ROADSCROSSA JAG NATIONAL NETWORK PUBLICATION

SUPPORTING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION, QUALITY JOBS AND SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

Despite the snow storm that hit Washington, D.C. on December 5, JAGconducted its most successful Leadership Awards Event in its 22 years ofserving at-risk youth.

Those attending were treated with inspiring remarks by Senator Tom Daschle,Senate Majority Leader, and JAG Founder, Governor Pete du Pont. Senator TomCarper, Governor Marc Racicot, Senator George Voinovich, Governor DonSundquist, Governor Ronnie Musgrove, Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, and Lt.Governor Mae Schunk played significant leadership roles in assuring asuccessful event. The most poignant moments occurred when young peoplefrom across the JAG National Network shared the dramatic impact the programhas had on their lives.

The Special Recognition Reception was held the evening of December 4 hostedby Senator Carper in the Russell Senate Building Caucus Room. SenatorDaschle commended JAG for its work and urged that the success of the JAGModel be offered to more young people and in more communities and states.

A highlight of the event were the remarks by the reigning Miss America, ErikaHarold, who shared her devastating experiences in early school life. Erika spentmuch of the morning on December 5th with JAG young people answeringquestions and encouraging them to take full advantage of the JAG experience.

The events were kicked off onDecember 4 with a luncheon co-hosted by JAG Chair, JulieEisenhower and Chair of theExecutive Committee Senator TomCarper. Those in attendance wereErika Harold, 2003 Miss Americaand representatives of the $25,000givers (Trustees), including:Verizon, Citigroup, Freddie Mac,Lee Hecht Harrison, and GeneralElectric.

Attendees Inspired by National Leaders

SPRING 2003

The Board of Directors establishedpriorities for 2003:

1. Enhancing the quality programservices to young people willalways be “job one.”

2. Rendering all available assis-tance to the JAG StateAffiliates in making the mostpersuasive case to theirfunding sources about thevalue of investing in the JAGModel programs.

“This year will to be one of the mostchallenging in our history given thedramatic shortfalls in so many statebudgets and the consequentincreased competition for WIA,TANF, and other sources offunding,” stated Ken Smith, JAGPresident.

Board Chair, Julie Eisenhower,invited State Affiliates torecommend ways that JAG can beof greatest value in educating andinforming decision-makers ofcurrent and prospective fundingsources. The national organizationoffered an array of video andPowerPoints to enhance presenta-tions by local and state affiliates.

There will also be a concentratedeffort to demonstrate the multipleimpacts that JAG programs have onimproving academic performanceand “closing the achievement gap”as defined under the “No Child LeftBehind” legislation. Senator TomCarper (DE-D) summarized theBoard’s discussion, “We believethat the NCLB will be one of thekey drivers in the decisions aboutretention and/or implementation ofthe JAG Model programs in highschools across the country.”

JAG National Priorities for 2003

Left to right, Governor Marc Racicott, Senator Tom Carper and Ken Smith alongwith other board members discuss the 2003 National Priorities.

We are delighted to announce that, as the Board ofDirectors had hoped, Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowaagreed to be the Chairman of the JAG Board of

Directors.

We are equally delighted that Julie Nixon Eisenhower hasagreed to serve as Vice-Chair of the Board filling a long-standing vacancy.

The Board expressed its deep appreciation to Julie for takingon the interim role as Chairman. Julie made multiple trips to“make the case” for Jobs for America’s Graduates to leadersof several state legislatures. In addition, she personallyreached out to new Republican governors in an effort to

capture their attention as they make very difficult budgetdecisions that could affect funds of the JAG organization inselected states.

Governor Vilsack’s election as Chairman came at a particu-larly opportune moment: the nation’s governors weregathering for their annual winter meeting in Washington at theend of February. It was a particularly crucial NGA meeting,given that almost half the governors were new. GovernorVilsack was great help in reaching out to his colleagues toencourage their support and/or consideration for the imple-mentation of the program in their states. Ken Smith andBarbara Wolf attended the conference as well.

Governor Tom Vilsack becomes Chairman of JAG Board of Directors

(continued on page 5)

Leadership Awards Events

Former Governor Pete du Pont (DE),Founder of JAG and Assistant SecretaryCarol D’Amico, U.S. Department ofEducation at the National LeadershipAwards Luncheon on December 5, 2002.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschlespoke at the National LeadershipAwards Reception on December 4,2002 at the Russell Senate OfficeBuilding in DC. (Senator Daschle’sremarks are on page 5).

Senator Tom Carper (DE) and Jobs forIllinois Graduates student, Aaron Hamm.

Terry Hansen, IBM and JAG Founder,Former Gov. Pete du Pont (DE).

Senator Steve Wise (FL), Desiree Dickson, Jobsfor Florida’s Graduates student and SenatorTom Daschle (SD).

National leaders attended the JAG events, included: FormerGovernor Marc Racicot (MT), Lt. Governor Sally Pederson(IA), 2003 Miss America Erika Harold, Senator Tom Carper(DE), Former Governor Pete du Pont (DE), Lt. Governor MaeSchunk (MN), Governor Donald Sunquist (TN), and SenatorGeorge Voinvich (OH)

Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa

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JAG Reaches Out to New Governors

In one of the largest changes in governmental leadership in American history, 24 new governors were inplace by the end of January. Half the states have new executive leadership. Of equal importance is adramatic change in both the make-up of state legislatures and their leadership. Approximately half the

state legislatures have new leadership as a result of the election of a large number of freshman legislatorsand term limits causing many state legislative leaders to retire. The leadership shift occurred when stateswere faced with dramatic budget shortfalls and sharply rising demands for funding of health care, education,and other services.

The JAG Board Chair, Julie Eisenhower, and Senator Tom Carper sent communications to all newgovernors. Each mailing was followed by a telephone call to seek the Governor’s support of the JAG Modeland offer assistance in how best to utilize existing JAG programs and/or create new program applications intheir state.

Governor Vilsak held one-on-one meetings with a dozen of the new governors during the NationalGovernors Association meeting in February 2003.

Joan CrockettSenior Vice President, Human Resources, AllstateInsurance Company, the nation’s largest publicly heldpersonal lines insurance company. She is a member of theAllstate Insurance Company Senior Management Team.

Ms. Crockett was recognized in 1997 as the HR Executiveof the Year by Human Resource Executive magazine.Under her leadership, Allstate has been recognized

numerous times by organizations and publications for creating a supportivework environment. Sources of this recognition include Working MotherMagazine, Fortune, Hispanic Magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor(Exemplary Voluntary Effort – EVE – Award), and Catalyst. In March 1999, Ms.Crockett was presented with the “Most Innovative HR Department of the Year”award from PricewaterhouseCoopers and Linkage, Incorporated. This presti-gious recognition acknowledges Ms. Crockett’s leadership role in providinginnovative and effective human resource initiatives aimed at achievingAllstate’s business objectives. She was inducted as a Fellow in 1999 to theNational Academy of Human Resources.

Ms. Crockett is actively involved in a number of civic, professional andcommunity organizations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from John CarrollUniversity in Cleveland, Ohio.

Roxanne DecykSenior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and HumanResources for Shell U.S. with responsibilities for mediarelations, corporate advertising, government relations,corporate communications, social responsibility, and humanresources in the U.S.

Prior to joining Shell, Roxanne served as managing partnerof a merchant bank and a strategic consulting firm. She

held senior positions within Amoco Oil Corporation and worked in theautomotive industry with Navistar, formerly International Harvester Company.Early in her career, she practiced law with a major U.S. firm and worked in theadvertising and public relations fields.

Active in a number of industry and community organizations, she has receivednumerous awards, including The Director Choice Award for outstanding serviceas an outside director, Marquette University Outstanding Alumna and Womanof the Year awards in the United States.

Roxanne is a native of Illinois and received a bachelor of arts degree from theUniversity of Illinois, a juris doctorate from Marquette University and prior tojoining Shell Oil, was working towards a doctorate in corporate governance atOxford.

Jim DuffyVice President, Human Resources– Senior HumanResources Officer for Citigroup’s Consumer Group. TheConsumer business is comprised of 120,000 employeesaround the world and includes businesses such asCitibanking, Cards, Primerica Financial Services,CitiFinancial, Diners Club, CitiMortgage, and CommercialMarkets. Prior to assuming this role, Jim held other HR

positions in the corporate office as well as Operations and Technology.

Before joining Citigroup, Jim held several senior Human Resources positions atAlliedSignal, Ingersoll-Rand and General Electric. Jim also serves on theBusiness Program Advisory Board for the School of Applied Economics andManagement, the Business Advisory Council, and the Center for AdvancedHuman Resource Studies at Cornell University.

Jim is a graduate of Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Jim and his wife, Penny, have three daughters and live in Allendale, NewJersey.

Mark NichollsSenior Vice President of Human Resources for theTechnology and Operations organization of Bank ofAmerica. He joined the Bank in May 2001 at their corporateheadquarters in Charlotte, NC.

