JAG is a national workforce preparation program that provides opportunities for success to students who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences. Indiana’s JAG program is among the best in the nation. The program began in 2006 under Governor Daniels and grew in each of the following administrations under Governor Pence and Governor Holcomb.

• The workforce development boards that oversee the program are dedicated to developing, attracting and retaining talent. These organizations are led by regional employers, who often participate in providing JAG students with real-world projects and work experiences.

• Students in JAG learn a host of in-demand employability skills and are given a proven bridge to post-secondary education, the workforce or other career enhancing opportunities. In Indiana, JAG was recently expanded to 250 programs and it is expected that 10,000 students will participate annually in 2025.

• The JAG graduation rate of 96.6% in 2024 was higher than the overall state high school graduation rate of 90.2%. Those who graduated earned $20.4 million in scholarships.

• Moreover, JAG statewide registered more than 2,000 engagements with employers in 2024 and a job placement rate of 55.2%, making it a premier generator of talent to meet the needs of employers.

• JAG is more than an education program. It is an essential multifaceted experience that directly links to building and sustaining the workforces in our region and state.

• Students learn and compete in such areas as career decision making, business planning, financial literacy, project-based learning, and prepared speaking.  

JAG is in Jeopardy

The current Indiana Senate budget does not include funding for JAG. It is essential that full funding be restored and the day-to-day administration of the program be maintained by local nonprofit workforce development boards.