Jobs for America's Graduates (J.A.G.)

What is JAG?

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a national, non-profit program that provides a structured, credit-earning elective class and support system designed to help students graduate from high school, prepare for work, further education, and build life skills. JAG focuses on both personal development and career readiness. 

Why it Matters

Today’s students often face barriers such as economic hardship, trauma, or lack of workplace readiness. JAG combines trauma-informed care with academic and employability skill development so students can succeed in school and life beyond graduation. JAG reports a 96% graduation rate for participants, well above national averages.

How JAG Works in Holden

• Elective course for credit taught by a trained JAG Specialist

• Project-based learning, leadership development, and workplace skill building

• Employer engagement and real-world experiences such as internships and job shadowing

Community Partners
JAG students benefit from hands-on learning made possible by local businesses and organizations. We’re grateful to the community partners who have welcomed students for tours, shared career insights, and supported activities like mock interviews and skill-building workshops.

Our partners include:

• Big O Tires

• Boss Body Fitness

• Pickles Plumbing & Excavating

• Holden City Hall

• Culver’s

• Key Coffee

• Holden Parks & Recreation

• University of Central Missouri

Partnerships may vary each year based on student interests and opportunities.