Jobs for America’s Graduates and AT&T Team up to Provide Academic and Career Training in 34 States

WASHINGTON, November 30, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and AT&T are working together to help raise the high school graduation rate and support successful career pathways by expanding academic support and providing mentoring opportunities for underserved students. JAG has received a $3.5 million contribution from AT&T to allow the national non-profit to add new schools and/or expand existing programs through its 34 JAG State Affiliates with proven success records of keeping kids in school.

The JAG program equips students through mentoring, tutoring, academic support and links to social services, among other interventions, to overcome obstacles to a high school diploma or High School Equivalency Test.  Students are guided into post-secondary education, entry-level jobs with pathways to successful careers or the military.

In addition to the expansion of JAG programs, the $3.5 million contribution that spans over 2017 and 2018 will support local mentoring events between JAG students and AT&T employees. JAG students will have the opportunity to learn about career pathways and employment skills while visiting AT&T facilities and/or through JAG classroom visits by AT&T employees. The mentoring program will also utilize safe, online platforms to connect AT&T employees with students in rural communities.

“Helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in 21st century careers is a critical step to building the diverse workforce we need to power our company – and our country – for the future,” said Stephanie Tyler, President, AT&T Pacific Northwest and Nevada, and JAG Board Member. “JAG has a proven track record of success and this funding will allow them to provide even more students the opportunity to thrive.”

In 2016, JAG’s network of affiliates reported a 95 percent high school graduation rate, compared to the national graduation rate of in 2015 of 83 percent.* Currently, the JAG model is offered in nearly 1,250 public high schools, community colleges, and alternative learning centers in 34 states.

“Across 1,250 communities, Jobs for America’s Graduates serves young people of great promise so they may reach their full potential,” Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and JAG Chairman said. “AT&T’s contribution will help us reach even more students for a program with a graduation rate higher than 90 percent and whose participants are more than twice as likely than their peers to be employed. We are delighted to work with AT&T in our collective mission to help America’s future leaders fulfill their highest promise.”

In more than three decades of operation, JAG has helped over 1.2 million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.  The JAG Graduating Class of 2016 achieved 84% successful outcomes, meaning students were enrolled in post-secondary education, were employed, or some combination of the two a full 12 months after they graduated from high school.

Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided over $11.4 million in funding to JAG and its local affiliates. This support is part of the AT&T Aspire initiative, which helps provide access to education and training people need to get and keep good jobs. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $400 million to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world.

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About Jobs for America’s Graduates

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), is a non-profit youth development program committed to helping America’s most at-risk kids excel in high schools, prepare for success in college, and embark on a rewarding career. Since its inception in 1980, JAG has served over 1.2 million at-risk kids, and is currently serving over 57,000 students in 34 states. JAG students have a graduation rate of over 90 percent, and approximately 80 percent of those graduates go on to postsecondary education, military service and/or full-time employment.

About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&TInc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.

*Alliance for Excellent Education. U.S. High School Graduation Rate Hits All-Time High: A Time for Celebration and Rededication, October 25, 2016.

This was first posted by JAG.