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JAG KY and TMMK Expand Collaboration with Scott County Schools to
“Sow Seeds of Success” for a Future Workforce
Jobs for America’s Graduates Kentucky (JAG KY), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) and Scott County Schools today announced a new joint collaboration between the three entities that included a major investment for the development of a future high-performance workforce to support the growth of advanced manufacturing and service support industries (e.g. logistics, research & development, utilities, etc.) in Scott County and Central Kentucky.
Key to this partnership, TMMK announced an investment of $140,000 to introduce JAG programming in four Scott County Schools this year, including: Scott County High School, Great Crossing High School, Elkhorn Crossing High School and Phoenix Horizon Community School. The announcement is a significant step toward solving the shortage of critically skilled workers, which poses an economic threat to many communities across the state.
“Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) has a proven model of success, providing needed resources and learning opportunities which empower students to reach their full potential,” stated Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky. “We look forward to an exciting school year, supporting JAG Kentucky students as they complete the program and enter the workforce with the skills and determination needed to propel our Commonwealth's economy forward."In order to solve the skilled workforce shortage, industry, government, education and nonprofits will need to collaborate in an increased and more effective fashion.
“JAG KY is deeply grateful for the tremendous financial investment announced today by TMMK and for their overall support for our students,” said Lisa Handziak, President of JAG KY. “Throughout Kentucky industry leaders are facing a talent crisis and are recognizing the need to view high school students as potential employees. The JAG KY program produces graduates who are resilient and prepared to meet the needs of Kentucky’s employers; this partnership is a natural fit for us and we are thankful for opportunity.”
Scott County Schools hosted the announcement event in their new Media Center at Great Crossing High School. “The career education and skilled training provided through Jobs for American Graduates will help our graduates meet the demands of the workforce and thrive in their future careers. We appreciate the support of Toyota and the work of JAG-KY to make this opportunity possible,” stated Dr. Kevin Hub, Superintendent of Scott County Schools. “We are proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and thankful to offer a large variety of opportunities to help all students be successful.”
Scott County students, Morgan Jones (Senior at SCHS), Santana Kavanaugh (Junior at ECHS), Wyatt Klaber (Junior at PHA), Serena Lamoy (Senior at GCHS), participated in the announcement and served as an impressive example of the JAG Kentucky programming. “JAG teaches us real world lessons through project based learning, brings in experts from in demand industries and provides us with practical life skills like finance management and conflict resolution. The best part is, after graduation they help us transition into whatever is next; if it’s straight into the workforce, college, training or the military, JAG will be there with us to help us transition successfully as adults,” stated Serena Lamoy, senior and JAG KY student at Great Crossing High School.