A national program that benefits two Dallas County schools was recently recognized for exceeding national performance outcomes. 

The State of Alabama Department of Education announced Thursday its Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates program received the 2014 Jobs for America’s Graduates National 5-of-5 Award. JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization “dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk,” according to the program’s website.

This award honors states that exceed the national targeted 90 percent graduation rates, 60 percent job placement goals and 80 percent positive outcomes, including employment, postsecondary enrollment or military, according to the state department.

“Receiving this award validates that the Alabama State Department of Education is providing JAG Career Specialist with the technical assistance and training needed to make a positive impact on students,” said Alabama JAG Program manager Mandy Nichols.

Keith High School and Southside High School participate in the program, making Dallas County School System one of 16 systems to participate in the Alabama JAG Program.

Dallas County Superintendent of Education Don Willingham said the district earned state grants to fund JAG programs for two schools a few years after the program was first established.

Willingham said each school receives about $33,000 for operational costs, which he said is enough to fund about half of teachers’ salary and benefits.

JAG career specialists teach skills geared toward helping students make successful job searches, set long-term academic goals, and manage time, practice and perfect employability skills and soft skills, according to the State Department of Education.

Willingham said he has always been happy with the program’s success.

“It may have been a little ahead of its time,” Willingham said. “The Common Core and Career Readiness has that school-to-work type of idea, and the JAG program was created with that purpose about 15 or 18 years ago.”

st established.

Willingham said each school receives about $33,000 for operational costs.

He said the money is enough to fund about half of teachers’ salary and benefits.

JAG career specialists teach skills geared toward helping students make successful job searches, set long-term academic goals, and manage time, practice and perfect employability skills and soft skills, according to the State Department of Education.

Willingham said he has always been happy with the program’s success.

“It may have been a little ahead of its time,” Willingham said. “The Common Core and Career Readiness has that school-to-work type of idea, and the JAG program was created with that purpose about 15 or 18 years ago.”