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SLPS highlights JAG program and Harrison Center partnership with STLCC; students share outcomes
Summary
Board meeting featured students, a JAG specialist and district leaders showcasing Jobs for America’s Graduates programming at three high schools and a new dual‑enrollment offering at the Harrison Education Center with St. Louis Community College.
District academic leaders and students told the board about Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) programming and a new dual‑enrollment partnership with St. Louis Community College (STLCC) at the Harrison Education Center, describing career‑readiness training, skilled‑trades exposure, and early college coursework.
Dr. Dino, the district’s chief of schools, introduced the JAG program and said the district currently runs JAG at three high schools (Vashon, Roosevelt, and Sumner). He said JAG focuses on ninth‑ and tenth‑graders to help keep students on track to graduate and to build soft skills, career readiness, and post‑secondary planning. JAG specialists work with students on portfolios, resumes, interview skills, and hands‑on work with district skilled‑trades staff (painting, glazing, plumbing, electrical, carpentry) and community partners such as Deluxe Magazine and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Shalonda Williams, identified herself as the JAG specialist at Vashon High School, described classroom activities, project‑based learning, employer engagement, trauma‑informed practices, and cited national JAG graduation statistics in support of the program’s approach. Two students from Vashon, Kira Burns and Janasia (name spelled variably in the transcript), spoke about their experiences: building professional portfolios, guest speakers and field trips, developing financial literacy (gross vs. net pay, overtime), writing and publication opportunities (one student’s essay was published in Deluxe Magazine and on the STLCC site), and concrete outcomes such as a published article and an essay‑contest award that included a Jefferson City trip.
Dr. Dino also described the Harrison Education Center partnership with STLCC: a first cohort of 14 Vashon students took English 101 in the fall and will take English 102 in the spring; students start the day at Vashon, walk to Harrison for college coursework, then return to campus. A student who attended said she earned an A in her first semester and appreciated college supports such as writing centers and counselors.
Board members and staff praised the program’s emphasis on multiple pathways, career technical education exposure, and student voice. One board member encouraged expansion to more schools and suggested showcasing student journalism efforts; students indicated plans for a school podcast and student publications.
Ending: The board heard the presentations and congratulated students and staff; district leaders said they will continue to highlight dual‑enrollment and career‑readiness programs at future meetings.
