Fueling Dreams. Building Futures.

Our Mission

Empower our Nation's young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life.

JAG Pennsylvania connects education, career readiness, employer engagement and individualized support to help young people confidently navigate their next step.

Opportunity grows when young people can see—and reach—their next step.
Graduation ✦ Career Readiness ✦ Leadership ✦ Employer Connection ✦ Postsecondary Pathways ✦ Economic Mobility ✦
When we invest in our youth, we strengthen Pennsylvania's schools, communities, workforce and future.

More than career readiness.

The JAG Advantage

JAG PA doesn't just prepare young people for the future—we help them take ownership of it.

Through school-based, community-based and career-connected programming, students build the skills, confidence, relationships and real-world experiences needed to succeed in education, employment and life.

The JAG Advantage combines Project-Based Learning, trauma-informed support, employer engagement, leadership development and individualized guidance so young people can learn, practice and apply skills before they enter the workforce.

JAG Pennsylvania students participating in a JAG program experience
Real Learning. Real Experience. Preparing young people to graduate, connect and confidently take their next step.
01
Trusted Support

A consistent adult in a student's corner.

JAG Specialists provide mentoring, individualized guidance and trauma-informed support that help students identify barriers, strengthen resilience, set goals and stay engaged as they move toward graduation and successful next steps.

02
Project-Based Learning

Students learn by doing.

Leadership, service learning, career exploration, financial literacy, communication, teamwork and problem-solving are reinforced through meaningful projects and real-world application.

03
Employer Engagement

Career exposure becomes career experience.

Career panels, mentors, workplace tours, mock interviews, job shadowing, internships, employer-led projects and work-based learning help students understand workplace expectations and begin building professional networks.

04
Successful Transitions

Graduation is a milestone—not the finish line.

JAG helps young people connect to employment, college, credential programs, apprenticeships, training, military service, entrepreneurship and other pathways that can support long-term economic mobility.

The Student Experience From learning to launch.
JAG connects classroom learning, real-world experience and relationships into one continuous pathway.
Learn
Practice
Experience
Connect
Launch
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JAG Core Competencies Students develop competencies across career development, job attainment, job survival, basic skills, leadership and self-development, life survival skills, personal skills, workplace skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Employer • Experience • Funding Partners

Opportunity takes a network.

JAG Pennsylvania works with employers, community organizations, cultural institutions, workforce partners and funders to connect young people with career exposure, real-world experiences, mentoring, work-based learning and pathways to education and employment.

Employer, Career & Community Experience Partners
Funding & Program Partnerships
Summer 2026 Program Partnership JEVS Human Services Fiscal and contracting partner supporting JAG PA's Summer 2026 participation in Career Connected Learning Philadelphia. Career-Connected Learning C2L-PHL • Summer 2026 A citywide career-connected learning initiative supporting paid work-based experiences, professional development, mentoring and career exploration.
Year-Round Strategy Summer + School-Year Continuity JAG PA connects summer career exposure with ongoing coaching, curriculum, employer engagement, student support and transition planning throughout the school year.
Building the Network Additional Funders Welcome Corporate, foundation and philanthropic partners can help JAG PA expand career-connected learning and student opportunity throughout Pennsylvania.
JAG Pennsylvania participated in the 2026 C2L-PHL Summer Institute through JEVS Human Services. Summer 2027 participation and participant enrollment have not yet been confirmed. Additional information will be shared when available.

JAG SUCCESS STORY

Semaj Hasaan, Current 12th Grade Student

“Before joining JAG, I didn’t really think much about my future or what I wanted to do after high school. I was just trying to get through each day and pass my classes. I didn’t realize how much potential I actually had until I became part of this program. JAG helped me start setting goals and really think about the kind of person I want to become.

Through JAG, I’ve learned the importance of staying motivated and believing in myself no matter what challenges I face. The activities and lessons we do aren’t just about school they’re about real life. I’ve learned how to communicate better, manage my time, and take responsibility for my actions. Those are things that will help me way beyond graduation.

