Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Makes the Grade

Jobs for America’s Graduates today announced
Job’s for Montana Graduates achieves "5 for 5" status in performance
outcomes.

Jobs for Montana Graduates (JMG) http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/service/jmg.asp began in 1990 as a
solution to the dropout rates experienced in Montana’s high schools.
Today, JMG supports a network of 41 programs offering 794 students the
potential for future career development by focusing on staying in school
and finding a career path suited to their interests and abilities.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), serving 28 states,
established five performance outcomes for students enrolled in the
program. Some of the standards include graduation rate, positive
outcomes of transitioning to work, post secondary, or military, and full
time job placements.

"Students are selected for the program because they have
barriers to successful completion of high school and job entry," said
State Coordinator Drea Brown. "The program is aimed at meeting their
academic, social and cultural needs."

In school year 2004-2005, JMG hosted 579 students in 39 schools
and had an overall graduation success rate of 96.14 percent. The
remaining balance- 215 students – were enrolled in the Yellowstone Youth
Academy and the Montana Youth ChalleNGe.

Native Americans enter the program with more than five barriers
to success including: excessive absences, inadequate or no work
experience, residing in economically disadvantaged conditions, low
academic performance, and lacking marketable occupational skills.

Twelve of the 41 programs offered are located on or border six
of Montana’s Indian reservations and serve 133 Native youth. The
graduation rate for Indian students surpassed the overall state, by
bringing in a perfect score of 100 percent.

To learn more about the Jobs for Montana Graduates program
contact Drea Brown (406)444-0978.
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