On April 16th, the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board (WIWDB) hosted a recognition breakfast for the 9 JAG programs in our Region. In addition to celebrating the great work of our JAG instructors, the program also honored local employers who have supported the JAG program over the years. Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett read a proclamation declaring April 16th, JAG Day in Terre Haute. Former JAG Student and Sullivan High School graduate, Braelyn Wence spoke to the attendees about the impact JAG has had on her life and what she has accomplished since graduation. The event closed with Doug Dillion of the Vigo County School Corporation being honored the Outstanding Leadership Award for his continued championing of the JAG program.
The JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) model is a comprehensive competency based program focused on the academic attainment and development of essential skills needed to attach successfully to post-secondary education, advanced training and/or the labor market. The Western Indiana Workforce Development Board was one of the first boards in Indiana to bring JAG to area high schools when the program began in Indiana. Sullivan High School and Terre Haute North High School partnered with the Board in 2008-2009 to launch the program.
Since that beginning, the local program has grown from two to nine area high schools. These schools include: Northview High School, Riverton Parke Junior/Senior High School, Sullivan High School, Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Terre Haute South Vigo High School, West Vigo High School, Cloverdale High School, Parke Heritage High School, and North Putnam High School.
Our local JAG network now serves more than three hundred students annually. Through the hard work of our JAG Specialists, school administrators, local employers, labor, government and community based organizations these area programs continually exceed national “5 of 5” JAG program performance measures. For example, the graduation rate for the regional JAG program last year was 97%.
Over the past eleven years JAG of Western Indiana has positively impacted the lives of approximately two thousand high school students throughout our region. The achievement of such success requires the support and dedication of numerous people and organizations.