Mark was previously employed by AlliedSignal/Honeywell.He initially joined AlliedSignal in January 1993. Prior to1993, Mark was Vice President of Human Resources for

Progressive Companies in Cleveland, Ohio. Mark began his career withMarathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio.

Mark is a 45 year-old native of Washington, Pennsylvania receiving his under-graduate business degree in Organization Development from Bowling GreenUniversity in Ohio and holds an MBA from the University of Georgia. Mark andhis family reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Introducing New Board Members

Senator Tom Carper (DE), reached out to GovernorMcGreevey of New Jersey to discuss a test of the JAGModel in New Jersey. A team from the New Jersey

Department of Labor, led by the Commissioner of Labor,Albert Kroll, visited Jobs for Delaware Graduates programin December. In addition JAG staff participated in a seriesof meetings arranged by Dr. Sue Lee, President, Jobs forDelaware Graduates. Commissioner Kroll and his staffwere clearly impressed with the young people who sharedthe value of the program from their perspective and thedramatic changes that have occurred in their life as a resultof participation in Jobs for Delaware Graduates.

A second team from the New Jersey Departments of Laborand Education visited Jobs for Delaware Graduates inJanuary to determine how best to proceed.

The program will likely be tested in several schools in oneor two cities serving at-risk young people under theleadership of the New Jersey Department of Labor.

JAG has attempted to find an opportunity to test the JAGModel in New Jersey and it appears that the test will beginin 2003-04 school year.

“The level of interest Kroll and the NJ Department of Laboris encouraging” said Ken Smith, JAG President.

Mr. Smith continued, “JAG will gladly provide technical andsupportive assistance to establish and grow Jobs for NewJersey Graduates in the years ahead.”

Progress on “Jobs for New Jersey Graduates”

Albert KrollNew Jersey Commissioner ofLabor

Julie Nixon Eisenhower Senator Tom Carper

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Five representative students fromJAG State Affiliates were selected tospeak at the 2002 National

Leadership Awards events. Theirmessages of hope and accomplishmentinspired an impressive gathering ofgovernment and corporate leaders.

Andrea WeeksJobs for VirginiaGraduates

Remarks at theVIP Reception

“My family and Imoved here justover a year agofrom Hawaii. My

father is in the Air Force. While living inHawaii, my life got turned upside down.June, 2001 was the turning point in mylife. I found out I was pregnant andvowed to be the best mother I could be.

In August, my dad received orders tothe Pentagon. We arrived in Baltimore,Maryland, around 8:30 a.m. onSeptember 11, 2001. Despite the chaossurrounding my family’s arrival to theDC area, my parents were determinedto find a supportive learningenvironment to enhance my chances forstaying in school. After an extensivesearch, we located Bryant AlternativeHigh School, in Alexandria, Virginia. Iwas placed into Project Opportunity, aprogram specifically designed forparenting and pregnant teens.

My counselors, Mrs. Link and Mr. Urso,encouraged me to participate in theJobs for Virginia’s Graduates Program.As a JVG member, I met other studentswho shared similar goals and values.This enabled me to adjust more easilyto my new school setting. I was alsogiven the chance to learn about theworld of work, to prepare me foremployment.

On February 26, 2002, I gave birth tomy baby boy, Ian. With the guidance ofmy JVG mentors, I was encouraged towork hard and to stay on top of myassignments. I became determined topursue a promising career that wouldhelp me financially support my son andme. As a result, on June 17, 2002, Igraduated a year early. The strongsupport and encouragement I receivedfrom my JVG mentors and my familyhelped me to graduate with a GPA of3.8. I am presently attending NorthernVirginia Community College, majoring inGeneral Studies. I am pursuing a two-year nursing degree to be a registerednurse.

It was through JVG and ProjectOpportunity that my goals became areality. I sincerely believe that JVGhelped me to turn my life around and onthe right track. I also believe that if I hadnot been involved in the program, Iwould have dropped out of school.”

AaronHammJobs forIllinoisGraduates

Remarks atthe VIPReception

“You may assume that the hardestobstacle I’ve had to overcome in my lifehas been my recent accident andparalysis. While on a mission trip withmy church youth group, I was riding afour-wheeler that missed a turn andsped off a 17-foot embankment, landingin a creek bed.

God spared my life, and, severalsurgeries later, and warnings of neverwalking again, I stand before you to tellyou that even though it has been atough haul, it has truly not been thehardest time of my life.

I remember feeling ashamed as a first-grader when my teacher made me stayin for recess and told me that the work Iwas failing was easy and I was just lazy.I remember the frustration of no matterhow I spelled something, I never knew ifthe word was correct or incorrect. Thestruggle of reading a page and havingno idea of what I had just read; beingtold that I would have to repeat a gradeand go to a school that could help mewith my learning disability.

But how do you go from that first-graderstruggling to an honor student withaspirations… It takes a team. It took myMom…, my Dad…, the school toprovide programs for learning disabil-ities without isolating the kids andmaking them feel dumb.

Today, Jobs for Illinois Graduatesencouraged me to dream and believethose dreams can be realized. It takes aspecial teacher, like my JILG Specialist,Mrs. Frick, to give direction to my ideas.She provides real-life training throughteam building activities, field trips, guestspeakers, and job shadowing.

It takes a national organization, likeJobs for America’s Graduates, to trainand encourage specialists to providestudents with real life experiences. JAGdoes not create alternative programs forkids who are lazy or stupid. The JAGteam is on our side to help us reach ourpotential — to become anything we candream.”

JessikaBedgoodJobs forAlabama’sGraduates

Remarks at theJoint Nationaland StateBoard Meeting

“JAG has been a source of inspirationto me, especially since I graduated in2001. I have always set high goals andstrived to do my best, yet I ran intoobstacles that almost took my life. Iwould not be standing here today if itwere not for JAG and my Job Specialist.

It has not been that long ago that eachday of my life was wildly despairing andacutely miserable, but today, I know thatit is a grand thing to be alive.

JAG is unlike any other school organi-zation that I know of. The specialiststruly care and provide one-on-oneassistance. Since I graduated, I havebeen to my JAG specialist for guidanceand advice more now than ever before,and she is constantly motivating me toreach my dreams. So remember,cherish your dreams and give thempriority, and remember, every hardshipis an opportunity in disguise.”

Jamie BramanJobs forFlorida’sGraduates

Remarks at theLeadershipAwardsLuncheon

“Today, when you look at me, what doyou see? A young lady with hopes andgoals and the ability to achieve them? Ifthat is what you see, then you are

correct. Had you met me last year, I amquite certain that you would not haverecognized me. As a matter of fact, youprobably would have avoided me. I wasnegative. My nickname was “Pinkie,”because that was just one of the colorsof my spiked, multi-colored hair. Bodypiercings were visible signs of howdesperate I was for acceptance by mypeers.

I was depressed and hopeless. Idropped out of school, I turned to drugsto take refuge, but found more pain.Last year was the very bottom of adeep pit for me. The pit was so deepthat I finally went to my counselor atschool and told her I wanted out. Notjust out of the classroom, though Imade good grades; not just out ofschool, though I was on target tograduate; I wanted out of life completely.I was suicidal. Life was absolutelyworthless.

My counselor referred me to Mr. RubenButler, a specialist at Elk Ridge HighSchool in Orlando. He ran a class calledJobs for Florida’s Graduates. Mr. Butlerpulled me through some very difficulttimes. He cared enough to prove to methat life did have meaning, that I couldmake a difference; not just with myself,but in the world that I’m in. He workedwith me as an individual; he became ashoulder to cry on in a crisis and hewas never judgmental. He was neverdegrading of my past and he taught mehow to make my difficult times intolearning experiences. That has helpedme to become much stronger.

As a junior last year, I was chosen to goto the Florida Legislature where I metFlorida Senator Steve Wise, the founderof JFG. Senator, thank you for yourvision and your belief in JFG. I’velearned that trusting adults can actuallybe good.

I am in my senior year of high schooland I plan on attending and graduatingfrom the Long Island Institute ofTechnology with a degree in roboticengineering. I will enroll in emergencymedical technician classes. I alsovolunteer in my community. As of lastweek, I volunteered with Habitat forHumanity and helped build a home for adeserving family.

I now know that goals are attainable, ifyou work hard. I have learned thatworking hard is its own reward.

Thank you for believing in JAG,because without you, young people likeme might be left out. Thank you forhelping save my life. I promise that I amworth it and I will make you proud.”

ToshuaHutchinsJobs for NewHampshire’sGraduates

Remarks at theLeadershipAwardsLuncheon

“I have been a student of JAG sinceSeptember of this year. I am enrolled inthe Out-of-School Youth Program inClaremont, NH. A dropout recoveryprogram operated by Jobs for NewHampshire’s Graduates and in the NewHampshire Community TechnicalCollege campus.