One of the biggest things JAG has given me is confidence. I used to doubt myself and hold back because I was afraid of failing. Now I know that mistakes are just part of learning, and I feel more prepared to face challenges. Having people who support me and push me to do my best has made a huge difference in my life and mental health.

To me, JAG isn’t just a class — it’s a community. It’s a place where we lift each other up and work toward something bigger than ourselves. This program has shown me that success doesn’t happen overnight, but with effort, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. I feel as if JAG has given me confidence that I can use far beyond highschool to soar in life. I am eternally grateful to JAG and I will never forget this experience.”

Semaj Hasaan

Frequently Asked Questions + Answers

Everything you need to know about JAG PA.

Explore how JAG Pennsylvania supports young people, works with schools and employers, measures progress, and expands opportunity across the Commonwealth.

01 Who does JAG PA serve?

JAG PA is a college, career, and workforce-readiness program serving youth ages 12–24 in Pennsylvania.

02 What makes the JAG Advantage different?

Our model combines project-based learning, trauma-informed support, employer engagement, leadership development, and career exploration to help students gain real-world skills, overcome barriers, and build meaningful networks for their next steps.

03 What JAG programs are available in Pennsylvania?

JAG PA operates multiple program models, including Middle School, Multi-Year, Alternative School, Out-of-School, and College Success. Each model helps young people move toward graduation, employment, postsecondary education, or another successful next step.

Explore JAG PA Programs →

04 How does JAG PA work with schools, employers, and communities?

JAG PA partners with school districts, businesses, funders, and community organizations to connect young people with career exposure, workplace experiences, mentorship, resources, and local support.

05 What results does JAG PA track?

JAG PA tracks outcomes connected to graduation, employment, continued education, credential attainment, career readiness, and ongoing graduate connectivity.

Updated Pennsylvania-specific performance results will be added after the latest data has been reviewed and verified.

Updated impact data forthcoming
06 How can I get involved with JAG PA?

Individuals and organizations can get involved as volunteers, employer partners, sponsors, mentors, or donors. JAG PA also welcomes school districts, community organizations, businesses, and funders interested in expanding opportunity for Pennsylvania youth.

Connect With JAG PA →

07 How can I connect with JAG PA?

You can reach JAG PA at (267) 474-4657 , email info@jagpenn.org , or visit our office at 610 Old York Road, Suite 400, Jenkintown, PA 19046.

08 How can my school or community bring JAG to young people?

Schools, districts, charter and private schools, community organizations, and other youth-serving partners can contact JAG PA to explore which program model may best fit their students and community.

Our team works with prospective partners to understand student needs, program capacity, implementation requirements, community partnerships, and opportunities for sustainable support.

Start a Conversation →

09 Where is JAG PA currently available?

JAG PA operates through participating school and community-based sites in Pennsylvania while continuing to expand its reach across the Commonwealth.

Availability varies by program model and community. Contact JAG PA to learn more about current programs or opportunities to bring JAG to your area.

Ask About JAG in Your Community →

10 What happens after a student graduates?

JAG is designed to help young people make successful transitions beyond the classroom. Depending on the program model, participants may continue receiving follow-up support, career guidance, employment assistance, postsecondary connections, and other resources as they move into work, college, training, military service, or another successful next step.

Need Something Else?

Still have a question?

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, employer, funder, or community partner, our team can help you find the right next step.

Connect With JAG PA →

We invest in tomorrow. // Real change starts today. ✦ Fueling Dreams. Building Futures. // Graduation. Career Readiness. Opportunity. ✦ Building Pennsylvania's Future Workforce. // Students. Schools. Employers. Communities. ✦ Opportunity Across the Commonwealth. //

JAG PA in Action

Change starts with real support.

When we invest in young people, we strengthen Pennsylvania’s classrooms, communities, workforce, and future.

JAG Pennsylvania community engagement event
Community Engagement
JAG Pennsylvania graduates celebrating
Student Achievement
JAG Pennsylvania presentation and leadership event
Leadership + Voice

Real people. Real pathways. Real momentum. JAG PA connects education, opportunity, and community support across Pennsylvania.

Connect With JAG PA →