Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates Funding crisis threatens a proven winner in our fight to raise graduation rates and build the workforce of the future

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) More than 30 years of proven success in 33 states A cost-effective dropout prevention, school-to-career solution to serve young people who are greatest at risk of not: staying in school through graduation or completing a GED pursuing a postsecondary education; and/or securing a quality entry-level job that leads to career advancement opportunities. Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates (JKG) Created by Gov. Patton with a reach across the Commonwealth 94% graduation rate 69% full-time jobs rate 89% placement rate (employment and/or post secondary ed) Did you know about……

At risk: 25 schools, 20 counties, 800 students

What happened? Congress cut the WIA reserve fund for Governors which had provided JKG money directly to schools JKG money instead went to the WIBs

What can we do: 2 part strategy Create a new nonprofit to increase private sector involvement. Not just sustain, but grow JKG throughout the Commonwealth Solve immediate crisis by finding $27,000 per school -- just $1,500 per student Possible sources: local business, grants, united way, individuals, WIBs

6 JKG and WIBs both: Have goals of retention and graduation Employment Demand 12 months of follow-up Want measurable outcomes: Meeting Youth Performance Measures Want support services to enable youth to stay in school and also be successful on the job and in higher education. Tangible Reward: Tennessee recently received a $2 million incentive grant from the feds due in large part to the measurable outcomes of JAG students on the job, in college or some combination What’s in it for all of us?