JAG is more than just a program, it’s a lifeline for these students.”

Sarah Jo Dahlstrom

JAG students from Stanley-Boyd High School, Altoona High School, Chippewa Valley High School, and McKinley Charter gathered at the Stanley-Boyd Library for a special Chippewa Valley Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Spotlight event on February 14th. The event was attended by community members, academic teachers, administrators, and government leaders including Wisconsin Senator Jesse James and Assembly Representative Karen Hurd. During the event, students had the opportunity to share their personal stories, highlighting their backgrounds and explaining how the JAG program has supported their academic and career journeys.
Senior JAG Career Services Specialist Jessica Gumness welcomed the attendees, highlighting the achievements, resilience, and limitless potential of each student. She praised the students for their bravery in sharing their stories and emphasized how the program’s impact is evident in their personal growth. Gumness expressed her appreciation for their collaboration and noted that JAG Spotlight is not just a one-day event, but a celebration of ongoing hope and a testament to the powerful influence a community can have on an individual’s life.
“The students here today are prime examples of conquering their barriers and striving towards excellence,” Gumness said. “These students are transforming challenges into steppingstones towards their success.”
Sarah Jo Dahlstrom, Forward Service Corporation’s Director of Education Programs, shared that
JAG has been in operation for over 40 years nationally and is funded through the Department of Children and Families. The program is designed to help at-risk students prepare for life after high school and set them up for future success. JAG is currently implemented in 16 schools across Wisconsin and provides comprehensive support and guidance to students facing various challenges through trauma-informed care, project-based learning, and employer engagement.
“JAG is more than just a program, it’s a lifeline for these students,” remarked Dahlstrom.
The program equips students with the skills and confidence needed to overcome obstacles and achieve both academic and career success. JAG operates on three main pillars: project-based learning, employer engagement, and trauma-informed care. All JAG staff are trauma-informed care certified to provide the necessary support and help students make positive life choices. Additionally, JAG emphasizes personal development and resilience through mentorship, leadership activities, and social-emotional learning.
“We offer hope, opportunity and a pathway to great success,” Dahlstrom concluded.
During the event, several students took the floor to talk about the challenges they’ve faced and how JAG has provided support, mentorship, and essential skills for success. They shared how the program has helped them build confidence, prepare for the workforce, and set goals for their future careers.
“JAG has been more than just a program, it has been a source of stability, motivation and hope,” said Jaden Pennala, a junior at Stanley-Boyd who has been in the program for three years. She described JAG as a place of encouragement, empowerment, and personal growth, helping her set goals for her future.
“It has helped me build the skills I need to overcome obstacles and set career aspirations and create a plan for success both in high school and for after high school. I am very grateful for JAG and the opportunities it has provided for me.”
Stanley-Boyd High School Principal Tanya Mahr shared that when Stanley-Boyd students graduate, the goal is for them to have a variety of options.
“We strive to do what is best for our students,” she commented. She highlighted the many academic opportunities available at Stanley-Boyd to prepare students for both career and academic paths. Mahr noted that JAG fills a critical gap in the district, providing students with essential skills and support to ensure their success after graduation.
“As a result, it aligns incredibly well with our mission and goals for the district and has become an invaluable program for so many of our students,” she said.
Tyler Ewer, JAG Career Specialist, explained that the JAG program operates differently in each school district, with adaptations to meet the unique needs of the community and the structure of each high school.
Senator Jesse James encouraged the students to continue sharing their stories. “Your stories are absolutely heartfelt. They’re emotional and it shares the reality of true life of what’s happening not only just in our area but across the state. I know that there are so many students that should have this opportunity,” he said. He also commended the students for being well-spoken. “You are the future leaders,” he added.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the positive effects that mentorship and career readiness programs like JAG can have on young people, helping them navigate challenges and pursue their dreams