SRP + Gila Bend JAG Case Study | A Workforce Development Model That Works

Powering a Community through Employer-Funded Workforce Development

In Gila Bend, Arizona, Salt River Project (SRP) is doing more than talking about workforce development, they’re funding it.

Since 2014, SRP has directly funded the JAG programs at Gila Bend High School and Middle School through its Gila River Power Station. That funding has built a long-standing, high-impact partnership with Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates that continues to produce measurable, community-wide success.

By directly investing in these school-based programs, SRP has helped create a scalable model for employer engagement in education that delivers workforce-ready graduates, a strengthened local talent pipeline, and transformational outcomes for students.

READ ONE STUDENT'S SRP STORY

The Power of Direct Investment

SRP’s financial support sustains JAG programming at both the high school and middle schools in Gila Bend. Their funding ensures students receive:

Year-round employability skills training
Academic support and credit recovery
Career exploration and postsecondary planning
Community service opportunities
Mentorship and exposure to career paths; including those at SRP

This funding model is what makes the program possible. Without it, Gila Bend’s students would not have access to this level of workforce preparation.

Gila Bend High School show their award 2025

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves

SRP’s funding of the Gila Bend JAG programs has helped unlock powerful results:

100% graduation rate for the Class of 2024 & 2025
3,000+ community service hours completed
88% GPA improvement and 79% attendance gains for the Class of 2025
53% of graduates enrolled in postsecondary education
78% of graduates entered the workforce
National Recognition & back-to-back Program of the Year awards at the state level

Why SRP’s Model Works

SRP’s approach includes active involvement, including:

Funding the JAG programs at Gila Bend High School and Middle School
Hosting JAG students for facility tours and workforce exposure
Hiring JAG interns with some transitioning to full-time employment
Supporting student-managed initiatives, like overseeing SRP’s vending machines
Investing in student apparel, leadership events, and more

Award-Winning Program

SRP’s direct investment has powered JAG programming that consistently exceeds benchmarks in student achievement, leadership, and community engagement.

Back-to-Back Outstanding Chapter & Program of the Year Awards two years in a row;
National Recognition from Jobs for America’s Graduates: National JAG Career Association Outstanding Chapter, placing it among the top JAG programs in the country.
Gila Bend JAG Specialist Jesus Rubalcava was honored at the JAG National Training Seminar for outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the classroom.
Named One of Arizona’s Top Three Most Improved High Schools

Gila Bend JAG Wins Program of the Year Award

Be the Next Employer to Fund a JAG Program

If you're a company looking to develop talent and make real impact; this is how you do it.

When you fund a JAG program, you’re not just helping students graduate, you’re building your future workforce.