FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021

CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, South Dakota Department of Education, 605-773-7228, mary.stadicksmith@state.sd.us or

Ruth Raveling, South Dakota Department of Education, 605-773-2593, ruth.raveling@state.sd.us

JAG-SD expands to three more schools in 2021-22

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Education is pleased to announce that three more schools will be offering the Jobs for America’s Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) program beginning in the 2021-22 school year, bringing the total number of schools to nine.

The following schools are launching JAG-SD programs:

• Lyman High School
• Oelrichs High School
• Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)

“I’m thrilled to see JAG-SD expanding to more schools,” said Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson. “This program has a proven track record of improving graduation rates, academic performance, attendance, job placement, and pursuit of further education and training. This is a terrific opportunity for students in Lyman, Oelrichs, and Sioux Falls.”

JAG is a state-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving graduation rates and academic achievement for students. The program is implemented at the school level through the work of teachers called JAG specialists, who work with students to develop leadership and employability skills.

“I’m excited for the young people in these new JAG schools to become part of the JAG family,” said Beth Schneider, state director of JAG-SD. “One of the great things about this program is that JAG specialists continue to check in with JAG students for a full year after graduation. Our JAG-SD programs continue to outpace the JAG National standard. As of the end of school year 2020-21, 87% of our JAG-SD students maintained full-time employment 12 months after high school.”

Andes Central Middle and High School, Bennett County High School, Todd County High School, and Wagner Middle and High School also have JAG-SD programs.

Learn more on the Department of Education’s JAG-SD webpage.

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