My younger brother, Daniel, was a

graduate of the Class of 2002. Thereare many things that led to my decisionto drop out of high school before gradu-ating. My parents divorced and mymother was granted full custody of mytwo younger brothers and me. Our livessoon became very chaotic.

At the age of 15, my mother took me,along with all of our animals, into the

woods and left us there with friends,vowing to return. She never returned.My brothers were sent to live withuncles. We didn’t get to see each otherfor nearly a year. The people I stayedwith were not kind. I lived with them fora year when finally, they threw me outbecause I was unable to pay rent. I wasonly 16 years old.

It was then that I lost all faith andrejected God. I had no way to get toschool, so I just stopped going. I was inthe 8th grade.

I went to live with Dan and Anna West,the couple who took me in and helpedme get back on my feet. They providedme with the love and security I hadnever known and without them, I don’tknow if I would have survived.

I was hired full-time at Wal-Mart inClaremont, New Hampshire, where I amcurrently employed. I am very thankfulto Wal-Mart for giving me the oppor-tunity to become self-supporting. It wasnice to learn that Wal-Mart supportssuch great organizations like JAG. Itmakes me proud to work for a companythat supports young adults.

This brings me to where I am today. Iapplied to the Out-of-School YouthProgram in July of 2002. Aftercompleting the form, I was told that Iwould not be eligible due to WIAfunding requirements. Julie Carson, theYouth Specialist, informed me of a grantthat had been awarded to the programthrough the Newport, New HampshireCharitable Fund that would allow me tobe part of the program.

Ms. Carson has never failed to remindus of how dedicated she is to thisprogram. She has truly invested in usand we are thankful to her. She remindsus of other people and organizationsdedicated to our success. The JAGprogram does so much for so manyyoung adults.

The JAG program has given me theopportunity to complete my secondaryeducation and learn valuable workplaceand life skills.

Education is so important and empow-ering. Without one, there is no promisefor success. Every single child shouldhave an education. An educationprovides a better future. High school isa very important part of a young adult’slife. No one should ever considerdropping out of school. Dropping out isnever a good decision. The JAG Out-of-School Program is not a high schoolreplacement; it is a second chance forthose that have no other choice.

I am now looking toward my future. Ihope to enter a four-year college andearn a degree in psychology, with thehope one day I can help other youngpeople navigate through life’s difficulttimes.

Thank you for making a difference in thelives of so many young people.”

Inspiring Students You Should Know

The JAG program has given me the opportunity tocomplete my secondary education and learn valuableworkplace and life skills.

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Governor Pete du PontJAG Founder

Governor Racicot, Governor Carper, Miss America, distinguishedlieutenant governors, JAG Specialists, JAG students.

In 1977, 1978, we had a lot of young people in Delaware in ourschools who couldn’t find their way from the school classroom to thereal world of work and jobs. There were thousands of them. Almost halfof our students dropped out of high school before they finished. AsGovernor Racicot said, we had a very bad recession going on in ourstate so there weren’t a lot of jobs available and so, somebody had todo something to get those young people into the real world.

We had a lot of helpers. Governor Carper is very modest about hisearly beginnings and shopping at the A&P. I was in Congress then andI used to go and campaign at that A&P and I saw this skinny little kidcoming in and shopping all the time and I never dreamed that he wouldbe elected state senator in the same election that I was electedGovernor. Though you would hardly know it from looking at us orlistening to us, we are from different political parties.

So, as the State Treasurer, he and I had to work together whether weliked it or not to get Delaware straightened out. Tom was good enoughto try to help with the Democraticlegislators who thought Jobs forDelaware Graduates was not avery good idea. With Tom’s and alot of people’s help, we weresuccessful.

Over 450,000 young peopleacross this country have comeback into the real world as aresult of Jobs for America’sGraduates.

I’m proud to have just been alittle tiny part of that at the verybeginning. This is one of the bestprograms that I’ve ever beenassociated with in my whole life.

Preventing YouthViolence and Bullying:

Respect Yourself,Protect YourselfMiss America 2003 Platform

“As Miss America 2003, I will workwith the White House Office ofNational Drug Control Policy, theU.S. Department of Education, U.S.Department of Health and HumanServices and the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention topursue an integrated marketingstrategy that builds grassrootssupport, enhances visibility andawareness, creates brand identity,and supports the mission ofleadership and empowermentcentral to both my platform ofpreventing youth violence and theMiss America Organization.”

Miss America 2003, Erica Harold

One of the benefits of being MissAmerica is having the opportunity totravel around the country and meet

people who are committed and passionateabout making a difference in the lives ofyouth.

One of the things that I noticed was thatmany young people who face obstacles ortrying situations, they don’t have people whoare willing to stand up for them. They don’thave people who are willing to give them asecond chance, and they don’t have peoplewho believe in them. And that’s one of thereasons why I am so proud to be affiliatedwith JAG, because this is an organizationthat recognizes that quite often, youngpeople face adversity and situations that

derail their opportunities and derail their futures through no fault of their own.

Sometimes I become cynical when I meet people who are in positions ofpower and who do nothing. Senator Carper has gone a long way towardsrestoring my faith and there are people on both sides of the aisle who arepassionate about young people, passionate about fighting for funding forcauses that matter and causes that are important. I thank you for such astalwart defender of this program.

And, to all the young people, I just want to encourage you: never let youropportunities, never let your tragedies define you. I think one of the mostimportant quotes in my life is by Tolstoi. It says, “It is by those who havesuffered that the world has been changed.” It means if you have facedobstacles or tragedies in your life, you can use them in a way to bepassionate and stand up for what you believe in.

When I am able to go into classrooms all across the country and look into thefaces of young people and say, “It does not matter what people say aboutyou, you can define yourself on your own terms,” I recognize that experiencenot only gave me power, but it gave me opportunity and it gave me a voice.

So I thank you for giving young people a voice, because they have incrediblyeloquent voices and they are using them well.

National Business PartnershipsBank of AmericaThe Bank of America hiring partnership is off the ground and moving in theright direction. The three JAG states selected for the pilot are Arizona,Georgia and Virginia, all of which have sites near Bank of America processingcenters. The shared objective of this partnership is to place JAG graduates inProof Operator positions at the processing centers. The screening and inter-viewing process for this position is intensive. Bank of America assigned arecruiter and an operations manager to each of the participating JAG states,so that JAG students and graduates are prepared for the demands of thehiring process and the job itself. Jason Moore in Arizona, Nedra Wakefield inGeorgia and Barry Glenn in Virginia have all done an outstanding job ofhighlighting the benefits of hiring JAG young people and driving the processso that local Specialists and managers will forge the strong relationships theyneed with this important employer/partner. Special thanks to Mark Nicholls,JAG Board member for championing the partnership.

Adecco After attending his first JAG Leadership Awards Luncheon, new Adecco USACEO, Julio Arrieta pledged to find new ways for the company to be involvedwith JAG and the young people served. Mr. Arrieta’s involvement wasencouraged by Steve Harrison, President of Lee Hecht Harrison, a division ofAdecco and a long-time standing member of the JAG Board of Directors.Steve is also head of Group Human Resources and President, CareerServices of Adecco NA, and one of JAG’s strongest corporate supporters.

2003 Miss America Erika Harold speaks atthe National Leadership Awards Luncheonon December 5, 2003 to a group ofstudents, and corporate and governmentleaders.

National and StateAffiliate Boards Meet

The National and State AffiliateBoard of Directors met immedi-ately following the National

Leadership Awards Luncheon onDecember 5 to look ahead to thechallenges and opportunities facingthe organization. The meeting beganwith remarks by JAG graduate,Jessika Bedgood from Alabama.Major trends facing at-risk youngpeople, were outlined by Dr. AndrewSum, Director of the Center for LaborMarket Studies at NortheasternUniversity.

Some of the key trends emphasizethe critically important role that Jobsfor America’s Graduates plays in thecurrent achievements of at-risk youngpeople and their future success.

The State and National leaderslooked ahead to some of the majorchallenges facing the organization in2003 with a special focus on theserious budget battles that lie aheadin the state legislatures to ensurecontinued funding of State Affiliates.Potential areas of assistance wereoffered by the national organization.A variety of ways to work collabora-tively were discussed.

The board members focused on thesubstantial number of projects andactivities that are being provided tothe Affiliates through the support ofthe Congress in two earmark grantsadministrated by the U.S. Departmentof Labor.

“It is by those who have sufferedthat the world has been changed.”

— Tolstoi

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2002 Leadership Awards FundersCompany

Trustees ($25,000)Adecco

Citigroup, Inc.Freddie Mac

Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.MBNA America

The Procter & Gamble CompanyVerizon Communications

Sponsors ($10,000+)Agere Systems

All-Star Wrestling Association/Father Jason SandersonThe Allstate Corporation

American Chemistry CouncilBank One Corporation

DuPontEducational Testing Service

First Union/WachoviaFord Motor Company

General Dynamics Decision SystemsGeneral Electric Company

General Motors CorporationHay Group, Inc.

