By GENEVA HINKLE – News Staff
The program Jobs for Georgia Graduates promotes the development of employment and other necessary skills for post-secondary education for seniors at Clarke Central High School.
“(Clarke Central High School JGG adviser and Career Counselor Barry Jenkins) chooses a group of kids who go to several competitions, preparing them for the job market,” CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie P. Hooker said.
Affiliated with a national program called Jobs for America’s Graduates, JGG strives to involve students in the job market, while trying to maintain a 90 percent graduation rate with those participating high school students.
“The program (JGG) targets incoming high school seniors (who are believed) to be at risk, of not completing high school or not successfully transitioning into post-secondary schooling or the labor economy,” Jenkins said.
In various high schools throughout Georgia, JGG can either be a senior-year program or a multi-year program. However, CCHS only allows senior participation.
According to CCHS senior and JGG Community Service Coordinator Denzel Maxey, JGG has improved his work ethic in high school as well as prepared him for future endeavors.
“I have to work well with the (JGG) members and others and exhibit leadership and confidence in my abilities,” Maxey said. “These are all qualities that will help prepare me for my future endeavors before and after college.”
One opportunity for students to present their abilities is through the annual JGG competition. There, students compete in seven different categories: public speaking, decision-making skills, creative problem solving, employability skills, leadership, chapter manual and chapter activity.
During 2011-12 school year, Katie Downs won the state competition in decision-making, the first CCHS win since 2008. Jenkins believes this will positively influence the program for years to come.
“(The win) just shows that no matter what obstacles you have, you can always achieve,” Jenkins said. “The main thing is preparation, studying and just believing in what you do.”
Despite not having a class period specifically for JGG, CCHS participants are still able to exhibit a determination that makes this program effective and beneficial.
“Even though we don’t have class time, we still can do well, and that’s what I tell my students,” Jenkins said. “Proof is in the pudding. We don’t have class time, but we still make it work.”
Slider image courtesy of Georgia Public Broadcasting
