Cloverdale's JAG Program prepares middle, high school students for careers

According to Cloverdale Community Schools Superintendent Greg Linton, the JAG program continues to grow.

For almost a decade, Cloverdale students have had the opportunity to benefit and prepare for careers and life through the Cloverdale JAG (Jobs for America's Graduates) program. 

According to Cloverdale Community Schools Superintendent Greg Linton, the JAG program continues to grow not only with students being involved, but also with an interest in the program both inside and outside of the school walls. 

"The program continues to grow not only in numbers but also with the interest within the student body. We also received a tremendous amount of support from our local community letting our students work and fulfill that requirement," Linton said. 

Thanks to the efforts of JAG specialist Karl Turk, Cloverdale High School boasts one of the nation's premiere programs, using a curriculum that focuses solely on workforce skills and career advancement. The curriculum blends project based learning, employer engagement and care centered around being informed about trauma.  

Linton praises the efforts of Turk for really building a program that has become a model for other districts. 

"Karl Turk is our teacher at the high school and has done a tremendous job helping us grow that program at the high school. He is a magnet for that population in our school district and does a tremendous job getting students involved in that program," Linton said. 

With graduation requirements changing and more of a focus on career readiness, Cloverdale officials have begun meeting students where they are an an earlier age, beginning a JAG program at the middle school. Linton said by doing so, the district is able to give middle school students "an introductory taste of what JAG is all about, and that will only increase and enhance the high school program and the offering we are able to have there."

Cathy Ames, director of curriculum and instruction for the Cloverdale district, echoed those sentiments. 

"Based on the new high school diploma requirements, the JAG Program will be vital, especially providing our students an opportunity in work based opportunities. We get great encouragement from our students and those outside the education world who let our students know what they need to do in order to be successful. We are very excited to have it now at the middle school and continue it up to high school," Ames said. 

Linton said it is important that students begin thinking about what it is they may want to do with their lives at an earlier age. 

"Because of the direction we are going in Indiana, it is more important now than ever for kids early on to decide the path they think they may be interested in. While there is always time to change your mind, it is important for middle school aged kids to take that seriously and make plans as quickly as possible," he said. 

Both Linton and Ames said the program helps students who may not opt for a four year institution after high school learn skills that can prepare them not only for life, but also a career where they can make money right out of high school. 

"I think when you look at the current state of Indiana or nationally, it is a rich market for jobs. If you are willing to go out to work, be at work on time, and work hard, there are a lot of very good jobs for students right out of high school when they graduate. While I think the four year institution path is still very important, there are more and more jobs that provide a very good living wage right out of high school. I think the JAG program and Area 30 provides our kids with the tools they need to be marketable when they leave high school, whether it be going to a local employer like Crown or throughout the state," Linton said. 

Ames agreed. 

"We want all students to know, regardless of what their choice is after high school, we are going to provide opportunities for them to be prepared in any choice they make. Our goal is to create well rounded students so that when they leave our corporation and schools, they are prepared for anything," Ames said.