The JAG Model and Student Success Beyond the Classroom

Academic success often depends on factors outside the classroom, such as attendance, confidence, and stability in life. Jobs for America’s Graduates – South Dakota (JAG-SD) addresses these challenges by providing support beyond academics. The JAG model emphasizes strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and consistent follow-up, ensuring students are not navigating transitions alone and educators aren’t carrying the full burden. By focusing on the human side of education, JAG helps students feel connected and capable, improving engagement, persistence, and readiness for college, career, and life.

Involvement
Across South Dakota, there are 18 JAG-SD programs with a total of over 560 students.

Outcomes
JAG-SD students exceed the state’s high school completion rate with a 99% graduation rate and an employment rate of 77%.

Empowerment
JAG-SD empowers students to become future leaders by engaging them in the JAG Career Association, which is a student-led organization where they hold officer roles, lead community service projects, and coordinate career readiness activities.

What makes JAG different?
The JAG model centers on long-term relationships that extend beyond graduation. Through the JAG Advantage framework, students develop essential competencies—communication, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and accountability—while gaining leadership opportunities and goal-setting skills. JAG complements classroom instruction by supporting attendance, connecting coursework to life goals, providing trusted adult guidance, and ensuring continuity for students who re-enter or adjust plans. Teachers view JAG as a consistent point of connection that keeps students engaged, accountable, and focused during and after high school.

Follow-up that complements classroom instruction
What makes JAG unique is its 12-month follow-up after high school, ensuring students aren’t navigating major transitions alone. JAG Specialists maintain monthly contact with graduates—whether they pursue college, enter the workforce, or need to adjust plans. Support includes help with postsecondary transitions, workplace challenges, setbacks, and reconnecting students to complete credentials. This continuity reflects JAG’s belief that success doesn’t end at graduation. By staying connected, JAG helps students solve problems in real time and keep moving forward, even when paths change.

Relationships That Matter: How JAG Builds Belonging in Middle and High School
Student learning thrives when they feel seen and supported, and JAG builds this through consistent, relationship-driven interactions that honor students’ strengths and goals. These connections help students gain confidence, persist through challenges, and link learning to future aspirations. The impact extends beyond individual students, who see improved engagement, stronger alignment between coursework and career goals, better communication, fewer disruptions, and higher attendance. These outcomes reflect the JAG Advantage, where relationships, relevance, and skill-building combine to prepare students for success.

Want to learn more about bringing JAG to your school? Contact Beth Schneider, JAG-SD State Director.