The transition from high school to adulthood is a pivotal moment. As graduation approaches, students begin making important decisions about their future — steps that can influence their confidence, direction and long-term success. This moment of transition is filled with potential, but also uncertainty. With the right support and connections, students can move forward with clarity and purpose. Through Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), United Way of the Midlands (UWM) ensures young people are supported during this critical time, opening doors to opportunity for youth across the state of Nebraska.
Today, young people ages 16 to 24 are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as other adults. These early gaps can shape long-term outcomes, impacting earning potential and overall stability. But what we see is clear: young people are motivated to succeed; they simply need access to the right support and opportunities to move forward with confidence.
Explore the full white paper below to learn more about the data, insights and impact behind this work.
In her role at the United Way of the Midlands, Dani leads the data initiative for Jobs for America’s Graduates – Nebraska, helping the organization in measuring and improving youth outcomes in middle school and high school students. Through her work, Dani hopes to increase career and education outcomes of teenagers and young adults by providing the program with the tools necessary to make data-driven decisions. In her free time, Dani likes to learn new skills, paint, or play video games with her fiancée.
ORIGINAL PUBLISH DATE: MAY 2026