Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates

Funding crisis threatens a proven winner in our fight to raise graduation rates and build the

workforce of the future

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)More than 30 years of proven success in 33 states

A cost-effective dropout prevention, school-to-career solution to serve young people who are greatest at risk of not:

• staying in school through graduation or completing a GED • pursuing a postsecondary education; and/or • securing a quality entry-level job that leads to career advancement opportunities.

Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates (JKG)Created by Gov. Patton with a reach across the Commonwealth

• 94% graduation rate• 69% full-time jobs rate• 89% placement rate (employment and/or post secondary ed)

Did you know about……

At risk: 25 schools, 20 counties, 800 students

What happened?

• Congress cut the WIA reserve fund for Governors which had provided JKG money directly to schools

• JKG money instead went to the WIBs

What can we do: 2 part strategy

• Create a new nonprofit to increase private sector involvement.

• Not just sustain, but grow JKG throughout the Commonwealth

• Solve immediate crisis by finding $27,000 per school -- just $1,500 per student

• Possible sources: local business, grants, united way, individuals, WIBs

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JKG and WIBs both:

• Have goals of retention and graduation • Employment• Demand 12 months of follow-up• Want measurable outcomes: Meeting Youth Performance

Measures• Want support services to enable youth to stay in school and

also be successful on the job and in higher education.

Tangible Reward: Tennessee recently received a $2 million incentive grant from the feds due in large part to the measurable outcomes of JAG students on the job, in college or some combination

What’s in it for all of us?