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Board hears IJAG presentation showing high graduation rates, expanded employer engagement in Davenport
Summary
District staff and a Mid City principal presented an overview of Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates (IJAG), reporting local enrollment, employer engagements and graduation outcomes and asking the board to support program funding and the forthcoming MOU.
Davenport — The Davenport Community School District board received an informational presentation on Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (IJAG) at its April 28 meeting, hearing that the program produces high graduation rates and extensive employer engagement in the region.
What was presented: District staff and Mid City Principal Bree Seifert described IJAG as a statewide nonprofit network that bridges school and employment through mentoring, work‑based learning and follow‑up support. Presenters cited the IJAG June 2024 annual report and local program data to show student outcomes and program scale.
Key figures presented
- Statewide: IJAG reported 174 programs across 50 counties and more than 8,000 students statewide; the program reported a 96% graduation rate for participating students (June 2024 annual report). - Funding mix (per presenter slides): approximately 50% state funding, roughly 25% private donors and grants, and about 25% school funding; a cited per‑student cost of roughly $1,800 (presenter slide, June 2024 data). - Davenport local figures (presenters’ statements): Central, North and West high schools combined serve about 60–65 students in IJAG classes; Mid City serves about 30–45 students. Presenters stated a per‑program cost of about $25,000 and a total local operational estimate of roughly $90,000. The presenters reported 327 students enrolled in IJAG classes and 395 students served in the IJAG “sphere” including 12‑month follow‑up support (numbers as presented at the meeting). - Employer engagement: presenters reported 219 employer engagements, 35 work‑based learning experiences and 22 job shadows in the school year cited. - Local senior outcomes (from presenter slide): for recent IJAG seniors, 97% graduated; about 63% entered employment and 35.3% pursued continued education (as presented).
Questions and clarifications
Board members asked for clarification on “connectivity,” and the presenter explained connectivity as IJAG specialists maintaining contact with participating students for up to 12 months after graduation to support transitions to employment, training or further education. A board member asked whether local program enrollment caps were firm; presenters said the MOU provides staffing and enrollment guidance and the district adheres to those guidelines.
Why it matters: IJAG is positioned as a workforce pipeline for students who pursue careers, apprenticeships or postsecondary options. The board was briefed on program scale, funding sources and positive outcome statistics; presenters asked the board to continue program support and to approve an MOU related to program operation.
Ending
The IJAG presentation was informational; the board asked clarifying questions about connectivity and enrollment. District staff indicated the board would see related documents (including the MOU) as part of upcoming consent or action items.
