As we begin a new school year, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Nebraska continues to expand opportunities for students to build the skills, connections and experiences they need for success after graduation, while helping develop the talent and workforce pipeline Nebraska needs for the future.
A program of United Way of the Midlands (UWM), JAG Nebraska is a for-credit classroom elective for middle and high school students that combines hands-on instruction, career exploration, leadership development and employment experiences. By creating strong connections between schools and employers, JAG helps students develop life skills, overcome challenges and prepare for success in college, the workplace and beyond.
JAG Nebraska is made possible through a strong public-private partnership that includes support from the State of Nebraska through the Nebraska Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services, school districts, employers and private philanthropy. That collaboration and strong support from Governor Jim Pillen has helped JAG Nebraska grow from just three school programs when it launched in 2019 to 90 programs serving 5,500 students during the 2026-27 school year.
Last year, JAG Nebraska achieved a 99% graduation rate, continuing to demonstrate strong outcomes for participating students. JAG’s progress, Nebraska’s commitment to its “Good Life, Great Careers” initiative and SHRM’s Education-to-Employment Pipeline (E2) initiative, which is focused on strengthening education-to-employment pathways and better connecting learners with workforce opportunities, were highlighted in a proclamation signed by Governor Jim Pillen at the Nebraska State Capitol on Thursday, August 27.
“The JAG organization is having an incredible impact on the circumstances of young people and changing their perspectives,” said Governor Pillen. “This program is a game changer for Nebraska youth. We have one of the fastest-growing youth populations in the country, and through this program, we want to ensure every kid is exposed to these opportunities so that their circumstances and potential are off the charts.”
The proclamation also highlighted how JAG Nebraska is expanding career opportunities and strengthening connections between students and employers.
Through an expanded partnership with the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), JAG Nebraska is serving as a group apprenticeship sponsor. With this new opportunity, students can move from career exploration in the classroom to real-world employment experiences, creating another pathway to develop skills, build employer connections and prepare for future careers.
“JAG Nebraska continues to stand out across our national network — exceeding benchmarks while delivering high-quality programming and workforce readiness at an impressive scale,” said JAG National President and CEO Janelle Duray. “Through JAG’s national partnership with SHRM, the world’s largest professional association dedicated to human resources, we’re building on that success by connecting students more directly to the skills and opportunities employers value most.”
“Governor Pillen’s proclamation and his ‘Good Life, Great Careers’ initiative sends a clear message that Nebraska understands a strong economy starts with a strong workforce,” said Emily M. Dickens, J.D., chief administrative officer of SHRM. “Strengthening the path from education to employment requires employers, educators, policymakers, workforce leaders and communities to work together so that people are prepared for opportunity and employers have access to the talent they need. SHRM is proud to work alongside Nebraska leaders and JAG to strengthen these connections and prepare the workforce for tomorrow.”
As JAG Nebraska continues to grow, it continues to reach more students but also wants to engage more employers across the state. Businesses can play an important role by providing career exploration, apprenticeships, job shadows and other experiences that give students greater exposure to career opportunities while helping employers build connections with Nebraska’s future workforce.
“We are grateful to Governor Pillen, Janelle Duray, SHRM and so many others for their commitment to developing our workforce and for their incredible support of JAG Nebraska,” said Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO, UWM. “At United Way, we know a strong workforce is essential to the long-term strength of our state. JAG Nebraska addresses that need by connecting young people with the skills, experiences and employers that can prepare them for meaningful careers right here in Nebraska.”
Schools, employers and other partners interested in supporting students and strengthening education-to-employment pathways can learn more at JAGNebraska.org and SHRM.org/advocacy/e2-initiative.
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About United Way of the Midlands: Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
About Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG): Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young people in middle schools, high schools and alternative programs. Established in 1980, JAG helps students facing significant personal, economic or academic barriers graduate from high school, secure jobs that lead to economic mobility and pursue post-secondary education, certifications or training. Operating across multiple states, the program combines classroom instruction, leadership development and 12 months of post-graduation support to ensure long-term career and life success.
About SHRM: SHRM is the fourth-largest membership-based organization in the world, representing nearly 340,000 HR and business leaders through a network of 550 affiliates spanning every U.S. state and congressional district, with members in 174 countries worldwide. More than 95% of the Fortune 500 are represented within SHRM’s membership, providing SHRM with a unique perspective on the workforce challenges and opportunities facing organizations of every size, industry, and sector.