Pierre, S.D. – South Dakota’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG-SD) program received national recognition for exceeding excellence in the six national performance measures: connectivity rate, employment rate, full-time employment rate, further education rate, graduation rate, and positive outcomes rate. JAG-SD outperformed national benchmarks, announced three new programs joining the JAG family, and four South Dakota educators received recognition at the National JAG First Awards to conclude the 2025-26 school year.  

“Every year JAG-SD serves more students and communities, building a strong foundation to achieve success,” said JAG-SD Director Beth Schneider. “This program is more than helping students graduate from high school. It’s a community that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates our youth as they develop the necessary skills to succeed in education, employment, and life.”

In addition to JAG-SD’s statewide recognition, five schools in South Dakota received the same recognition for their individual programs: Bennett County High School, Huron High School, Lyman High School, Wagner High School, and Washington High School in Sioux Falls.

“JAG-SD supports students beyond their high school journey,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves. “From classroom instruction to mentoring to job and postsecondary education placement services, JAG-SD is committed to helping our students leave the K-12 education system College, Career, and Life Ready.”

JAG Specialists receive specialized training to implement the JAG model in their schools and maintain contact with all JAG students for 12 months following their senior year.

The following JAG Specialists were recognized at the National JAG First Awards for their extraordinary service and positive impact:

• Chad Johnson, Lyman High School – Employer & Community Impact;
• Cindy Knecht, Bennett County High School – JAG Advantage Implementor;
• Sonia Malley, Huron High School – Data Integrity & Excellence; and
• Tracy Ronke, Wilmot Middle and High School – JAG-SD Specialist of the Year.

JAG-SD welcomes three new programs to the JAG family for school year 2026-27: Axis 180 (Volunteers of America-Dakotas), Marty Indian School, and Winner High School.

To learn more about JAG-SD, visit doe.sd.gov/jag-sd/. Schools interested in more information about implementing JAG in their school can contact Beth Schneider, JAG-SD State Director.

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