Jobs for Delaware Graduates’ Marks 45th Anniversary
Celebrating 45 Years of Transforming Students’ Lives, Boosting Communities
Wilmington, DE – Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) held a celebration on Wednesday, October 23rd – four-plus decades in the making – of empowering Delaware’s youth by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in both their educational and professional journeys.
Business and civic leaders, educators, elected officials and students gathered tonight at Wilmington’s Hotel DuPont to mark 45 years of a nationally replicated model which inspires students to stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education, and secure quality jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.
“JDG programs provide much-needed education and workforce-preparation services to some of the most at-risk middle- and high-school students in Delaware. Our curriculum teaches students academic, life and job skills to help them meet their challenges and rise to their aspirations,” said JDG President Nicole Poore. “We have so much to celebrate after 45 years, and more work to do to innovate and expand our capabilities to serve young people who deserve every opportunity for success.”
A curated display featuring a time capsule of archived items of photographs, documents and other memorabilia tracing back to the founding of Jobs for Delaware Graduates was a major highlight of the evening. The event also honored long-serving supporters whose dedication has helped ensure JDG’s success; highlighted JGD graduates who attribute the program to their career and life journeys; and commemorated government leaders who have helped shape JDG’s legacy.
“Many over the years from the philanthropic, government and business communities have contributed to the success of Jobs for Delaware Graduates,” said Dr. Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack, JDG board chair and assistant vice president of academic affairs and partnerships, Wilmington University. “Tonight was an evening of reflection, inspiration, and celebration as JDG continues its mission to provide students with the guidance and support they need to achieve success.”
Founded in 1979 under the leadership and
inspiration of former Gov, Pete DuPont, JDG has been a beacon of hope and
opportunity, helping over 105,000 students throughout Delaware develop the
skills necessary to thrive in the workforce. Through its dedicated career
development programs and classroom instruction, JDG has been a vital partner in
ensuring that students not only graduate but also transition smoothly into
meaningful employment.
JDG’s unique blend of mentorship, academic support, and career preparation has consistently proven its effectiveness in reducing dropout rates, boosting graduation numbers, and equipping students with critical life and work skills. By working closely with Delaware’s schools, local employers, and government partners, JDG has paved the way for thousands of young people to find meaningful careers and contribute to their communities.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates began a national
movement dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people. The JDG
model has been replicated in 39 states, with a footprint across 1,450
communities, nationwide. Known as Jobs for America's Graduates, the JAG network
impacts more than 94,000 youth and young adults annually. JAG graduates
consistently achieve outstanding results, including a 95.7% graduation rate.
JAG graduates are 230% more likely to be employed full-time compared to their
peers, and twice as likely to go to college.
As JDG celebrates this important milestone, it also looks to the future. The organization is committed to expanding its programs to reach even more students and deepen its partnerships with Delaware’s business and educational communities. Proceeds from tonight’s event directly supporting JDG’s initiatives to provide career development services to students across the state.
What Others Are Saying about Jobs for Delaware
Graduates:
US Sen. Chris Coons: "Jobs for Delaware Graduates has been
one of the most influential programs in helping to prepare and upskill our
first state students for successful workforce participation."
Governor Jack Markell: "Keeping kids in school is hugely
important - it benefits them in the workplace.
County Executive Matt Meyers: "JDG has done so many
outstanding things for our community. JDG has helped more than 100,00 students
- that's a lot of students anywhere, but especially here in Delaware."
JDG alum(s): Renee Johnson (Concord HS, '15) "I will never forget the 11th grade when we were taught about listening skills , personal ethics and verbal presentation. Before taking this class, certain things did not make sense to me. Job interviews were difficult. Speaking correctly and answering questions were even more difficult. And going through the 11th grade curriculum made a lot of the things that I deemed to be impossible, possible. Especially after going through verbal presentation. From then on, I knew that my voice would make a difference and I’ve landed great job opportunities with confidence in my voice."
Generous sponsors which made the event possible
include: Delaware City Refinery, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, JP
Morgan Chase, W.L. Gore & Associates, AT&T, Preferred Electric,
Chesapeake Utilities, Nemours, Christiana Care, Bank of America, IFS Benefits,
Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware State University Foundation,
Inc., Wilmington University, Parkowski, Guerke, & Swayze, Delaware
Restaurant Association, Emergency Response Protocol and HELP Initiative.
About Jobs for Delaware Graduates
Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc. (JDG) is a
school-to-work transitional program, dedicated to helping youth reach academic
and economic success. Our program exposes middle and high school students to
emerging careers and higher levels of education and training. Students who
participate in JDG receive weekly in-class instruction, credit towards
graduation, leadership development, community service, personal enrichment,
career coaching, and access to internships, job shadowing, and work
experiences.
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