HCAThe Home Depot

J.P. Morgan ChaseKimberly-Clark Corporation

Lee Hecht HarrisonThe McGraw Hill Companies

Mercer Human Resource ConsultingOhio Business Roundtable

Shell Oil CompanySpencer Stuart

Toys “ ’’ UsUnited Parcel Service

U.S. Chamber of CommerceVisa International

Associates ($5,000+)Burson-Marsteller

DaimlerChrysler Corporation FundNationwide Insurance Enterprise

Donors ($2,500+)Alliance Data Systems

IBM CorporationOhio Health

Michael HogrefeTowers Perrin

Lawrence R. Phillips

Patrons ($1,000+)Acloche´

General AtomicsManagement and Training Corporation

Thomas F. Needles

“I guess I would simply start by saying“Thank you.” I know that you could bein so many different activities butyou’ve chosen this one. Linda and Ibecame grandparents for the first timethis year, not once, but twice. We havea six-month-old grandson whosename is Henry Thomas and a six-week-old granddaughter whose nameis Ava Lucille, and they’re the joys ofour life. We got to spend a lot of timewith them over Thanksgiving. We evenbaby-sit from time to time, so we arein our glory.

When Henry was born, a friend ofmine called to congratulate me andhe said something that I’ve notforgotten and I’ve used in severalcontexts ever since. I’d never heard itsaid quite this way before, but hesaid, “You know, Tom, our children area message to a future that we will notsee. What kind of a message will wesend?” He went on to say thathowever it is that we treat our grand-children, however it is that we reachout and make them full partners insociety, is the responsibility of not onlythe parents, but the grandparents.

I think you’re in JAG in part becauseyou understand that our children,these children, are a message to afuture that we will not see. I’m toldthat 450,000 children now havebenefited, that 70,000 currentlybenefit from what it is you do eachand every time under the auspices ofJAG you help and reach out, and inso doing, send a message to a futurethat we will not see.

I think that’s really what JAG is allabout. For every beneficiary, for everystudent, for every child, there was amentor. There was somebody whoreached out and touched their lives.And I’ll bet if you go back to those450,000 people, you’re gonna finddoctors, lawyers, educators andbusiness people. Because there wassomebody.

I’ve always believed that our countrywas built on two pillars: the free enter-prise system and a free anddemocratic republic. And it’s those twopillars that hold up all of our society,all of our success, all of our future.That’s really what JAG is all about.JAG is a realization that you needboth pillars to send a message to afuture that we will not see and tounderstanding in that partnership andwith those two pillars, we have anopportunity to build this country andto make it stronger through our youthand the next generation.

I just want to say in the most heartfeltway, that I applaud what you’re doing.When the study came out, “A NationAt Risk,” many, many years ago, itwas JAG, even before that, that saidwe understood that if our children aregoing to succeed, they need aneducation. When we passed the “NoChild Left Behind” Act last year, it wasthis organization that said from thevery beginning and advocatedthrough Tom and many of our leaderswhat we needed to do to make surethat we provide the kind of oppor-tunity for accountability in schools thatthe “No Child Left Behind” Act willprovide.

I had a lot of mentors over the yearsthat have meant a lot to me. One ofmy favorites, and I’ll end with this,was Claude Pepper. Claude Pepperwas the congressman from Florida, aformer senator and then became amember of the House. I used to goand ask him for advice. At one point,when I asked him for advice on howyou could make the most difference,he took off some Coke-bottle glasseshe was wearing and he said as hewas holding the glasses, “You know,what you really need is 20/20eyesight.” And then he correctedhimself and said, “But I really don’tmean physical eyesight. Obviously, Idon’t have that anymore.” But he said,“What I’m really talking about is theinterest and the involvement, two ‘I’s,’interest and involvement in yourcountry, in your community, in theSenate, in the House. 20/20 “i-sight.”

I have a feeling that you know what20/20 “i-sight” is all about or youwouldn’t be here. You have that 20/20“i-sight” and with that, with thecommitment of the two pillars, we aregoing to send a strong, positivemessage to a future we will not see.”

Allstate Visits JILGOn February 7, 2003 representatives from Allstate (Northbrook office) visitedthe Jobs for Illinois Graduates program at Mundelein High School in Illinois.Allstate representatives included JAG Board Member Joan Crockett.Students provided the special guests with an overview of the programincluding testimony from a former JILG student succeeding in life after highschool. Students presented how their career association chapter will bemeeting the goals of the organization and highlighted the service learningprojects they have accomplished. Students discussed the impact the programis having on their lives and how they have benefited from the program’sgoals.

Senator Tom DaschleDec. 4, 2002

Governor Vilsack personally madethe decision to bring the program toIowa – overcoming clear “uncer-tainties” about the program by somemembers of his cabinet early in hisfirst term. Also representative of thecommitment to the program, Lt.Governor Sally Pederson personallychairs the Board of “Iowa JAG.” Iowais one of our most effective programsand is a model for those interested inconsidering implementation of theJAG Model in their state.

Plans for the Spring meeting of theBoard of Directors, under theleadership of Governor Vilsack will bereleased shortly.

We will continue to evaluate potentialcandidates from among Republicangovernors to serve in a seniorleadership position as part of ourstrategy to have a combination ofDemocratic and Republicangovernors in leadership roles to reachtheir colleagues and support the workof State Affiliates.

Governor Tom Vilsack (continued from page 1)

R

6

National Student LeadershipConference

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)is a three-day event held annually in Washington,D.C. The 2002 event exceeded all expectations! For

many of the 200 students who were in attendance, itwas a life-changing event.

Each year, the NSLC begins with a Question andAnswer Session with the reigning Miss America. ErikaHarold, 2003 Miss America, delivered an addressstressing tolerance, kindness, and acceptance ofindividual differences. Her platform focused on theimportance of eliminating bullying; our JAG studentsidentified with her personal stories of being “picked on”as she was growing up.

Erika built an instant rapport and comfort level with theJAG students as they asked a range of questions frompersonal to professional. The JAG students felt no intimi-dation whatsoever and it was extremely obvious thatMiss America was exceedingly forthright in herresponses. For example, when questioned about whatshe viewed as important qualities of a spouse, shereplied, “Integrity, intelligence and good values.” Shestressed that, “Each of you are worth having the best!”

The JAG Awards Luncheon followed the Q&A with MissAmerica. Students had an opportunity to interact withJAG’s corporate sponsors as well as state legislatorsand program leaders throughout the JAG NationalNetwork.

The next two days were filled with leadership devel-opment activities and tours of the White House,Smithsonian, Arlington Cemetery and other historicalsites in the District of Columbia.

The leadership workshops were experiential empha-sizing communication, trust, teamwork, honesty, follow-ership and leadership.

Leadership Corporation of the Year

MBNA AmericaCharles Cawley

President and CEOMBNA Corporation

Corporate LeaderSandy Weill

Chairman and CEOCitigroup

20th Founder s Anniversary Award

The HonorablePierre S. du Pont, IV

Governor (1980-1985)State of Delaware

Government Leader of Year Award

The Honorable Don SundquistGovernor

State of Tennessee

20th Year of JAG Leadership Award

The Honorable Bob TaftGovernor

State of Ohio

Education Leader AwardThe Honorable Theodore Sergi

CommissionerConnecticut Department of

Education

National Workforce Development

Leadership AwardRusty Skinner

Executive DirectorCLM Workforce Board

State of Florida

National Above and Beyond Award

Dr. Belle WheelanSecretary of Education

State of Virginia

National Network Leadership Award

Steve RobertsChairman, Jobs for

West Virginia GraduatesChairman, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Vincent MirizioVice Chairman

Jobs for Arizona Graduates

Special RecognitionJudith Schilling

Bracewell & Patterson, LLP

National Leadership Award Recipients

The Honorable Pete du Pont (DE) receives the 20thFounder’s Anniversary Award, presented by student,Joshua Reisinger (OH) and Governor Marc Racicott (MT).

Governor Don Sundquist (TN) receives the GovernmentLeader of the Year Award, presented by student, CoreyGreene (TN) and U.S. Senator George Voinovich (OH).

Jim Duffy, Citigroup receives the Corporate Leader Awardfor Mr. Sandy Weill, Chairman and CEO, Citigroup.

Vincent (Vinni) Mirizio (AZ) receives a National NetworkLeadership Award presented by Lt. Governor SallyPederson (IA), Senator Tom Carper (DE), Governor MarcRacicott (MT), 2003 Miss America Erika Harold, Lt.Governor Mae Schuck (MN) and Governor RonnieMusgrove (MS).

Rusty Skinner (FL) receives the National WorkforceDevelopment Leadership Award presented by Lt.Governor Sally Pederson (IA), Senator Tom Carper (DE),Governor Marc Racicott (MT), 2003 Miss America ErikaHarold, Lt. Governor Mae Schuck (MN) and GovernorRonnie Musgrove (MS).

