RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – Logan County High School celebrated the launch of its Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted the program’s potential to transform student futures.

The inaugural class of 45 students represents the first step in what school leaders and program officials hope will be a long-standing initiative to provide students with critical life and career skills. Starting next year, the program will expand to allow any student at the school to enroll.

JAG is a national program established in 1979 by Delaware Governor Pete DuPont and co-founder Kenneth Smith. Designed to combat challenges such as high dropout rates and unemployment, JAG has grown to serve more than 1.7 million youth across 36 states. Its mission is to empower students by providing them with the tools and support needed to succeed in education, employment, and life.

“JAG Kentucky has partnerships across the state of Kentucky,” said Stephanie Rickman, programs manager for JAG Kentucky. “We communicate with those partners and we find out the needs that our students have. We also work together with those organizations to provide students either employment immediately following graduation or we assist them with the skills that they need or assist them with finding post-secondary options that fit their future plans.”

Rickman noted the program’s success in Kentucky, highlighting its 99% graduation rate and a 100% connectivity rate, which ensures every graduate receives assistance during the year following graduation.

Logan County Schools Superintendent Dan Costellow praised the program’s ability to provide opportunities for students who may not have clear plans for life after high school.

“This is a great opportunity for our students who may have no other opportunities that they see for themselves,” Costellow said. “It provides ongoing support and provides a clear path and a successful path to something beyond graduation.”

JAG’s mission also includes equipping students with essential job skills and building connections that benefit both students and the local community.

“JAG does a good job of providing skills for students — resume skills, interview skills, networking skills — and just to keep the students in our community and continue to grow our community,” LCHS Vice Principal David Dayton said.

The program’s first students are already seeing its benefits. Junior Kayla French, who serves as the program’s secretary, credited JAG and her teacher, Ethan McGuire, with helping her overcome her hesitancy to engage socially and take steps toward her career goals.

“I’ve had a lot of problems with putting myself out there,” French said. “He will make [you try] … but it made me a little more comfortable going out and putting myself out there.”

Senior Angela Gloyd, the JAG vice president, said her decision to join was driven by a desire to be part of something new and impactful.

“Because it is a new program, I knew it was going to be a small class because it is the first year that it’s happened, and I just wanted to be there and do the ribbon cutting and be a part of something that could, I think, turn out really great,” Gloyd said.

During the ceremony, Logan County High School’s JAG program received a $1,000 donation from The Point Church, awarded after the class created a video detailing how the funds would be used to benefit the community.

JAG Specialist Ethan McGuire reflected on the program’s focus, which he said is tailored to students who may not yet have a defined path after high school.

“Most kids already have a pathway and they know what they’re going to do, and maybe this is for some that don’t have that yet,” McGuire said. “If that means a two-year first, if that means a four-year college first, or military first, that’s included in the program.”

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