LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobs for
Kentucky's Graduates and AT&T
(NYSE: T) are working together to help raise the high school
graduation rate and support career paths for underserved students.
Because of its success in keeping kids in school, Jobs for
Kentucky's Graduates was one of 24
state affiliates selected to share in $3.5
million from AT&T.
The JAG program equips students to overcome obstacles to a high
school diploma or High School Equivalency Test. The program
does this through mentoring, academic support, links to social
services, and other interventions. Students are guided into
post-secondary education, entry-level jobs with pathways to
successful careers or the military.
Jobs for Kentucky's Graduates
will use the $130,000 to launch six
new programs throughout Kentucky.
"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 Hood Harris, AT&T Kentucky President.
"JAG Kentucky has a track record of success and this funding will
allow them to provide even more students the opportunity to
thrive."
In 2016, JAG Kentucky reported a 100% high school graduation
rate, compared to the national graduation rate of 83% in
2015.1 Currently, the JAG model is offered in nearly
1,250 public high schools, community colleges, and alternative
learning centers in 34 states.
"We are thankful to for the opportunity to partner with
AT&T," said Lisa Handziak,
President, JAG Kentucky. "The funding provided by AT&T
will help us reach our mission of leading our graduates through a
successful transition into the workforce, training or postsecondary
education."
In more than three decades of operation, JAG has helped more
than 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 within 12 months after they graduated from
high school.
Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided
more than $11.4 million in funding to
JAG and its local affiliates. This support is part of AT&T
Aspire, 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.
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&T Inc. 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.
1 Alliance for Excellent Education. U.S. High
School Graduation Rate Hits All-Time High: A Time for Celebration
and Rededication, October 25,
2016.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.