LOUISVILLE, Ky., /PRNewswire/ — Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates and AT&T (NYSE: T) are working together to help raise the high school graduation rate and support career paths for underserved students. Because of its success in keeping kids in school, Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates was one of 24 state affiliates selected to share in $3.5 million from AT&T.

The JAG program equips students to overcome obstacles to a high school diploma or High School Equivalency Test.  The program does this through mentoring, academic support, links to social services, and other interventions. Students are guided into post-secondary education, entry-level jobs with pathways to successful careers or the military.

Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates will use the $130,000 to launch six new programs throughout Kentucky.

“Helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in 21^st century careers is a critical step to building the diverse workforce we need to power our company – and our country – for the future,” said Hood Harris, AT&T Kentucky President. “JAG Kentucky has a track record of success and this funding will allow them to provide even more students the opportunity to thrive.”

In 2016, JAG Kentucky reported a 100% high school graduation rate, compared to the national graduation rate of 83% in 2015.¹ Currently, the JAG model is offered in nearly 1,250 public high schools, community colleges, and alternative learning centers in 34 states.

“We are thankful to for the opportunity to partner with AT&T,” said Lisa Handziak, President, JAG Kentucky.  “The funding provided by AT&T will help us reach our mission of leading our graduates through a successful transition into the workforce, training or postsecondary education.”

In more than three decades of operation, JAG has helped more than 1.2 million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities. The JAG Graduating Class of 2016 achieved 84% successful outcomes, meaning students were enrolled in post-secondary education, were employed, or some combination of the two within 12 months after they graduated from high school.

Since 2008, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have provided more than $11.4 million in funding to JAG and its local affiliates. This support is part of AT&T Aspire, which helps provide access to education and training people need to get and keep good jobs. Since 2008, AT&T has committed $400 million to help millions of students in all 50 states and around the world.

About Jobs for America’s Graduates
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), is a non-profit youth development program committed to helping America’s most at-risk kids excel in high schools, prepare for success in college, and embark on a rewarding career. Since its inception in 1980, JAG has served over 1.2 million at-risk kids, and is currently serving over 57,000 students in 34 states. JAG students have a graduation rate of over 90 percent, and approximately 80 percent of those graduates go on to postsecondary education, military service and/or full-time employment.

About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. We have a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. Our AT&T Aspire initiative uses innovation in education to drive student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $400 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.

¹ Alliance for Excellent Education. U.S. High School Graduation Rate Hits All-Time High: A Time for Celebration and Rededication, October 25, 2016.