August 23, 2021

CONTACT: Kimberly Mundell PHONE: (501) 683-4788 kimberly.mundell@ade,.gov

Jobs for Arkansas Graduates Program Receives National Award for 15 Consecutive Years 25 School Programs Also Receive Recognition for 2020

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education is pleased to announce that the Jobs for Arkansas Graduates program received the national 5-of-5 Award for 2020, marking 15 consecutive years the program has received the honor. Twenty-five JAG programs at schools around the state also received 5-of-5 recognition for 2020.

The Arkansas program is an affiliate of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program and is designed to assist students who are at risk of dropping out of high school. Students enrolled in the program receive supports and services to help them not only graduate high school but also become successful whether pursuing post-secondary education, employment, or military service.

“I am extremely proud of the Division of Career and Technical Education for leading and supporting this outstanding program, as well as the 25 programs that also received national recognition,” ADE Secretary Johnny Key said. “Because of the division’s efforts and the dedication from educators around the state, Arkansas has one of the most exemplary JAG programs in the country, as evidenced by this award over the last 15 years. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this programs’ success and provides critical supports to help students achieve success in life.”

In order to achieve the 5-of-5 Award, states must meet set criteria and goals for students enrolled in the program.

National Goals Arkansas’ Results Graduation Rate: 90% Arkansas: 97% Job Placement Rate: 60% Arkansas: 69% Total Full-Time Employment: 60% Arkansas: 80%

Total Full-Time Positive Outcomes: 75% Arkansas: 77% Further Education Rate: 35% Arkansas: 39%

During the 2020-2021 school year, 116 JAG programs in 81 Arkansas school districts assisted more than 3,600 students. In addition to receiving academic support, students in the program participate in project- based and work-based learning projects, which lead to post-secondary education and workforce opportunities.

The 25 programs that received 5-of-5 recognition are listed below.

Arch Ford HUB / Dover High School /Hector High School Arch Ford HUB / Jessieville ALE Arch Ford HUB / Shirley High School Arch Ford HUB / Bald Knob High School Cedar Ridge High School Crossett High School DeWitt High School Fayetteville High School Genoa Central High School Har-Ber High School Harmony Grove High School Heber Springs High School Jacksonville High School Malvern High School Marshall High School Midland High School ALE Mount Ida High School Paragould High School Paris High School Parkview High School Springdale High School

Arkansas’ program receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding from the Division of Workforce Services, as well as funding from Entergy Arkansas, AT&T, and the Walton Family Foundation.

To learn more about the program, visit https://bit.ly/3sfgmHQ.

Follow us on Twitter @ArkansasEd. Like us on Facebook at Arkansas Department of Education. Follow us on Instagram at arkansas_ed. 5-of-5 Award Gov. Asa Hutchinson recognizes Arkansas' CTE program for receiving the national 5-of-5 Award for 15 consecutive years.

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