Program linked to higher graduation rates expands in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An academic success and job training program announced Wednesday that it will expand from 34 to 85 Nebraska schools.

The announcement was made at the state Capitol with Gov. Jim Pillen.

“I think that without JAG, I wouldn’t be here today” said Nebraska JAGs President Addison Bateman, a high school sophomore. “I wouldn’t be able to sit in front of the governor and talk about stuff that’s super important to me.”

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a program that helps students achieve academic success and trains them for future jobs.

The graduation rate for JAGs participants is 99%, compared with the national graduation rate of 88.6%.

This program has served more than 2,500 students in Nebraska so far, and it expects to expand to 4,000 next year.