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Division of Workforce Development
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Model Components:

The JAG Model The JAG Model provides performance standards and best practices for serving young people (ages 15-21). The Program Applications include:
  • School-to-Career Program (Seniors Only)
  • Multi-Year Program (Grades 9-12)
  • Out-of-School Program (Out-of-School Students Only)
Jobs for America's Graduates, or JAG, is a school-to-career program implemented in 700 high-schools, alternative schools, community colleges, and middle schools across the country and United Kingdom. JAG's mission is to keep young people in school through graduation and provide work-based learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities or to enroll in a postsecondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. The highlights of the Multi-Year Program include:
  • Primary objectives - stay in school through graduation and be placed in an entry-level job leading to a career and/or pursuing a postsecondary education.
  • A 30 to 48-month intervention beginning as early as the 9th grade year and concluding after 12 months of follow-up services after graduation. The Multi-Year Program is the 12th grade plus the 9th, 10th and/or 11th grade.
  • Specialists are employed on an 11-month or 12-month basis due to the year-round services.
  • The JAG Specialist interviews all students that express interest in the program.
  • Students are targeted for services based upon the number of barriers to staying in school through graduation and/or transitioning from school to a career.
  • The Program Roster is formed and approved by an in-school Advisory Committee.
  • Participants receive credit toward graduation by enrolling in an accredited course.
  • Classes are normally offered for one hour per day, five days per week, for 36 weeks.
  • A student-led Career Association Chapter is organized.
  • Participants complete as many as 85 employability competencies using JAG's National In-School Curriculum Modules.
  • Non-graduates receive assistance in graduating from high school or completing requirements for a GED certificate before the close of the follow-up period.
  • Graduates receive assistance in the follow-up period based upon their needs, including: employer marketing, job development and placement, employer and graduate follow-up contact, etc.
  • The JAG Electronic National Data Management System (e-NDMS) is used to track the students served, services delivered, and outcomes achieved.
  • Program outcome goals include: graduation (90%); positive outcomes (80%); employment (60%); full-time employment (60%); and full-time placement (80%).
  • High level of accountability for participants on the Program Roster.
JAG-North Dakota is seeking up to three local school districts or tribal colleges to sponsor two year pilot projects under the Jobs for America's Graduates Model.

JAG-North Dakota will be administered through the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development. A combination of JAG-National ($50,000), State Governor's Workforce Investment Act Set-Aside ($100,000) and Local funds ($150,000) will be used to fund up to three Local Pilots. Year one would be funded with 2/3 State and JAG-National and 1/3 Local. Year two would be funded with 1/3 State and 2/3 Local.

Contact Information:

James J. Hirsch
Division Director
Workforce Development Division
ND Department of Commerce
1600 E. Century Avenue, Suite 2
P.O. Box 2057
Bismarck, North Dakota 58502-2057
Phone: 701-328-5345
E-mail: jhirsch@nd.gov