Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)

The Jobs for America’s Graduates (or JAG) program is designed to help juniors and seniors navigate the transition from school to the workforce. Brought to IHS through Communities In Schools of North Carolina, this course uses project-based learning, employer engagement, and trauma-informed care to teach students the nuances of career planning, decision making, personal finance, and workplace skills. Students must form a Career Association where they take on leadership or service roles and must plan and execute community service projects. We focus on soft-skills such as interpersonal communication, interview mastery, and team management as well as hard-skills like resume writing, budgeting, and public speaking. Students may even be selected to compete at a state-level competition called the Career Development Conference with a chance to go to nationals!

JAG is a multi-year program, so students can take it more than once. Successive semesters in JAG will further enhance students’ abilities as leaders as they serve as Career Association officers, and engage in workplace experiences. We encourage and advocate for students to take on apprenticeships, internships, for-credit college classes, certification courses, and take college tours.

JAG College and Career Specialist Arthur Kelly helps students find resources, practice real-world skills in a hands-on way, and facilitates networking with local employers. Students who take JAG as seniors will have the added benefit of a 12-month follow-up period where Mr.Kelly continues to reach out and support them after graduation. Whether it is help getting a new job, completing the FAFSA for college enrollment, or guidance on joining the military, he will be there.

For more information please visit the JAG Website or email Mr. Kelly.