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.
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NH Governor Chris Sununu, JAG President and CEO Ken
Smith and NH-JAG in school staff member Amy Darrigo
at the "5of5" awards celebration.
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“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.
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.
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