Press Release - For Immediate Release
Local Dropout Prevention Program Spreads Throughout the State
August 17, 2011, Benton Harbor, MI –Most people visiting southwest Michigan this time of year come to stroll on our beaches, to sample our ice cream, and to otherwise enjoy summer vacation. However, this week, several educators from Flint, Escanaba, and Muskegon, Michigan will come to focus not on summer fun, but on keeping young people in school once summer is over.
Teachers will participate in a two day intensive training to learn to implement Michigan Works!’ Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. The program, currently in Benton Harbor, Coloma, Covert, Niles, and Cassopolis high schools, serves students thought by teachers and counselors to be at high risk of leaving school prematurely. JAG students participate in a variety of leadership and service opportunities in addition to receiving classroom instruction and individualized mentoring from teachers. Recent statistics show a 97% retention rate among JAG students in the tri-county area.
We recognize the important role education plays in having a skilled workforce. The challenges our labor force faces require a team effort. We’re a natural partner with education and JAG is just one of a number of our joint initiatives,” said Michigan Works!’ executive director Todd Gustafson. “We are excited about what JAG has done in our region to keep kids from falling through the cracks. We are glad to assist educators in achieving the same results in other parts of the state.”
The process to expand the JAG program began in January when officials approached Michigan Works! Chief Education Officer, Chris Fielding, and expressed a desire to replicate the program. In March, officials from the prospective sites visited JAG classes at Benton Harbor High School. “They saw that we were tearing down barriers to success and that we were building stronger students. Students with increased reading and math scores, students who are more employable, students who confidently look you in the eye and shake your hand,” said Fielding. “We will get these new sites started and then we will support them throughout the year with frequent visits and conference calls. We are committed to ensuring this program thrives throughout the state.”
JAG is a component of YouthWorks!, a comprehensive, tri-county effort to prepare young people for the workplace. Michigan Works! is a non-profit, workforce development organization providing the skilled workforce necessary to meet the needs of employers. They offer no-cost services to employers and jobseekers and oversee five service centers in Benton Harbor, Dowagiac, Niles, Paw Paw and South Haven. For more information, call 1-800-533-5800 or visit www.miworks.org.###