Nov. 16, 2011

GOVERNOR, FIRST LADY TO BE HONORED TODAY BY
JOBS FOR AMERICA'S GRADUATES

WASHINGTON D.C. – Gov. Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour will be honored today with the Governor’s and First Lady’s Leadership Award for 2011 for their support of Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, a program that encourages at-risk youth to stay in school and secure quality jobs.

The award will be presented this evening as part of the Jobs for America's Graduates National Leadership Awards in Washington D.C. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, or JMG, is an affiliate of the national organization. With support from Governor and Mrs. Barbour, the program has expanded to several areas of the state and experienced success in keeping students in school.

"Jobs for Mississippi Graduates is such an important program that reaches students before they drop out of school and guides them to a successful career path," Mrs. Barbour said. "Haley and I appreciate this award from Jobs for America's Graduates and thank them for the work they do across the nation."

JMG offers a comprehensive set of services in 49 high schools and four middle schools across Mississippi. Between 35 and 45 students are recruited to participate at each site.  The JMG drop-out prevention program coordinates with the Mississippi Department of Education.

Youth receive employability skills training in up to 81 competency areas, including: career development skills, job attainment skills, job survival skills, basic skills, leadership and self-development skills, personal skills, life survival skills and workplace skills.

In addition, JMG follows the student's progress for a year after leaving the program to ensure his or her successful transition into postsecondary education, the workplace, military or an apprenticeship program.