAG workers to come in.”
“Jose is a great kid,” said Webster. “He helps the other kids at school with learning English twice a week. He’s just a great kid.”
“David didn’t even hardly come to school last year,” said Webster. This year he’s here almost all the time. He went out for wrestling and the Army would like him to sign up. If we had more kids like David who knows what we’d be accomplishing.”
The JAG students all have plans for their future with O’Connor planning on a nursing career, Perez going into construction after graduation, Christopher pursuing a degree in Mass Communications and Hill may be embarking into the military.
“I got placed in here,” shared Hill. “This was not on my schedule and I got put in here and it’s really changed my life.”
Christopher praised the program as well.
“I believe they’re teaching us skills that we’re going to remember beyond high school, “ she said. “It helps a lot.”
“I’m just thankful that we offer this program,” said JAG Specialist Webster. “Our administration has really helped out a lot and they’re very supportive. Also the community really cares and has been so helpful. “
Hill summed it up.
“JAG is a fun program,” he said.