A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL JAG PROGRAM AND ITS VITAL MISSION TO EQUIP ITS STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND BEYOND.

 

Whereas, since 2003, the Columbia High School Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program has been transforming students, many of whom face significant barriers to success, and has been equipping them with the skills and support they need for future career success; and

 

Whereas, the JAG mission is to empower the nation's young people with skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life; and

 

Whereas, by providing mentorship, job readiness training, and leadership development, Columbia High School JAG and Columbia High School JAG Career Association have helped to create pathways to opportunity for Columbia's young people; and

 

Whereas, Columbia High School JAG and Columbia High School JAG Career Association have highlighted the importance of workforce development at the high school level and have celebrated the achievements of students in the program; and

 

Whereas, the Columbia High School JAG and Columbia High School Career Association have helped students to explore career pathways and to build community partnerships for them to have meaningful interaction with businesses and with business partners; and

 

Whereas, Columbia High School JAG and Columbia High School Career Association offer students The JAG Advantage which includes employer engagement for employers to interact with JAG students in the classroom and on the job; project-based learning for educational specialists to deliver instruction through projects; and a trauma-informed, career-focused learning environment that equips students with the essential soft skills needed to be college and career ready; and

 

Whereas, Columbia High School JAG has provided a significant increase in the number of students accepted into college and/or the military, as well as a measurable improvement in the CCR (College and Career Readiness) indicator on the school's report card; and

 

Whereas, in the summer of 2025, students from Columbia High School JAG Program participated in an internship with the City of Columbia through a strong partnership with the mayor's office. These internships, along with exposure to real-life experiences, such as field studies and professional networking events, provide students with invaluable insights into their future career paths; and

 

Whereas, the Columbia High School JAG Program follows the graduating senior class for one year after graduation to ensure they succeed postgraduation; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the Columbia High School JAG Program which supports students with real-world challenges. For many students, JAG is more than a class; it is a life-changing support system that helps them overcome obstacles so they can graduate and thrive. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Columbia High School JAG Program and its vital mission to equip its students for academic success and beyond.

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