Special Recognition Award presented to Judith Schilling,Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., by Lt. Governor SallyPederson (IA), Senator Tom Carper (DE), Governor MarcRacicott (Mt), 2003 Miss America Erika Harold, Lt.Governor Mae Schuck (MN) and Governor RonnieMusgrove (MS).

National Above and Beyond Award is presented to Dr.Belle Wheelan (VA), by Governor Sally Pederson (IA),Senator Tom Carper (DE), Former Governor Marc Racicott(MT), 2003 Miss America Erika Harold, Lt. Governor MaeSchuck (MN) and Governor Ronnie Musgrove (MS).

Charles Cawley

The HonorableBob Taft

The HonorableTheodore Sergi

Steve Roberts

“This conference helped me realize the

difference JAG has made in my life. There

are so many things I got to experience

that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

ÒI enjoyed meeting all the otherstudents from around the country.Ó

Students had the following to sayabout the 2002 NSLC:

“I had an absolute blast and learned

about myself and JAG all at the

same time.”

ÒThis was a great opportunity.

I wish the conference could

have been for a week!Ó

Sandy Weill

7

These are responses to the question - ÒHow has JAG made a difference in you?Ó

“JAG has given me confidence to succeed.”

“My JAG Specialist has been the person I could talk to.”

“Because of JAG, I have learned to make better decisions.”

“The biggest gift I’ve received from JAG is learning how to handle conflict indifferent situations.”

“I believe in myself—thanks to JAG. My eyes are wide open to who I wantto be and I continuously work toward my goal.”

“JAG has kept me in school. I come to school because of this program!”

“I know I’m not alone and there are other people just like me. JAG saved me.”

“My Specialist has been the stable person in my life. He’s believed in me andhas helped me learn to believe in myself!”

“The Career Association helped develop my leadership skills. I’m a strongerleader and much better as a teamplayer.”

“I was shy and not able to talk with people. JAG helped me with mycommunication skills and confidence in talking to adults.”

“I’ve been able to give to my community and to people I’ve not met. That feelsgood!”

“JAG has helped me work through family issues and personal problems.”

NSLC 2003Competitive Event Winners

Employability Skills

1st - Corey Green - Tennessee2nd - Jerry Finch - Delaware3rd - Vedell Smith - Ohio

Public Speaking

1st - Elizabeth Fletcher - Kentucky2nd - Jerry Welker - Ohio3rd - Genice Hughes - Delaware

Cover Design

1st - Brittany Howell - Tennessee (received by Joshua Smith)

2nd - Kayla Looney - Kentucky3rd - Cassie Huffsteadler - Tennessee

(received by Corey Green)

Ray Dionne Inspires Everyone to StickTheir Neck Out

The courage and commitment of Ray Dionne, a 12-year Job Specialist withJobs for Maine’s Graduates Program at Nokomis Regional High School inNewport, taught others that “a turtle doesn’t make progress until it is

willing to stick out its neck.”

In April 2001, Ray was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.The disease, which destroys the body’s motor neurons and causesprogressive muscle weakness and paralysis, is famous for killing baseballplayer Lou Gehrig. ALS patients gradually lose their ability to walk, to talk, toeat and to breathe normally - usually within two to five years.

Ray is a living testimony of his “turtle philosophy.” Ray spoke at the 2002National Training Seminar in New Orleans in July and was a facilitator at the2002 National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, DC inDecember, along with Jeff Chick, a long-time Job Specialist in Maine. Ray’swords of inspiration and challenge impacted the members of the audiencesand hundreds more that have viewed the video distributed by JAG.

Thank you Ray for giving yourself to everyone with whom you’vetouched with your “turtle philosophy” commitment to young people, andkeeping us focused on what’s most important in a JAG Model Program.

Ray Dionne receives Special Recognition Award, presented by Shauna Bean, Kingswood RegionalHigh School, Wolfeboro, NH, Former Governor Marc Racicot (MT), Senator Tom Carper (DE), Lt.Governor Sally Pederson (IA), 2003 Miss America Erika Harold and Lt. Governor Mae Schunk (MN)

Sara Bueno, Director of Training, Jobs forArizona’s Graduates and Julie Ray, Vice Presidentof Jobs for America’s Graduates. Sara served asthe Director and Julie as the Co-Director for the2002 National Student Leadership Conference.Great job, Sara and Julie!

Joshua Smith (TN) performs at theStudent Talent Show on the last night ofNSLC 2002.

Thinking Outside the BoxSubmitted by Job Specialist, Carolyn McElfresh, Ridgewood HighSchool and Program Manager, Jodi Wilkins, East Central CareerPrograms, Ohio

This story illustrates why Job Specialists should never give up evenafter a student is expelled from high school. Staying in contact withstudents requires “thinking outside the box.”

A student joined the R.W. High School Jobs for Ohio’s GraduatesMulti-Year Program as a freshman. He was 16 years old and had nohigh school credits. His documented barriers included:

1. Low Academic Performance2. Basic Skills Deficient3. Family environment not conducive to education or career goals4. Has a documented alcohol and/or substance abuse5. Convicted of a criminal offense other than a traffic violation6. Has a record of violent behavior7. Lacks motivation or maturity to pursue education or career

goals8. Member of a single parent family

The student had been expelled from other schools in the area andhad spent some time at the County Alternative School. After the firstquarter, the student’s behavior became a problem and the schoolwas forced to seek expulsion.

The student’s mother did not want her son expelled and spoke to theJob Specialist about any alternatives. The Job Specialist recom-mended home schooling which was approved.

The Job Specialist continued contact with the student and his motherthe remainder of the school year. Although the Specialist was unableto document the student’s attainment of JAG competencies, she wasable to follow his academic progress.

In the summer, the Job Specialist suggested that the student inves-tigate a GED. The local CORC/WIA office helped him securepermission from his school district’s superintendent to take the GEDexam since he was not 18 years old. That summer, the student tookthe exam and in September he received a GED.

The student stated that without his Job Specialist, he would not havereceived the GED. He did not complete a traditional high schoolprogram and did not complete the traditional in-school portion ofJOG’s Dropout Prevention program. However, because of his specialcircumstances and his success on the GED, the Job Specialistplaced the student in the follow-up phase of the JOG program. Shecontinued working with the student on the JAG competencies withthe goal of helping him find a job prior to the end of the follow-upperiod.

8

Dr. Andy SumDirector, Center for Labor Market Studies, Northeastern University

Dr. Sum has been a strong advocate of the JAG Mission since 1980. He was a member of the

design team for the JAG Model and the accountability system which has evolved from a paper-

based to an Internet-based system. The Center for Labor Market Studies will implement the JAG

Research Plan for the Classes of 2002 and 2003.

YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES HAVE FACED A VERY DIFFICULT TIME FINDING FULL-TIME JOBS

There are powerful long-term effects from being able to work full-time from the time JAG grads leave school into their early 20’s. When thelabor market softens and reduces overall employment, it pushesgraduates out of full-time work. The loss of full-time work has very long-term adverse effects on their overall economic well-being.

On average, only about 5 out of 10 young high school graduatesunder the age of 22 are working full-time. The full-time job market isparticularly critical for the JAG program, as Dr. Sum has advocated, forfour (4) reasons.

• Young adults that have worked full-time not only have attained higherhourly wages than those who work part-time, but they work on averagetwice as many hours a week. The weekly earnings of those youngadults (remember, I am talking about high school graduates) who workfull-time are more than twice as high as those who work part-time.

• Young adults who work full-time are far more likely to receive keyemployee benefits, health insurance, pension benefits, vacation pay,and tuition reimbursement.

• Young adults employed full-time are 3 to 4 times more likely to betrained on-the-job than those who work part-time.

• Longitudinal research in which my colleagues and I have been involvedat the Center for Labor Market Studies shows that the long-term returnto workers from working full-time is overwhelmingly higher than thelong-term rate of return from working part-time.

Every year that a young adult works full-time, they will increase theirfuture wages by somewhere between 4 and 5 percent a year. Thosethat work part-time, wages will rise by less than 1 percent a year forevery year of part-time work.

FIVE MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR THE NATION’S YOUTHWORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM THAT JAGMODEL PROGRAMS ADDRESS

Dr. Sum presented five major challenges at the Annual Conference of theNational Association of Workforce Investment Boards. These challengescan be overcome when implementing JAG Model State Organizations andLocal Programs.

1. Assist the nation’s high schools in substantially improving the highschool graduation rate for young adults. Only 70% of the nation’steens have left high school with a regular high school diploma.Youngmen, Blacks and Hispanics, and high school students in large publicschool districts are far more prone to leave high school without adiploma.

2. Increase the quantity and quality of job opportunities for highschool students especially from economically disadvantaged families,other local income youth, and residents of high poverty neighbor-hoods.

3. Strengthen the transition from high school to the labor market,especially for those graduates who do not immediately enroll in fouryear colleges and universities.

