AN INTERVIEW WITH
NEDRA WAKEFIELD
The Georgia Employer Committee would like to share with its viewers information about its newest family member Jobs for Georgia Graduates also known as "JGG". Today we have an interview with the Director of JGG, Nedra Wakefield.
Please tell us your name and current title?
NW: Nedra Wakefield
Project Director
Jobs for Georgia Graduates
Please tell us about your association with the Georgia Employer Committee
NW: Jobs for Georgia Graduates is a school to work transition program. Approximately 1400 high school students are provided with program services on an annual basis. The services to the students include employability skills training, counseling, leadership and self-development as well as placement and follow-up services. A job specialist works directly with the students in providing these very valuable program services. Many of our job specialists attend their local Employer Committee meetings to make employers aware of how they can get involved with the JGG Program.
Please tell us how and when your program got started
NW: Jobs for Georgia Graduates is a state affiliate of the national organization, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), which is one of the longest running school–to- work transition programs in existence today. JAG was founded in 1980 and Georgia became a state affiliate in 1987.
How is the JGG Program being implemented?
NW: Jobs for Georgia Graduates is successfully run through The Georgia Department of Labor. The JGG Program is apart of the Career Development Services Division and operates in 35 high schools throughout the state.
Who provides the JAG model services?
NW: The Georgia Department of Labor hires job specialists who are assigned to provide JAG model services to targeted program participants. We identify students who have vocational as well as personal barriers to employment. The job specialist has an office in the school and reports their on a daily basis. They are responsible for providing employability skills training, counseling, advising club activities, mentoring, marketing, as well as placement and follow up services.
What makes JGG so successful?
NW: Jobs for Georgia Graduates has been extremely successfully in meeting and maintaining the JAG national performance standards in regards to high school graduation. We have consistently maintained a 90% graduation rate amongst our program participants.
