November 18, 2025 marked an exciting new beginning for JAG KY at Jackson County High School. We celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and were blessed to have our JAG members, dedicated staff, our superintendent, and the JAG KY Regional Program Manager (Brooke Cain) join us for this special moment.
JAG-KY Class President, Braiden Burkhart, opened the ceremony with a warm welcoming speech, followed by Mrs. Renee Smith, who shared several meaningful facts and kind words. Kyle Morris provided introductions, and Ms. Tracy Jackson, JAG-KY Specialist, concluded the ribbon-cutting by expressing gratitude for everyone’s participation, hard work, and outstanding support. We are excited for a successful year and look forward to many more years of growth for JAG-KY.
Special thanks extended to Superintendent Renee Smith and Board of Education Member Rhonda Chestnut Allen for celebrating the ribbon-cutting for this important program with the students and faculty.
On Friday, October 21, 2025, JCHS students from Jobs for America's Graduates Kentucky (JAG KY) toured Toyota Manufacturing and Georgetown Metal Processing in Georgetown, Kentucky. During the visit, Toyota representatives discussed the production process, ongoing renovations, and how future graduates can explore careers in advanced manufacturing at the facility.
The tour for JAG KY students is part of a broader, long-term partnership between Toyota and local education programs aimed at developing the future workforce.
Toyota has invested millions in the JAG KY program. The goal was to provide high schoolers with skills for their post-graduation plans, whether in college, the military, or the workforce.
By touring the Toyota plant, JAG KY students gained firsthand insight into the advanced manufacturing industry and the skills needed to succeed. The visit helped connect their classroom learning to tangible, real-world career paths.
ABOUT JAG-KY
JAG KY is an affiliate of Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping students overcome barriers to graduation and successfully transition into postsecondary education, the workforce, or the military. Through its competency-based curriculum, JAG equips students with essential skills in career development, job attainment, leadership, financial literacy, and more, enhancing their employability and prospects for success after graduation.
The Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Advantage is a unique program designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in both school and the workforce.
By focusing on three core components—Project-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Care, and Employer Engagement—the JAG Advantage provides a comprehensive approach to student development. This innovative framework ensures that each student receives personalized support, practical experience, and strong connections to future career opportunities.
JAG KY is an evidence-based organization that utilizes six key performance categories to measure the success of our programs, ensuring we consistently achieve high standards and effectively support our students and specialists.
Performance categories assessed include: Graduation Rate, Connectivity Rate, Employment Rate, Full-Time Employment, Positive Outcomes Rate, and Further Education Rate.
JAG KY consistently outperforms the JAG National standards across all categories, earning the prestigious "6 of 6" award every year since its inception. This ongoing achievement, sustained for over 15 years, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to empowering Kentucky's youth to thrive in their careers and beyond.
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