On April 10, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) announced a big expansion for the JAG Nebraska program.

They also welcomed Janelle Duray, president and CEO of the national JAG program, who was in Nebraska to highlight the success of the program in the state. “Nebraska is one of the highest performing JAG programs in the country,” Duray said. “It’s amazing to see the strong support JAG has here and I’m excited about its ongoing growth potential, which will benefit so many youth across the state.”

Since its beginning in 2019, JAG Nebraska has grown from three schools to currently serving 1,500 students in 34 middle and high schools across the state for the 2023-24 school year. This new expansion will add an additional 51 programs for the 2024-25 school year – increasing the number of programs in the state of Nebraska to 85, with a capacity to serve 4,000 students.

“We need more of our young people to pursue and find meaningful careers that interest them and connect with employers in Nebraska – and the JAG Nebraska program is helping us with both of these goals,” said Governor Pillen. “Our young people are the future of our state. We need to afford them every opportunity to succeed – and this program can help students see their potential and work to achieve success.”

Powered by UWM, JAG Nebraska is a for-credit, classroom elective for middle and high school that helps students develop their personal and professional skillsets to overcome the many challenges they face. It provides hands-on instruction, career development, leadership skills and more to help students graduate and find post-graduation success in college, the workplace and life.

“We are grateful to Governor Pillen, Labor Commissioner Albin, educators across the state and so many others for their commitment to Nebraska’s youth and for their support of JAG Nebraska,” said Forsberg. “This program is a true public-private partnership with support from the State of Nebraska, school districts, corporate and private philanthropy. And JAG Nebraska wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is without this important collaboration.”

For more information about the JAG Nebraska program, go to JAGNebraska.org.

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About United Way of the Midlands:

For more than 100 years, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to create a Circle of Support that helps our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. UWM’s funded programs and direct services address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.