Governor Jack Markell discusses Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and the importance of education in preparing young people for the workforce.
Governor’s Weekly Message
Governor Jack Markell discusses Jobs for America’s Graduates on its 30th anniversary, and the importance of education in preparing young people for the workforce.
Full text of Governor Jack Markell’s weekly message:
Helping someone prepare for, find and succeed at work is one of the most profound ways to help.
Helping kids who might be inclined to drop out of school decide instead to commit themselves to their education so they can succeed at work and contribute to society makes an incredible difference – it improves those kids’ long-term outlook, and reduces long-term societal costs.
For decades, Jobs for Americas Graduates – or JAG – has committed itself to doing both of those things – and so much more.
This week, JAG celebrates the 30th Anniversary of its founding..
Like so many great efforts around the country, JAG’s growth has strong Delaware roots and bipartisan tradition. In 1979, Governor Du Pont founded Jobs for Delaware Graduates, which served as the model and foundation for the national organization. Later, Governor Tom Carper would become the national chair of JAG and help launch the careers across the country.
Since its creation, JAG has helped 750,000 people in over 800 programs in Middle School, High School, Community Colleges and community organizations in over 30 states.
It recognizes that growth can’t be driven by government – that it requires collaboration, focus and the freedom to innovate.
It recognizes that education is a crucial foundation for success and that it’s never too late to learn – that you can go back to graduate, get a GED or college training. It’s why JAG functions as a partnership – business leaders, public officials, University and school officials.
Together, those groups make the points that people – particularly young people – who have an opportunity to work hard for something can and do work harder;
that companies that have a pool of talent ready to succeed can invest more in growth; that government can spend a lot less money when people are working instead of waiting for a chance to work; and that each of these ideas reinforce and build upon each other.
We’ll have some good economic news coming as we join the company, Calpine, to welcome its business to Delaware and celebrate its choosing our state for its new headquarters.
By choosing Delaware, Calpine will keep people working. By choosing us, company leaders had to feel good that there would be a pipeline of great employees in the future – and there will.
It’s great to see groups like JAG and businesses like Calpine looking ahead, growing stronger, and doing great things - part of what we need to keep Delaware, moving forward.
