Supporting Today’s Communities &
TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE
JAG Gives Graduates THE ADVANTAGE.
JAG Tennessee is a dynamic and impactful 501(c)(3) organization that empowers students to secure careers and success in life.
Our graduates are better prepared than their peers for post-secondary education and the workforce
Our students lead the nation in graduation rates and youth employment: 99.7% graduation rate and 79% full-time placement
Meet our Graduates
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Dorian Ruffin
Meet Columbia Central Class of 2023 JAGTN graduate and Care for the Community Scholarship winner Dorian Ruffin! Dorian shares how his time in JAGTN helped him strengthen his drive for success and develop the tools to achieve it.
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Alessia Harris
Meet Columbia Central High School’s Alesia Harris. Having graduated in May 2023, Alesia will be attending Davenport University on a rugby scholarship and has big plans for a bright future, including potential careers in sports, law or travel!
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Amya Williams
Meet Westwood High School Class of 2023 JAGTN graduate and Care for the Community Scholarship winner Amya Williams! Amya shares how her experiences in JAGTN shaped her academic plans and set a foundation for success.
The Advantage.
You can make a difference in the lives of young Tennesseans
As our community knows, we have seen an increase in violent crimes among juveniles, particularly ages 16 to 17, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. According to the Memphis & Shelby Crime Commision, charges for major violent delinquent acts have increased 39.8% over last year, despite overall delinquent crime dropping.
Additionally, the poverty rate in Memphis is double the national rate; while the U.S. is at 12.8%, the poverty rate in Memphis, Tenn. is 22.6%, with a wide disparity among racial demographics: Non-Hispanic/White has a rate of 10.3%, Black 26.5%, Latino 27.5%, and Asian 7.7%.
Our young people deserve the experience of a good working wage and a meaningful career to break the cycle of poverty.
Many organizations are working to address youth poverty, violence, unemployment and related issues in our city, and they all have their place. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, 100 Black Men of Memphis, Youth Villages and many others all fulfil their purpose and have a positive impact on Black and minority youth. But I believe one organization has the potential to set our youth on a path to a meaningful career and life: Jobs for America’s Graduates of Tennessee (JAGTN).
IN THE NEWS
Why expanding Jobs for America’s Graduates Program in Shelby County is a no-brainer
STUDENT IMPACT
Amya Williams, Westwood High School, Class of 2023
“The personal growth I have experienced during my time in the program has been nothing short of incredible. I have become more confident in my ability to work with others, and I have gained a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork. I have also become more aware of the importance of self-care and taking care of my mental health. During this program, I met successful people who gave me and my classmates insight on what it takes to flourish and prosper. Meeting with these people has also inspired me to be the absolute best version of myself from now on. ”
Get in touch.
For more information on how you can get involved with JAG Tennessee, please contact Lane Faulkner, our Director of Strategic Outreach. Just enter your information into the following form and Lane will be in touch with you soon!