JAG-Missouri received a number of awards for its success with the class of 2016, including the top award presented by JAG National: the “Five of Five” Award. The Missouri results were part of a record year for JAG National, with the results announced the week of July 10 at the annual National Training Seminar.
Approximately 425 JAG administrators and teachers attended the training. The results for the class of 2016 were announced at various sessions during the week-long training. With JAG’s 12 months of follow-up, the official data was recorded as of May 31, 2017. One of the JAG program’s distinguishing characteristics is the 12-month follow up with seniors after they leave high school. The final statistics for the class are calculated at the end of that year, which is May 31.
Nationally, the 34 states in the JAG network achieved its highest graduation rate in its 38-year history: 95 percent. Collectively, JAG also met or exceeded the other four “Five of Five” performance goals: positive outcomes, job placement and military service, full time jobs, and total full-time placement.
JAG-Missouri had a 98.75 percent graduation rate, which was among the highest in the nation. This comes after a 99 percent graduation rate for the class of 2015, which led the nation.
“These results were accomplished under the most demanding high school graduation requirements in history, as states continue to alter diploma requirements to fit with the rising academic demands in the American economy,” JAG President Kenneth M. Smith said. “We are especially pleased with the employment impact – one of the highest in our history – as 16- to 24-year olds are the most unemployed segment of the nation’s population, and the group we serve is the most unemployed (by a factor of four) in the 16- to 24-year-old category.
“The 43 percent college enrollment rate was steady from last year – accomplished even with significant declines in enrollments overall across the nation. Compared to last year, 500,000 fewer students enrolled in higher education – which was 500,000 fewer students than the year before. In short, JAG is moving against the trends in higher education with the part of the population least likely to enroll or succeed.”
Founded in 1980, JAG has exceeded the 90 percent graduation rate for the 38 years of its existence. With the addition of North Carolina for 2017-18, JAG will now have 35 states, serving 57,000 students in 1,250 communities.
In addition to earning the prestigious “Five of Five” Award as a state organization, six JAG-Missouri schools also earned the designation: the Central Academy of Excellence in Kansas City with Specialist Tineka Rentie; Farmington High School with Specialist Erica Dement; Kennett High School with Specialist Jon McKinney; Roosevelt High School with Specialist Tony Glover; South Pemiscot High School with Specialist Jamie Carlisle; and Sumner High School with Specialist Butler B’ynote’ III.
JAG-Missouri received additional recognition for “Peak Performance” in 13 different categories defined by the National network. The recognition was for a combination of the classes of 2016 and 2017.
While most of the recognition was for the class of 2016, JAG-Missouri also was recognized as one of the top-rated organizations for students earning scholarships to continue their education. Sixty-four students from across the JAG-Missouri network were awarded $1,410,320.00 in scholarship dollars.
Class of 2016
Class of 2017
Name, School, Award
Testimonials
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