4. Increase access to postsecondary educational opportunities formen, especially those from lower income families and from largepublic school districts. Gender gaps are growing for every race-ethnicgroup. Women are far more likely to obtain associate and bachelordegrees than men.

5. Improve formal training, apprenticeship training, and employer-funded offsite training opportunities for high school graduates to boosttheir long-term wages and annual earnings and enable more of themto achieve middle class incomes and raise stable families.

Governor Vilsack issued the callfor the Spring meeting of theJAG National Board of

Directors. The Hotel Fort Des Moineshas hosted important meetings forover 80 years. Governor Vilsack andLieutenant Governor Pederson willhost the meeting, including areception and dinner at theGovernor’s Residence in DesMoines, Iowa on May 28-29, 2003.The reception will focus on encour-aging support by the legislature forfuture funding for the JAG Model, aswell as seeking private-sectorcommitments to sustain the programin the schools in which it currentlyoperates. Governor Vilsack andLieutenant Governor Pederson’scommitment provides for adequatefederal funding to continue the JAGModel at the current level for nextyear.

The Board meeting will focus onseveral key issues, including:

• Identify additional efforts to aid theState Affiliates that remain in

jeopardy during the closing daysof their respective state legislature.

• Discuss options to encourage newstates to test the JAG Modelduring this difficult economicperiod.

• Review the plan to conduct aresearch and analysis of theimpact of Jobs for America'sGraduates for the past 15 years,utilizing the U.S. Department ofLabor Earmark Grant.

• Review the "Multi-Year ProgramApplication" of the JAG Model todetermine potential ways toexpand the number of programsfocused on dropout prevention.

• Determine if JAG should conduct afundraising effort to support theTrust for Jobs for America’sGraduates.

• Review the status of JAG’sStrategic Plan and consider appro-priate modifications and/orenhancements.

Governor Vilsack Calls for SpringMeeting of the JAG National Board

THOMAS J. VILSACK was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, orphaned atbirth, and adopted in 1951. He received a bachelor's degree fromHamilton College in Clinton, New York in 1972, and received a law degree

from Albany Law School in 1975. Vilsack was elected mayor of Mt. Pleasant,Iowa in 1987, and was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1992. In 1998 hebecame Iowa's first Democratic governor in more than 30 years and was re-elected to a second term in 2002.

Governor Vilsack has maintained Iowa’s national reputation for sound fiscalmanagement. He has worked to make Iowa a national leader in children’shealth care coverage, with 94% of all Iowa children having health insurance.He has helped continue Iowa’s tradition of excellence in education byreducing class sizes in the early grades of elementary school for three yearsin a row. As a result, Iowa’s fourth-graders have placed among the best in thenation in math and science progress and reversed a ten-year decline inreading test scores. Governor Vilsack has worked to make Iowa a nationalleader in life sciences and value-added agriculture, boosting Iowa’s economywith $265 million in value-added agricultural investment, doubling the numberof ethanol plants, and supporting biotech research.

Governor Vilsack is now leading Iowa on an ambitious agenda to transformthe economy. He has proposed the creation of the Iowa Values Fund, a $500million public/private partnership to help create 100,000 high-paying high-skilljobs over the next four years.

Governor Vilsack is the Vice-Chair of the Democratic Governors’ Associationand a member of the National Governors’ Association Executive Committee.He is a founding member and former chair of the Governors BiotechnologyPartnership and the incoming Chair of the national Jobs for America’sGraduates (JAG) program. He and his wife Christie have two sons.

Introducing the Elected Chair of theJAG National Board of Directors

9

JAG Launched its DOL-II CongressionalEarmark Grant

The 2002 Congressional Earmark Grant, referred to as DOL-II, providesfunds to produce an assortment of tools and deliver a set of servicescritical to the National Network. Most of the tools will be in-serviced at the

2003 National Training Seminar. The grant award was for $1,000,000.

e-Learning Courses• Effective Connections with Employers

• Implementing the Career Association

• National Accreditation Process

• Managing State and Local JAG Programs

• Implementing the Web-based National Data Management System

Handbooks• Best Practices in Employer Marketing, Job Development, Placement and

Follow-up Services

• Update and expand the National Career Association Handbooks

• National Accreditation Process

Staff Development• Train-the-Trainer Workshop–National and State Trainers

• Train-the-Trainer Workshop–Improving the Career Association

• Train-the-Trainer Workshop–Site Reviewer Certification

• Management Team Workshop—focus on developing and implementing acomprehensive employer marketing, job development, placement, andfollow-up plan

• Site Reviewer Preparation Workshop

• Management Skill Improvement Workshop

• Coaching and Supervisory Skill Improvement Workshop

JAG Website

Build and host home pages for 10 state affiliates to provide visibility for stateand chapter activities, events, and recognize outstanding student leaders andprograms of work

National Center for Best Practices (NCBP)

NCBP will identify, record and disseminate best practices to the JAG NationalNetwork and recognize high performers at JAG national events

e-NDMS Data Reports• Produce state reports for the JAG National Network

• Produce a national report that documents the performance outcomes forthe Class of 2002 and the in-school process for the Class of 2002

• Create PowerPoint presentations that can be used at Board meetings, staffmeetings, donor meetings, and other stakeholder events to describe theprocess and performance outcomes as captured in JAG’s accountabilitysystem—e-NDMS and accreditation process

Accreditation Process• Conduct site reviews

• Produce National Accreditation Reports based upon:

– e-NDMS Management Reports and Analysis

– On-site Review Reports

– Destination Validation Surveys

– Awards and Recognition List

On-site Management Assistance• In response to Action Plan filed by State Affiliate

• In response to request by Funding Source

• In response to request from the CSA Representative

National Employer Validation Research Study

Study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Career Association Member Validation Research Study

Study conducted by the Center for Best Practices/JAG Field Services toImprove the student-led Career Association

Site Reviewers’ Forum and Trainers’ Forum

Professional development events for state leaders, managers, andspecialists was held in Cleveland, Ohio January 14-17—Site Reviewers’Forum and Trainers’ Forum. Both were well-attended and received an

overall rating of “excellent.”

The Site Reviewers’ Forum accomplished two main initiatives: 1) Helpstates better prepare for the JAG Accreditation process and 2) Train candi-dates to be a Site Reviewer. The Forum participants were fortunate to haveseveral individuals who were JAG certified Site Reviewers. Their expertiseadded to the richness of the learning in the Forum and helped JAG analyzeways to improve the Accreditation process.

A team from Maine that included Liz Cannell and Joe Haney along withExecutive Vice President for JAG, Dr. Jim Koeninger, led the SiteReviewers’ Forum. Participants from around the network included: Ohio—Lee Blanton, Roger Lattanzi, Elizabeth Little, Pam Macer, John McConnell,and Jenny Powell. Montana’s management team participated—Drea Brown,Marilyn Daumiller, Nancy Elliott, and Lorelee Robinson. Florida had threeattend—Matt Guse, Becky Poston, and Susan Shows. Others included AliceGaulden (MS), Elaine Lyman (WV), Carmen Sparkman (TN), Barabara Wolf(National JAG), Paul Booden (JAG consultant), Sally Douglass (JAGconsultant), and Roger Spugnardi (JAG consultant).

The Trainers’ Forum was held at the same time in Cleveland which wasnice for the participants in both sessions to share ideas over lunch anddinner.

The 3 1/2 day Trainers’ Forum not only focused on delivering training tostaff, but explored the concept of Human Performance Improvement andhow states can grow their programs by using a range of interventions(training being only one). The participants walked a way with surveys,models, and professional development plans they created for their specificstates’ needs. The enthusiasm was high about “going home and making adifference.”

Anne Risch, Senior JAG Trainer and Julie Ray, JAG Vice President ofLearning, facilitated the Forum with 10 in attendance. They included: DebiSchaztle-Baker (CT), Joyce Heinl (OH), Alison Cornelli (OH), Kim Kelly(OH), Ron Rider (OH), Donna Leighton (WV), Lisa Kendrick (GA), SonjaMcKinnon (GA), Ron Fowler (NH), and Lisa Stemple (WV).

Congressional Earmark Grant Approved

The DOL-III Earmark provides funds to launch an aggressive researchplan, develop e-learning modules, and an assortment of projects toenhance the infrastructure of the JAG National Network.

20th Annual NationalTraining Seminar

JULY 7-10 PRE-NTS WORKSHOPS

JULY 10-12 NATIONAL TRAINING SEMINAR

CHICAGO, IL

LocationHyatt at McCormick Place

2233 South Martin Luther King Drive Chicago, IL 60616-9985

Confirmed Room Rates for 2003Single and Doubles – $125; Triples – $135; and Quads – $145 (Plus state, local and occupancy taxes estimated to be 14.9%)

Registration FeesPre-NTS Registration Fee – $295

National Training Seminar Registration Fee – $295

Governor Marc Racicott (MT), recognizedMs. Veronica Small-Eastman who waselected to the 2003 Montana StateLegislature. Ms. Eastman is a Specialist ina Jobs for Montana’s Graduatesprogram. Ms. Eastman believes,“Montana must provide a qualityeducation for all students.” Now she willbe able to make a difference not only inthe classroom but in the Montana StateLegislature.

