NEBRASKA CITY – City commissioners approved a grant application of $105,000 in support of continuing Jobs for America’s Graduates in Nebraska City schools.

Shauna Paolini, state director of JAG Nebraska, said the community development block grant will diversify funding sources and improve sustainability  for the program, which allows high school students to master up to 87 competencies needed by the workforce.

Paolini: “The city has been a tremendous partner. The mayor has visited the classrooms and spoke with the students. They really enjoyed the engagement. Being able to have the direct access to community leaders, they are able to get active and engaged in the community and see how they fit in with the bigger picture.”

 

The program started in Nebraska City in the fall of 2019. Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund provided a $10,000 grant, as well.

Paolini: “I wanted JAG as a student, you know. This is something that we are able to provide support to students in a school year that it took many of us 10 years to figure out through life experience, so, if we’re doing our job and setting up the next generation for success, absolutely every student can benefit.”