Governor Recognizes New Hampshire Jobs For America's Graduates for Outstanding Student Outcomes

When New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu today recognized New Hampshire Jobs for America’s Graduates (NH-JAG) for its growth and outstanding student outcomes, he was not just talking numbers.  He was talking people.

While NH-JAG surpassing five of five performance outcomes, including achieving a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2017, is extremely impressive, it is the youth behind those numbers that represent the true success, according to the Governor.  

NH Governor Chris Sununu, JAG President and CEO Ken 

Smith and NH-JAG in school staff member Amy Darrigo 

at the "5of5" awards celebration. 

Juliette Gonzalez participated in the JAG program at Manchester West High School and went on to obtain her LNA before attending Southern New Hampshire University to study healthcare administration. She is currently employed at Catholic Medical Center and plans to return to school in the future to obtain her Master of Public Health degree.

“This program is making a real difference in the lives of so many New Hampshire youth, not only in school, but in work and life,” said Governor Sununu, in presenting NH-JAG with the “5 of 5” Award for its growth and outstanding student outcomes alongside Jobs for America’s Graduates President & CEO Ken Smith.  The award is the highest National Performance Award from Jobs for America’s Graduates.  NH-JAG has earned the “5 of 5” Award for 12 consecutive years and has successfully served over 17,000 young people.  NH-JAG surpassed established goals in each of five categories, with the Class of 2017 having a 100% graduation rate, a 92% positive outcomes rate, an 81% employment rate, an 87% full-time jobs rate and a 97% full-time placement rate.

During the 2017-18 program year alone, NH-JAG served 190 youth in five high schools – Berlin High School, Manchester Memorial High School, Raymond High School, Winnacunnet High School and Woodsville High School - and 60 out of school participants at two locations in Claremont and Concord.  The goal is to serve even more students moving forward, with the support of public-private partnerships.

NH-JAG Executive Director Janet Arnett was pleased to announce the addition of four new schools to the program this year – Laconia High School, Littleton High School, Manchester School of Technology and Newport High School.  “With new funding from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the AT&T Foundation, we are able to expand to 11 programs this year and create new initiatives in project based learning,” said Arnett.  The significant grant provided by AT & T to help grow the program is in keeping with its Aspire Program, which brings together AT&T employees, nonprofits and community members to help equip students with the skills they need to lead the digital, global economy.

NH Governor Chris Sununu, JAG President and CEO Ken Smith, 

NH-JAG Executive Director Janet Arnett, Manchester School District

Superintendent Bolgen Vargas and Manchester School District students

and staff celebrate the award.

Manchester Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bolgen Vargas is thrilled that NH-JAG will be in another Manchester location. "We are proud that the Manchester School of Technology is New Hampshire-JAG's newest program site. The mission of NH-JAG aligns with our school district's goals to prepare students to become career and college ready. At MST, students have direct access to their futures through Career Technical Education opportunities. NH-JAG is a valuable liaison for students as they venture into the world,” he said.

Governor Sununu, a member of the Jobs for America’s Graduates Board of Directors, would like to see NH-JAG serving even more students, and hopes public-private partnerships will be the mechanism to make this happen.  “By working together, we can best leverage dollars to provide students with knowledge and hands on experience in the workforce to help young men and women in New Hampshire stay in school, graduate and go on to succeed in life and become valued citizens,” he said.