Written by: Lillian Grissom and Isabella Elliott
JAG (Jobs For America’s Graduates) has been very influential for students at Salem High School. Tara Kritzer has been working for JAG at SHS since the school introduced it in 2024. Due to budget cuts by the Indiana State Legislature this year, the JAG program will be defunded almost completely. Roughly 85% of JAG funding has been cut, and because of this, JAG will not be able to continue after the first semester at SHS.
“The JAG program is important on so many levels,” said Kritzer. “The program focuses on employability, leadership and personal skills. Students learn how to identify occupational interests and develop a career path. They also practice job attainment skills like constructing resumes and cover letters and participating in mock interviews. A large part of the class is devoted to things like understanding what employers expect, how to resolve conflict, demonstrating team membership, basing decisions on values and goals and demonstrating a positive attitude, just to name a few!”
JAG has benefited students over the years who are struggling or need to be pointed in the right direction. JAG helps students get opportunities to meet with colleges and businesses to see if their dream career is right for them. It teaches job skills that are critical for the job force, no matter your title.
“The JAG program has helped me in being able to prepare myself for the job world, helping me create resumes, it also taught me how to apply for jobs correctly,” said junior Emma Farnsley. “Aside from the program itself, the teacher has helped me to better myself as a person.”
Due to JAG getting defunded in December, a lot of JAG employees will lose their jobs, as well as students not being able to learn the skills to get a job in the future. This will affect students who are struggling to get a job and not knowing if they want to go to college or not.
As expected, students are devastated. With the world being taken over by AI systems, it is crucial that students learn skills needed to stand out for jobs. Students who are currently in the program worry for the future of students who would have benefited from it.
“I’ve only been in this program for a few months and I feel I’ve already learned so much,” said senior Lillian Grissom. “I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to finish my senior year in this class.”
Senior Allyson Layow said, “I feel like it will negatively affect students because of the life skills taught in this class. These skills are important and without this class I believe it will leave students feeling unprepared.“
JAG students recently learned about the AI systems that filter through job applications. They learned what skills and wording will pass through that system, helping their future applications stand out. With the job market growing more technological everyday, these skills are needed for the future of the job force.
JAG defunding isn’t just a budget cut, it’s a setback for Indiana students. For many students, JAG isn’t just a program, it’s a safe space. JAG is a place where you can make friends, learn how to collaborate, and get out of your shell. The future for the students in need of this class is unclear. One question remains: who can help guide these students to a brighter future now?