10

Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates Research Findings

Ohio’s Proficiency Test Comparison

Class of 1994 Highlights:

• For the Class of 1994, JOG served 5,949 seniors. Upon admission to theJOG program, 27.21% of the seniors had not passed the Ohio ProficiencyTest on September 1 at the beginning of their senior year. For all OhioSeniors, 15.0 % had not passed the Ohio Proficiency Test on September 1at the beginning of the senior year. JOG selected 12.21% more studentswho had not passed the Ohio Proficiency Test than the all Ohio Seniorpercentage (15.0).

• At the close of the one-year post-graduation follow-up period, JOGimproved the proficiency test pass rate from 72.29% to 94.22% for animprovement rate of 21.93 percentage points.

• During the same period, Ohio improved the proficiency test pass rate from85.0% to 98.0% by June 30 of the year after graduation for an improvementrate of 13 percentage points (or 8.93 percentage points less than JOGseniors).

• JOG improved the proficiency test pass rate nearly nine (9) percentagepoints by the close of the one-year post-graduation follow-up period.

• For the Class of 1994, 94.22% of JOG seniors completed the OhioProficiency Test after one year following graduation. For all seniors, 98%passed the Ohio Proficiency Test.

Class of 2001 Highlights:

• For the Class of 2001, JOG served 7,651 seniors of which 21.74% had notpassed the Ohio Proficiency Test on September 1 at the beginning of theirsenior year. For Ohio Seniors, 12% had not passed the Ohio ProficiencyTest.

• At the close of the one-year post-graduation follow-up period, JOGimproved the proficiency test pass rate from 76.98% to 97.03% for animprovement rate of 20.05 percentage points.

• During the same period, Ohio improved the proficiency test pass rate from88.0% on September 1 to 99% by the close of the one-year post-graduationrate follow-up period for an improvement of 11 percentage points.

JOG Proficiency Test Success

• Since 1996, JOG selected an increasing percentage of seniors who had notpassed the Ohio Proficiency Test. (17.95% to 23.02%)

• Since 1994, JOG produced an increasing percentage of seniors who hadpassed the Ohio Proficiency Test. (94.22% to 97.03%)

College Retention

• Since the Class of 1997, JOG has tracked college retention rates. Exceptfor the Class of 2000, more than 80% of JOG graduates who enrolled thefall semester of their freshman year returned to college for the springsemester.

Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates is producing a report on its return to school ratefor the lower grade youth served in school year 2001-2002. At this stage incollecting data, 91.2% of those served in 2002 returned to school in 2003and 1% were in GED programs. By the close of the data gathering process,JOG believes that the return to school rate will be 95%.

National Parent’s DayTeresa Dow, State Director of Jobs for ArkansasGraduates, was selected by the National Parent’s DayCouncil of Arkansas to be their “Personal CourageAward” Parent’s Day recipient for Arkansas. TheCouncil selected five (5) parents for the nomination. Theselection committee chooses one parent that bestexemplifies the idea of what true, good parents are.

Teresa received her award on July 27, 2002 in LittleRock. When asked to comment about the recognition,Teresa said: “I couldn’t have been a good parentwithout the help of family and friends.”

National Parent’s Day is a national day of commemo-ration that was passed by Congress and signed into lawby former President Clinton in 1994. It is observed every4th Sunday in July annually.

2003 Task Forces

Five task forces have been formed to make recommendations tostrengthen the JAG National Network through the quality of servicesprovided by the national organization.

The 2003 National Training Seminar Task Force is chaired by MichelleTrueblood, Jobs for Illinois Graduates. The task force has brought forwardrecommendations for Pre-NTS Specialized Workshops for “specializedpositions,” and NTS Best Practices Workshops for new specialists andexperienced specialists. The final recommendation will enhance theNational Training Seminar agenda and experience, including the Openingand Closing Sessions, Dinner and Luncheon Sessions, Network SocialEvent and Exhibition.

Priscilla Parisien, Jobs for New Hampshire’s Graduates, is chair of theMulti-Year Task Force.

Enhancements to the Multi-Year Program Application are vital given theissues facing states, communities, schools, students and JAG programs.The task force is focused on improvements that can be made in thetraining of New Multi-Year Specialists and making suggestions on a Tableof Contents for a Multi-Year Handbook for JAG Programs.

Leading the Dropout Recovery Task Force is Lee Blanton, Jobs for Ohio’sGraduates. Lee and his committee worked on enhancements to theDropout Recovery/Out-of-School Program Application given the issuesfacing dropouts, recommending improvements in the training of NewDropout Recovery Specialists and recommending improvements in theDropout Recovery Handbook.

The Research Task Force will be guided by Dr. Jim Koeninger, ExecutiveVice President of Jobs for America’s Graduates. The panel has preparedrecommendations for the enhancements of the 2003-04 Research Plan,the National Pre- and Post-Test Item Pool (based on JAG’s 81 compe-tencies) and in the collection of academic achievement data using e-NDMS (i.e., GPA, absenteeism, state proficiency test, reading score,college entrance exam, etc.). The team will examine the outcome expec-tations of JAG’s three program applications: Senior Program, Multi-YearProgram and Dropout Recovery/Out-of-School Program.

Several states have recommended a representative and an alternate toserve on the Curriculum Task Force made up of Specialists only, with theexception of the Chair, Teresa Dow, Jobs for Arkansas’s Graduates. Thetask force will make recommendations on: the Model Curriculumsequences for JAG’s Program Applications; the JAG National Test ItemPool; best practices in using pre- and post-tests; review and/or developtest items; select test bank software; provide enhancements to theNational JAG Curriculum Modules; and develop workshop models to trainspecialists how best to use the National Curriculum Modules. Volunteerswill demonstrate best practices in implementing selected modules at NTS2003 to improve the effectiveness of JAG’s activity-based modules.

Over 450,000 young people across this country have come back into the realworld as a result of Jobs for America’s Graduates.

—Governor Pete du Pont, JAG Founder

Congratulations to Justin Sarnick!Recipient of a $2,000 Scholarship.

1st PlaceJustin SarnikPomperaug Regional High SchoolSouthbury, CT

2nd PlaceAshley Rhiannon StamesFred J. Page High SchoolFranklin, TN

3rd PlaceJoe McCrackenBrunswick High School

Brunswick, OH

Lee Hecht Harrison/JAG Holiday Card Contest

11

e-NDMS Update

Congratulations to the 776 specialists and staff who have successfullycompleted the e-NDMS Tutorial. We are pleased to report that anadditional 145 specialists/staff are in various stages of completion.

The goal is for 100% of state and local affiliates to successfully transition fromNDMS to e-NDMS for the Class of 2003 (Seniors) and the 2003-04 ProgramYear for the Multi-Year Program.

A special thanks to state and local management teams for recognizing thevalue-add of an Internet-based National Data Management System. At aworkshop in Cleveland, John McConnell (JOG-Miami Valley) shared that hewent to his hotel room and accessed e-NDMS through the telephone line totrack the progress of a recently employed specialist in using the new system.John has been a major contributor in the design of the original National DataManagement System along with Judi Mills (OH) and Jane Golden (ME). Weare also appreciative of e-NDMS contributors, Michelle Trueblood (IL), KathyDavis (IA), Teresa Dow (AR), Lee Blanton (OH), Jackie Gitman (CA) andothers. Our thanks to Jobs for Maine’s Graduates for delaying implementationof e-NDMS while JAG was working with the JMG data base in a pilot fundedby US-DOL.

The following states are commended for the progress they have made inentering Student Profile data and information using e-NDMS:

Ohio 8,387 Online Student FilesIllinois 2,706 Louisiana 999Kentucky 698Arkansas 608West Virginia 608Alabama 562Florida 515Arizona 513New Hampshire 483California 408Iowa 404Tennessee 390Virginia 337Rhode Island 283Montana 157Minnesota 88Pennsylvania 7

TOTAL 19,153

Only $295 for the complete set of modules!

• 81 modules are shrink wrapped by competency category (A to H) • 7 heavy duty 3-ring binders with custom covers and spine inserts• 81 Index tabs - one per module • 4,000 content pages per set • Shipping is included (UPS Ground)

Shipping:

Single sets shipped UPS within 48 hours.Large orders shipped within 3-5 days.

Payment Methods:AMEX, M/C, VISA, or Check.

Purchase Orders:Accepted with payment terms of net-15 days.

How to OrderMail or Fax the order form, or go online to our website at www.ag-dfw.com. You can also email at info@ad-dfw.com.

