Gary West Side Leadership Academy JAG Specialist Recognized at National Ceremony

JAGbannerCeona Smith of Gary West Side Leadership Academy was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Specialist Award at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Training Seminar in New Orleans for her efforts in increasing graduation rates and student participation among her JAG class. Smith’s leadership and positive influence on the students helped Indiana JAG earn several national awards, in addition to her outstanding specialist recognition.

“The success of Indiana’s JAG program continues to lead the nation in reinforcing positive opportunities for our at-risk students,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “Our thanks and appreciation to these award-winning JAG specialists whose leadership and dedication encourage our students to achieve their highest potential.”

In addition to these outstanding specialist awards, Indiana was recognized for the third straight year with a 1st place national award for highest scholarship dollars ($15 million) earned by students and earned the Peak Performance award for outstanding participation and group performance rates. Eleven of Indiana’s 12 regions received the prestigious “5 of 5” Award for exceeding national goals for graduation, post-secondary education, enrollment, securing entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities and positive outcomes.

JAG is a state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to reconnecting at-risk students academically by helping them overcome barriers to graduation, with 118 programs active in Indiana. Students receive adult mentoring from a JAG Specialist while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. Indiana’s program graduates more than 93 percent of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school.

More than 13,000 students have participated in Indiana’s JAG program since 2006. Students are taught up to 88 competencies such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills that increase their employability skills. With recent program expansions driven by Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana General Assembly, the JAG program is the largest in the nation and is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

To learn more about the Indiana JAG program, visit http://www.in.gov/dwd/JAG.htm.