Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Funding in Jeopardy in State Budget

For nearly two decades, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) has quietly but powerfully transformed the lives of thousands of Indiana students who face the greatest barriers to success. JAG is not just another school program — it’s a statewide career coaching initiative with real outcomes and real ROI for Indiana.

Consider the numbers: 

• 96.6% high school graduation rate — well above the state average
• Close to 10,000 students served annually in 250+ schools statewide
• More than $20M in scholarships earned by the Class of 2024
• Thousands of employer partners and work-based learning experiences

And yet — despite decades of data, bipartisan support, and a clear economic impact — JAG funding is now at risk.

Under the current state budget proposal, JAG has been moved to a discretionary fund under the Indiana Department of Education, putting this high-performing, results-driven program in jeopardy. Without a dedicated funding line, the very infrastructure that makes JAG successful could be dismantled.

From a workforce standpoint: Indiana can’t afford to lose this pipeline of motivated, career-ready young people — especially when we’re actively investing in career coaching and intermediary-led solutions elsewhere.

If we’re serious about strengthening Indiana’s workforce and ensuring a real return on public investment — we must keep JAG whole.

Please join workforce boards across the state, and business leaders in urging Indiana legislators to restore dedicated funding for JAG in the final budget. Even a few emails can make a real difference.

This is more than a policy decision — it’s a decision about how we invest in Indiana’s future workforce. Let’s stand up for what works. Let's Fund JAG!