Hanny Arram Center for Success (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools, Kearney Area United Way and United Way of the Midlands are thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to the educational opportunities available to students at the Hanny Arram Center for Success. Beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year, students will experience the JAG Nebraska program, which stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates.
Created in 2019 through a partnership with the State of Nebraska’s Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, JAG Nebraska joined the ranks of 39 states affiliated with the national organization Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The program, which has grown statewide from 3 programs to 34 in 2023-24, is generously supported by United Way of the Midlands in collaboration with state agencies and participating school districts.
“We are excited to be a part of this transformative program that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower our scholars with the skills and support they need to succeed in education, employment and life,” said Jason Owens, Principal of Hanny Arram Center for Success. “It will pair well with the apprenticeship program we are building with CCC for our scholars.”
JAG’s mission is to empower young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment and life. By utilizing a project-based learning curriculum model developed by the national Jobs for America’s Graduates organization, the program is dedicated to providing students with personal and professional development training and support to succeed in high school, further education and employment following graduation. A certified JAG Career Specialist in each school functions as a teacher, coach, mentor and advocate for students participating in the program.
“Through this program, we are guiding the men and women who will help serve, lead and shape our communities in the future.” said Tim Callahan, Assistant Vice President of Development for United Way of the Midlands. “United Way of the Midlands is excited to partner with KPS and the Hanny Arram Center for Success to make this program a reality and positively impact not only the lives of the students involved, but the community of Kearney as a whole.”
According to JAG, Nebraska’s high school graduation rate of 88.6%* places the state in the middle of the nation for students who fail to receive diplomas. JAG Nebraska is designed to reverse this trend. Studies have shown that JAG students’ grade point averages and graduation rates significantly improve. As proof of its success, 99% of JAG Nebraska participants graduated in the 2022-2023 academic year. Graduates from Nebraska high schools earn 20% more than non-graduates, are 15% more likely to own a home and are only half as likely to be at risk for poverty.
“I’m grateful the KPS Administration and School Board said yes and made the commitment to bringing this to Kearney. It’s a win for our students, businesses and community,” said Savannah Lyon, Executive Director of United Way of the Kearney Area.
Superintendent Jason Mundorf stated that Kearney Public Schools is committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our students, and the introduction of the JAG program at the Hanny Arram Center for Success represents a significant step towards achieving that goal. “The skills these students will learn and the lessons they are exposed to will provide them with a platform to job opportunities and success beyond Kearney Public Schools,” said Mundorf. “We are incredibly excited about starting this program in conjunction with United Way of the Kearney Area, United Way of the Midlands and with Mr. Owens and the Hanny Arram Center For Success staff.”
