Arizona District 3 Representative Raúl M. Grijalva Allocates Funding for Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates

Just before the start of the new year, it was announced that District 3 Representative Raúl M. Grijalva secured final 2023 appropriations government funding for 15 community projects in southern Arizona that impact residents in the 3rd District.

“I am proud to have secured $14,440,468 in Community Project Funding that will meet community needs in Arizona’s 3rd District,” said Rep. Grijalva. “These investments create jobs with better pay, update critical infrastructure, provide educational opportunities for historically underserved and Tribal communities, and continue our mission to build a more equitable and sustainable future.” 

Of those 15 projects, Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) was selected to receive $167,700 for our targeted student support programs that reach middle school JAG programs at Arizona Desert, Desert Oasis, Porfirio H Gonzales, and Sheely Farms Elementary Schools. 

JAG is a 501c3 nonprofit that has been supporting young people in their high school graduation and career pursuits for four decades. Our mission is to help young people stay in school and to acquire the academic, personal, leadership, and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation. JAG programs are located at middle and high schools as a for-credit elective course and in community centers where JAG is not on a campus nearby. Through project-based learning, trauma-informed care, and employer engagement, JAG students strengthen their skillset, resilience, and professional experience in preparation for life after high school. 

We are proud to have alums that have gone on to graduate high school and pursue career paths in business, government, military, technology, manufacturing, hospitality and service, education, the arts, and the medical field. 

The Class of 2021 Outcomes upon completion of 12-Month Follow-Up:

• 99% of JAG seniors graduated
• 68% of graduates were employed
• 88% of employed graduates were working full-time
• 54% of graduates were enrolled in or had completed postsecondary education or training program
• Overall, 89% of graduates were engaged full-time in employment, post-secondary education or a combination of the two! 

“We are very grateful for this funding. Bringing together leaders in education, business, government, labor, and community has been the focus of JAG,” said Graciela Garcia Candia, JAG President. “Again, on behalf of the many young people we serve, thank you for the opportunity to answer the needs of our communities!”  

Interested in bringing a JAG program to a campus near you? Inquire HERE. 

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