May 4, 2023

Huron High School and St. Francis Indian School will offer the Jobs for America's Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) program next year, bringing the total number of programs in South Dakota to 13.

“JAG-SD has proven very effective in helping students persist in their education and make it through to high school graduation, and often these are young people who face significant barriers,” said South Dakota Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “I commend the districts who are bringing this valuable opportunity to their students, and I commend the students who are growing their skills and capabilities.”

According to an announcement from the South Dakota Department of Education, the state has made concerted efforts to grow the program statewide in recent years. In 2020, the South Dakota Legislature provided funding for a full-time state director to support and assist participating schools across the state.

In the 2022-23 school year, JAG-SD programs were launched at Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington high schools in Sioux Falls. Andes Central Middle and High School, Bennett County High School, Lyman County High School, Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls), Todd County High School, Wagner Middle and High School also run JAG-SD programs. Together, the current programs serve about 335 students.

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.