Jeff program aims to give students feel for real world jobs

11.02.09

Right now, Juan Ramirez is interested in a career as an avionics engineer or possibly something in the psychology-philosophy field.

But that could change before college rolls around, which makes the Jobs for America's Graduates program an important class for the junior at Jefferson High School.

"It gives me good study tips," Ramirez said. "And it gives me an opportunity to look at all the possibilities."

Established to help students graduate from high school and achieve career goals, the JAG program combines classroom teaching with internships and 12 months of postgraduation follow-up services by a trained mentor.

Partnering with WorkOne and Tecumseh Area Partnership Inc., the high school started the program this fall with a class of 17 students.

"Being with these kids every day and giving them employment skills is important," said Troy Gardner, the program's teacher. "Some kids are emerging as leaders."

The classroom instruction covers areas that include career assessment, leadership, learning about community services, and social and community awareness.

"He gives us real world situations, and we work on them together as a group," Ramirez said about Gardner's teaching method.

According to John MacOwen, JAG program manager for Tecumseh Area Partnership, more than 2,000 students are enrolled in the program throughout Indiana.

Last year, participants had an 85 percent graduation rate, with 75 percent of that number entering either the work force or a postsecondary education or training program.

"The JAG program is another tool ... to improve our graduation rate by providing a planned program of classroom experiences combined with work experiences and community service," Jeff principal Jeff Studebaker said.

Jeff junior Tiara Howard's goal is to be a social worker for children. She is counting on the program to help her toward that career.

"I'm hoping to learn better skills and be able to be better prepared to get a job. It's very helpful," Howard said. "I want to go out and help other kids."

Two Jeff JAG students are doing internships at day care centers this semester. Gardner would like to see that number increase soon.

"Now, with the Christmas season approaching," he said, "I'm hoping to get some of them part-time or seasonal jobs."