New Hampshire-Jobs for America’s Graduates (NH-JAG)

The mission of NH-JAG is to affect positive change in the lives of young people, by raising awareness of the future, increasing leadership skills that promote educational success, and developing conscious personal and career choices through collaboration with parents, schools, employers and community organizations.

NH-JAG is a state-wide non-profit organization affiliated with Jobs for America’s Graduates. Now in its twenty-first year, the NH-JAG program model is designed to support students in school, work, and life. The goals of NH-JAG are to decrease school dropout rates, improve attendance and academic standing, increase graduation rates, youth employment and enrollment in post-secondary education.

NH-JAG began a program at Winnacunnet High School in January of 2008 with funding through the Department of Education’s Alternative Education fund. Since that time, 75 students have participated in the program, building leadership skills, exploring career opportunities, discovering personal strengths, gaining confidence and learning to take pride in their personal achievements. Winnacunnet JAG students have also held several successful fundraisers, won trophies in several state-wide competitions and participated in community service activities. JAG program participants at Winnacunnet have achieved improvement in daily attendance and grade point averages as well as reduction in class tardies and disciplinary actions.

Any student is eligible to enroll in the JAG program and referrals are made through the guidance department. Students can earn 2 elective credits per trimester by obtaining academic, personal and employment competencies. Students who are interested in the program should contact their guidance counselor for more information.