Foundation fund supports JAG Nebraska

NEBRASKA CITY - Nebraska City Community Foundation is supporting the Jobs for America’s Graduates Nebraska Program.

The foundation fund gave Nebraska City Public Schools $10,000 for the program, which Principal Brian Hoover said has the goal of giving students the skills and support they need to succeed.

Hoover: “This generous gift will contribute directly to our local community by empowering our young adults in achieving realistic skills for a successful future.”

He said the JAG Nebraska program has empowered students at NCHS with opportunities of exploration, knowledge, teamwork, leadership and technical skill-building.

United Way of the Midlands is a major contributor, but local sources are also needed.

Hoover said the foundation funds’ grant will assist with visits to employers, field trip and leadership development.

JAG is in its second year at Nebraska City. In its first year, the NCHS JAG program was awarded “The Most Professional School for JAG Nebraska” as it exceeded state and national performance outcomes.

This year JAG Career Specialist Aaron Ammon has 37 JAG students. 17 graduates for the prior program are receiving follow-up services from Ammon.

NCHS Senior Shelby Todd is this year’s Career Association president.

Todd:  “JAG brought me out of my comfort zone and opened me up to many new interests.”

 Through Career Association, JAG students take field trips to Nebraska City businesses as well as the State Capitol in Lincoln. Several Nebraska City business community members and Mayor Bryan Bequette have made presentations to the students at Career Association meetings.

Through the JAG curriculum, Ammon teaches Personal, Life and Workplace Skills.

Ammon also helps students increase their communication skills by creating real world scenarios. For instance, students participate in mock job interviews, sometimes conducted by local business owners. He believes all these skills combine to increase a student’s self-worth and confidence throughout life as well as in today’s workforce. Ammon works at creating relationships with businesspeople and is always seeking internship opportunities for JAG students.

Hoover: “Students will leave JAG possessing those ‘soft skills’ employers so desperately need and create a stronger workforce for Nebraska City.”