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1.What exactly is the JAG program all about?

The primary objectives of a JAG Model program are:

• Target the 'right' young people for services based on the barriers they meet.
• Keep program participants in school through graduation or completion of a GED.
• Extend program services to participants for 12 months after graduation or completion of a GED.
• Assist graduates or completers in pursuit of a postsecondary education and/or an entry-level job that leads to a career.
• Deliver services to non-graduates and non-completers during the 12-month follow-up period to attain a GED certificate or a high school diploma.

Since its inception in 1980, JAG achieved extraordinary success in achieving the objectives of a JAG Model Program by serving over 5,000 youth.  Because of that success, enhancements are regularly introduced to improve the JAG Model.  The original JAG Model served "High School Seniors Only" (referred to as School-to-Career Programs).  In 1988, the JAG Board of Directors approved the implementation of a Multi-Year Program to reduce the dropout rate among young people in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.  In 1995, the Board approved an Out-of-School Program to serve young people who have dropped out of the traditional school system or are enrolled in an alternative school program or a community-based program leading to a high school diploma or GED.

2. Could you tell us about a few of your success stories?

A female sophomore student in Clovis, New Mexico had to assume the responsibility of caring for her siblings after the parents divorced; the mother was a heavy drug user and would not fulfill her responsibility to the children.Therefore, the young student played the role of both mom and dad as they lived in the home of another relative. The young student herself took on a history of drug use, sexual promiscuity, and a general lack of concern for her own well-being; both she and the siblings suffered because of these terrible events.After joining JAG the student took on many leadership roles, disconnected from the drug and other related activities, took a more serious interest in school and the siblings and went on to become a member of the National Honor Society.The student now works at a local business and has been accepted to a large Midwestern University for higher studies.

A male student who recently graduated faced many problems of rejection and discrimination because of his obesity.His attitude throughout most of his academic life was negative where others were concerned and he actively worked at being obnoxious and rude.His work habits were less than desirable, and he outwardly displayed a lack of distrust of other, was usually very defensive in his relations to others, and did only enough of his work to get by.That was BEFORE he became involved in JAG.After he joined JAG, he changed a great deal.His leadership role in taking on several major tasks related to the Career Association proved to both himself and his peers that he could be successful in his endeavors.Although there were a few who continued to harass him, the student went on to complete all requirements for graduation and graduated with the Choices Alternative Class of 2008.He is now gainfully employed at one of the local businesses, and plans to enter Clovis Community College for the Fall 2008 Semester.This student was also the designer and producer of the JAG-Clovis website found at www.jag-clovis.com.

3. What is the main focus of the JAG Program?

The main focus of the JAG Program is to keep kids in school so that they will graduate.When the student is still in school, the goal is to help him or her graduate.After the student graduates, the goals are to get the student employed by starting him on a career path, get the student enrolled in post-secondary education or in the military.

4. How supportive are parents of this program?

First of all both the parent and student are required to sign a form which commits the student to active participation in all aspects of the local JAG program, including but not limited to fundraisers, competitions, community service activities, etc.The JAG Specialist also signs off on the form as well.Parents willing participate in many aspects of the local JAG Program (esp. Initiation and Installation Ceremony of newly elected JAG Officers) because the see the value of JAG for their children's and society's future. The parents of students in the local JAG program have been tremendously supportive in a very active way since introduction of the JAG Program into the Clovis Municipal School District.

5. What are some activities that your students are involved in?

We have over 15 fundraiser activities already approved by the Board of Education for the academic year 2008-2009; both students and parents will support all of these fundraisers.The students of the local JAG chapter are also actively involved in promoting the Character Counts! Initiative within the Clovis Municipal School District.Students also get involved in voluntary work for various private and public civic organizations.During school year 2008-2009, the participation in these types of activities will be greatly expanded.

6. Are the schools addressing the needs of these kids?What are their needs?

Oftentimes, the schools are NOT addressing the needs of kids, many of whom have had difficulty getting along in the traditional, mainstream environment.They may be below grade level in academic achievement; they may be in homes that are not conducive to helping kids see the value of education; or they may just simply have other personal issues. JAG National has identified 37 barriers that keep kids from not graduating:every student entering the JAG program must have met at least one of these barriers.Many kids do very well in school environments in which teachers are able to apply many of the concepts of differentiated instruction in the regular classroom:when students do not "get it" in the traditional classroom, they drop out-many of whom never return. The needs of these students are many and varied; the JAG Specialist simply needs to be prepared to work with all the children entering the program with their baggage et al.

These are not bad kids; just kids with special needs from the educational system, which is, suppose to be there to support them-but sometimes is not.

7. Do most of your students go on to college?

Many of our students do go on to post-secondary education; please keep in mind however, that college or university is one of the three possibilities defined as positive outcomes.For example, I have contacted nearly all of the students who graduated from Choices Alternative in the class of 2007, and at least half of them are planning to start at CCC this fall.One student has applied for entry into the United States Air Force.Since this is only our first year on the Choices campus, it would be difficult for me to express and answer to your question in any greater depth than I have.

8. What are some of the activities you have planned for next year?

Following is a list of some of the activities planned for school year 2008-2009"

1. Fundraisers – 15 approved by School Board
2. Volunteer to work at the Lincoln Jackson Family Center
3. Attend JAG Career Development Conference
4. Attend JAG Leadership Development Conference (hosted by CCC)
5. Conduct various drives (can drives, food drives, clothing drives, etc.)
6. Job Shadowing
7. Mock Interviews with employers doing the interviews
8. Resume writing contest
9. Initiation & Installation Ceremony for newly elected officers
10. End of Year Banquet for all members
11. Development of a School to Career Portfolio
12. Volunteer work at the hospital and other local patient care facilities
13. Assist elderly folks in the cleaning up of their property, etc.
14. Operation of a concession stand for Choices students on campus
15. Fully implement the Character Counts! Program at Choices
16. Adopt-a-Family

9. Do you have a website where others can learn more about your program?

Yes.Our website address is www.jag-clovis.com.There are also links to both the State of New Mexico and National Websites.

Published July 22, 2008