ALPHAGRAPHICS OF SOUTHLAKE

Contact: Judy Morgan or Melissa Ackerson2315 East Southlake BoulevardSuite 106Southlake, TX 76092Tel: 817.481.2424Fax: 817.481.0255“Distributor of JAG National Curriculum Modules”

Tony Derricotte, a former Jobs forGeorgia Graduates student andnow a JGG Specialist, talks about

the program and what it means tohim.

Question: How did the program helpyou achieve your personal, academicand career goals?

Answer: JGG taught me how to“harness” my leadership skills andbasically, how to be a leader. Ilearned the importance of timemanagement and getting along withothers in a group.

Question: What did your JobSpecialist do for you that made alasting impact on you?

Answer: Mrs. Smith knew I didn’thave a clue as to what I wassearching for and she challenged meto find out what I needed and desiredto know.

Question: Why did you decide tobecome a Job Specialist?

Answer: I truly believe everythinghappens for a reason and I didn’tdecide to become a Specialist at all.It was already pre-ordained. I feelconfident in saying I was sent toOglethorpe County High School for areason. I often compare instances inlife to past events. Just as I feel themost effective coach is one that hasplayed the sport in which he/shedecides to lead. The same is true forJobs for America’s Graduates.Whenever I see my students

preparing to find an easy way out orchallenge a decision that has beenmade in regards to the group, I haveto reiterate the fact that nothing I askthem to do is something I haven’tdone myself, and I usually havedocumentation to back my claim.

Question: How do you think havingbeen a JAG/JGG graduate hashelped you as a Job Specialist?

Answer: The foundation that Jobs forGeorgia Graduates/JAG provided mehas proven to be beneficial because Ilearned life skills that will alwayssupercede book knowledge. I had asolid foundation established with thesupport of JGG/JAG, and that supporthas been carried over to my studentstoday.

Question: What are the programcomponents you emphasis as a JobSpecialist?

Answer: The competencies are thebuilding blocks that help me achievemy desired goals within the JGGprogram. I try to explain each compe-tency with the desire of showing thecorrelation between job aspects aswell as everyday life. I try to emphasisfour days of competencies and “tie”them all together on Fridays with thecurrent events. The second programcomponent I strongly emphasis is thechapter career association(community service), in which I havetermed enrichment activities.

Question: What is the most difficultpart of being a Job Specialist?

Answer: The most difficult part ofbeing a Specialist to me is trying tosay no and trying to do too much.

Question: What is the mostrewarding of being a Job Specialist?

Answer: I can’t list the rewardingpoints of the JAG experience as “themost rewarding.” Seeing the joy of asenior as they graduate, the thankyou’s, the lessons you teach to themthey demonstrate effectively, the upsand the downs, the appreciativeparents and the love you get from thegroup. Those to me are the “rewards”of the JAG experience.

Question: What recommendationswould you like to make to improveNew Job Specialist Training?

Answer: The only recommendationsI would make is to continue providingsound advice and experience thatother Job Specialists have alreadybeen through within the program. Weare all a family within JGG/JAGthrough an extended relationship.New Job Specialists have tounderstand you have a familywithin your state and you do nothave to handle every crisis alone.

Question: Any final thoughts oradvice?

Answer: A word of caution to allSpecialists. Just because astudent appears to be well-rounded and popular amongstudents based on awards andmerits, the person may still lack

life skills. You may be a linking part tomaking sure the student also has achance to succeed. Just because they(students) may say they are going tocollege or the military they still haveother options such as going into theworld of work. We are all striving forsuccess within this great program.The success comes from all areas.The term “at-risk” means more thanlack of financial funding, there aremany other factors that need to beaddressed as well, (i.e. self-esteem,support team, etc.). JAG is a veryworthwhile program, the continuedefforts from all of us will allow thefamily to grow even stronger in thefuture. A word of advice for all newJob Specialists as well as veteran tothe JGG/JAG program, it’s the smallthings you do that makes your joband school chapter special. Alwaystry to give that added touch, becausestudents will benefit from the extraeffort you provide.

Giving Back

National Curriculum Modules

e-NDMS

12

Kenneth M. SmithPresident

Jimmy G. Koeninger, Ph.D.Executive Vice President

Jennifer McNellySenior Vice President Financial Management

Julie RayVice President of Learning

Barbara WolfVice PresidentNational Partnerships

Karen KoeningerVice President of Field Services

Jerry Wircenski, Ph.D.Director, National Curriculum

Paul BoodenTechnical Assistance DirectorDropout Recovery Program

Liz CannellDirectorLeadership and ManagementServicesNortheast Center for Excellence

Marie PrazakDirectorPublications

Taryn SifakisExecutive Assistant to thePresident

Headquarters1729 King Street, Suite 100Alexandria, VA 22314-2720Tel. 703.684.9479Fax. 703.684.9489

National Center for BestPractices/JAG Field Services6021 Morriss Road, Suite 111Flower Mound, TX 75028Tel. 972.691.4486Fax. 972.874.0063jag@jag.org

www.jag.org

The Honorable John BaldacciGovernor of Maine

Mr. Richard BaldridgePresidentViaSat

The Honorable Craig BensonGovernor of New Hampshire

Mr. Linden BlueVice ChairmanGeneral Atomics

Mr. Clarke CamperVice President, Congressional

RelationsFreddie Mac

Joan CrockettSenior Vice PresidentHuman ResourcesThe Allstate Corporation

Mr. Michael D’AmbroseExecutive Vice PresidentHuman ResourcesToys " " Us

Ms. Roxanne DecykSenior Vice PresidentCorporate Affairs/Human

ResourcesShell Oil Company

Mr. David DemarestExecutive Vice PresidentVisa International

Ms. Rose DiNapoliVice PresidentSallie Mae

Mr. James DuffyCitigroup, Inc.Vice PresidentSenior Human Resources

Officer

Dr. Ed FordDeputy SecretaryKentucky Executive Cabinet

Mr. Joseph GriesedieckConsultantSpencer Stuart

The Honorable JamesJeffords

United States SenatorState of Vermont

Mr. Michael D. LintonConsultant

Ms. Patricia MatsonConsultant-ABC

Ms. Catherine "Cathy" McKeeVice President & Director of

Strategic Business ServicesGeneral Dynamics Decision

Systems

The Honorable JohnMcKernan

Chairman & Chief ExecutiveOfficer

McKernan EnterprisesGovernor of Maine (1987-1995)

Mr. R. Peter MercerDirector of Human

Resources/EuropeHoneywell S.A.Brussels, Belgium

The Honorable RonnieMusgrove

Governor of Mississippi

Mr. Mark NichollsSenior Vice PresidentBank of America

Mr. Lawrence O’ToolePresident and CEOAmerica's Charter School

Finance Corporation

Mr. Kevin PenningtonSenior Vice PresidentHuman ResourcesAgere Systems

The Honorable Rob PortmanCongressmanState of Ohio

General David PoythressAdjutant GeneralGeorgia Department of Defense

The Honorable Marc RaciotChairman, Republican National

CommitteeGovernor of Montana

(1993-2001)

Ms. Sharon RobinsonPresidentEducational Policy Leadership

InstituteEducational Testing Services

Mr. Allan RoweManager, Executive

Resources/Systems CorporateHuman Resources

General Electric

Dr. J. Theodore SandersPresidentEducation Commissioner of the

States

Mr. David SatterfieldExecutive DirectorWest Virginia Development

Office

The Honorable JeanneShaheen

Governor of New Hampshire(1997-2003)

Mr. Richard StoffPresidentOhio Business Roundtable

The Honorable Bob TaftGovernor of Ohio

Mr. Thomas TaukeSenior Vice President,

Government RelationsVerizon Communications

The Honorable RichardThompson

Vice President for University-School Programs

University of North Carolina

The Honorable MichaelThurmond

CommissionerGeorgia Department of Labor

The Honorable George V.Voinovich

U.S. SenatorState of Ohio

The Honorable Mark WarnerGovernor of Virginia

JAG National Board of Directors

Board MembersBoard Officers

The Honorable Thomas J. VilsackBoard ChairGovernor of Iowa

Julie Nixon EisenhowerVice ChairAuthor

Mr. Stephen HarrisonSecretaryPresident, Lee Hecht Harrison

Mr. Kenneth SmithPresidentChief Executive,Frontline Global

Resources

Ms. Carolyn WarnerTreasurerPresident, Corporate Education

Consulting, Inc.

The Honorable ThomasCarper

Executive Committee ChairUnited States Senator, State of

Delaware

R

JAG National Staff

Rusty Skinner, Executive Director (FL), CLM Workforce Board, Dr.Belle Wheelan, Secretary of Education (VA), Senator Steve Wise (FL)and CSA Representative Barry Glenn (VA).

Former Governor Marc Racicot (MT), Andrea Weeks, Jobs forVirginia’s Graduate student, and Lt. Col. Ernie and Zulma Weeks(parents).

JAG Board, CarolynWarner (President,Corporate EducationConsulting, Inc.) andJAG Founder, FormerGov. Pete du Pont (DE).