Investing in every student

To learn more, contact Kristin Collins, JWG Program Supervisor, at (360) 725-4964 or KristinC.jag@k12.wa.us.

Program Purpose
Jobs for Washington’s Graduates (JWG) assists young people in staying in school through graduation, as well as reconnecting those students who have prematurely exited the education system by providing them an opportunity to attend a regional high school or skill center, work toward graduation and get a job.

The Washington model fully implements the online curriculum provided by the Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) national program, to provide students with personal management skills and employability skills. It also connects students to career and technical education programs to give them technical skills leading to post-secondary education, apprenticeships and living wage careers. The beauty of the Washington model is that it provides the highest-risk students with positive mentors, a reason to stay in school resulting in increased academic achievement, and a bright and promising future with furthering their education or employment.

Successful completion of the program results in attainment of academic competencies, leading to high school graduation or GED. Additional competencies gained in the program result in students successfully finding meaningful employment and post-secondary learning.

Specialists
JWG uses a national model that relies heavily on data collection. The “specialist” is a dedicated staff person responsible for creating a student profile, identifying barriers, and delivering a series of model services (instruction and interventions) that will assist in eliminating student barriers. The data collection system tracks not only the student but the barrier removal process for each student.

Success Data
Since its pilot year in 2010-11, the JWG model has grown from 16 participating schools to 35 schools statewide in 2012-13. JWG’s annual student competition and training conference continues in 2013 with various competitions on JWG Model Curriculum and breakout training sessions in the areas of workplace and job skill development, and “after graduation” training and educational options.

Jobs for Washington’s Graduates State Board Member Information
The JWG program, managed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, is supported by the Jobs for Washington’s Graduates State Board, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit created to support, develop and promote JWG sites and programs in Washington.