Jobs for California’s Graduates (JCG) is a new program at San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino, working under the national organization Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The JCG program supports young people transitioning from high school to college and career-focused employment. The program is currently establishing itself in California and San Gorgonio High School is currently the sole public high school in the state with the multi-year program model of JAG.
The multi-year program model operates through an elective class for one to two years with follow-up servicesfor a period of one year beyond high school graduation. In class, students receive instruction on career development, job attainment, job survival, leadership and teamwork, communication and self-development using curriculum based in JAG Core Competencies. Unlike other elective classes, JAG students also become members of a student-led club that meets during class time. This student-led club, known as the JAG Career Association, provides opportunities for students to practice and demonstrate the skills they learn in class. Students work together to plan career exploration, leadership development, service-learning and social awareness activities throughout the year.
Outside of class, JAG students are supported by their JAG specialist to ensure they are succeedingacademically in all classes, and receiving the one-on-one support they need to prepare for post-secondaryeducation and/or employment. Following graduation, the JAG student receives 12 months of follow-up services.
During this time, the JAG specialist remains in contact with the student and provides them with support needed to succeed in their first year of college, technical training or employment.
These students are not only gaining skills but they are speaking to community and civic groups. They take the time to provide personal comments to others while getting experience that will help them accomplish a lot by strengthening their interpersonal skills.
The officers of JCG are as follows:
- Precious Strode – JCG Junior Vice President of Community Service
- Cazzmirr Middleton – JCG Secretary for the Junior Class
- Lisette Acosta – JCG Vice President of Civic Awareness
- Victor Castellanos – JCG Secretary for the Senior Class
- Lovely Malgra – JCG President
- Juana De Leon – JCG Public Relations Director
- Marissa Mendoza – JCG Member of Community Service Committee
- Christine Renteria – JCG Vice President of Career Development
- Marco Garcia – JCG Vice President of Social Awareness
Congratulations to all the JCG students and staff. You are marvelous and we admire you for taking theopportunity to implement this program in California. I’m sure your program will be a model for the nationalorganization.
Margaret Hill is a member the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education.
