JAG Indy Programming Expands to Franklin Central High School

Posted on October 21st, 2022 in Local News, Press Releases

INDIANAPOLIS – On August 1, 2022, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Indianapolis launched a new program location at Franklin Central High School, bringing its reach to a total of 19 programs in 16 Marion County high schools. JAG Indy is a state-affiliated program, based on a national model, that aims to keep young people in school through graduation and provide work-based learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities, or enrollment in a postsecondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. JAG Indy’s program expansion into the Franklin Township Community School Corporation was made possible by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), which recently awarded 97 schools and community partners with more than $57 million in Explore, Engage and Experience (3E) grant funding. With the purpose of this grant funding focused on strengthening, expanding and creating effective career pathways throughout students’ K-12 learning, JAG Indy will utilize this funding to bring its resources to juniors and seniors at Franklin Central High School where they will have the opportunity to learn resume building, career exploration, utilize tools to explore different curricula, and more.“An increasing number of state, regional, and local partnerships, such as JAG Indy and Franklin Central High School, are being developed to blur the lines between PK-12, higher education, and the workforce,” said Ms. Flora Jones, Director of Student Pathways & Opportunities for the Indiana Department of Education. “Supported by the 3E Grant, more students will have access to resources, mentoring, and follow-up counseling through JAG Indy, ultimately leading them to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities after high school graduation.”Housed at EmployIndy since 2006, JAG Indy has served over 7,090 students, earned a 5/5 status the past seven years, and is recognized as a Gold Standard program nationally. On average, JAG participants maintain better than a 95% graduation rate and over 75% positive outcomes, or full-time hours pursuing a postsecondary education or retaining employment. “We’re excited to expand into Franklin Central High School and bring great career development experiences and resources to their students,” said Beth Bowling, Director, K-12 at EmployIndy. “As a result of our partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, we’re confident that we’ll see even more Marion County students excel in their pursuit of a rewarding career.”As students enroll in JAG and have the opportunity to participate in unique career development activities, such as the annual Regional JAG Career Development Conference, schools and the surrounding community also experience the benefit. “Though not even two months into the school year, JAG Indy is increasing student engagement in school and creating new ways for students to connect with each other and the community,” said Amy McCabe, Assistant Principal at Franklin Central High School. “I’m excited to see how it continues to impact student attendance, grades, and ultimately, their success once they graduate.”JAG Indy currently operates programs within the following Marion County schools: