iJAG Excellence Model
At iJAG, we deliver scalable and sustainable pathways to help every student succeed, thrive, and become leaders who are empowered, equipped, and prepared for tomorrow.
The iJAG Excellence Model is a reflection of our career-connected, evidence-based strategies and how they link to positive outcomes, whether through in-school programming or online-based curriculum. Along the way, students receive individualized guidance in navigating obstacles with academic and career planning. The secret to our success is that every student has a caring adult supporting them, a welcoming classroom, meaningful activities, and peer support. As part of our outcomes, youth gain skills related to leadership, employability, communication, and financial literacy while developing civic-minded values that guide them through career and life.
iJAG Students gain opportunities through Exploration, Exposure, and Experience that link them to:
Education:
postsecondary enrollment, continued training, or certification programs
Employment:
a drive in internships, apprenticeships, or full-time work that has meaning, purpose, and fulfillment
Enlistment:
a part-time, full-time, or reserve military service in various branches
Entrepreneurship:
a go-getter, self-starter mindset that opens the door to new businesses
Who We Are
At Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), we don’t just prepare students for jobs; we build leaders. For over 25 years, iJAG has partnered with Iowa schools to empower students with the skills they need to succeed. More than 40,000 iJAG alumni have developed leadership, communication, and employability skills. They have also gained experience in civic engagement and community service, along with personalized guidance to help them achieve their goals. Our impact? A future-ready generation of leaders with sustainable plans for career and life, supported by meaningful experiences with Iowa employers and the unwavering guidance of their iJAG Education Specialist.
We are a public/private nonprofit committed to building Iowa’s future-ready workforce. Support provided by the State of Iowa Legislature, school partners, and private funders assists us in achieving our mission, connecting education, employment, and customized work-based learning opportunities.
As one of 32 state affiliates of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), iJAG is recognized as a leader among affiliates in strong student outcomes, program enhancements, and driving systematic change. We are currently top in the nation with the most programs in Iowa and a close second in students served.
What We Do
iJAG removes learning obstacles so students can build academic, workforce, and life (soft) skills. We serve students in grades 7-12 using a healing-centered, project-based learning model that increases motivation, confidence, and performance. Our curriculum emphasizes leadership development, employability skills growth, and high-quality work-based learning (WBL) experiences.
Each iJAG Education Specialist serves approximately 60 students per year as a teacher, counselor, and mentor. They guide students to improve attendance, grades, graduate on time, and successfully transition into careers, the military, or postsecondary education.
Education Specialists are certified by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and endorsed to award academic credit. Through the University of Northern Iowa, they also earn the Work-Based Learning Supervisor authorization to design, deliver, and evaluate real-world career experiences in partnership with employers.
These strong employer partnerships are at the heart of iJAG’s success. Students benefit from opportunities like mock interviews, job shadows, internships, and paid work experiences that build confidence and readiness for life after graduation. For those pursuing higher education, iJAG also supports college admissions and financial aid navigation. Every iJAG graduate receives 12 months of individualized follow-up to support their transition into careers, postsecondary education, or the military.
Our work is delivering real results. According to data from Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education, over 90% of iJAG students from 2015 to 2023 remained in their local communities after graduation. Ensuring these students connect with stable, financially sustaining careers is critical to fulfilling our mission and essential to building and retaining Iowa’s future workforce.
Where We Work
iJAG programs are embedded in partner middle and high schools across Iowa, providing daily, for-credit instruction within the school day. We meet students where they are, both physically in their schools and developmentally in their learning and life journeys, through a comprehensive, school-based model that fosters consistent, supportive relationships.
Our Outcomes
- 79.5% of students demonstrated academic growth
- 38% of students improved their attendance
(This measures each student’s total number of absences in the prior school year compared to their total in the current school year)
- 19.7% of students had reduced behavior referrals
- 95.9% of students participated in monthly meetings with their iJAG Specialist.
- 91.5% of students completed the Kuder Navigator career interest assessment.
- 66.3% of 11th and 12th-graders participated in a work-based learning opportunity.