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Student leaders tell state board JAGK boosts graduation, postsecondary success
Summary
Jobs for America's Graduates Kansas (JAGK) staff and student leaders presented program outcomes to the board, describing a competency-to-credential pilot and student stories of improved confidence, internships and postsecondary placement.
Jobs for America's Graduates Kansas (JAGK) presented to the State Board of Education on Nov. 13, describing the nonprofit's multi-year, competency-based career-development model and a credentialing pilot slated to expand across JAGK programs.
Bev Mortimer, JAGK chief innovation officer, said the program operates as an elective in participating schools and reported reach including 85 schools across 54 districts and 43 counties, serving more than 6,000 students beginning in sixth grade. Mortimer said a 2024 graduation rate for JAGK students was 99 percent with 90 percent of graduates engaged in postsecondary education, the military or employment within 12 months.
Three student officers gave personal testimonials. Aaron Foster said JAGK "taught me so much my freshman year, but most importantly, I learned how to speak in front of my class." Analicia Aquino and Macy Patterson described competition experiences, internship placements and how the program helped them plan career pathways; Mortimer described a pilot issuing digital badges and credentials tied to competencies in areas such as pathway navigation and financial literacy.
Board members praised the program and presented a JAGK education champion award to Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson for his support of the organization.
The presentation concluded with board members and staff encouraging continued partnership between JAGK and schools statewide.
