Four schools recognized for successful implementation of jobs program

Four Metro schools have been recognized for their results in implementation of a PENCIL Foundation-operated program, Jobs for Tennessee Graduates (JTG), according to a Monday statement from Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Glencliff, Hunters Lane, McGavock and Stratford high schools all received the “Five of Five” Award from the national organization Jobs for America’s Graduates, the national organization of which JTG is a part. “Five of Five” schools have exceeded JAG’s benchmarks for graduation rate, positive placement rate, full-time placement rate and full-time job placement rate.

The program offers services to high school students considered at risk of dropping out of school and not joining the workforce successfully. Many of the students targeted by the program may exhibit poor academic performance, economic hardship, pregnancy or parenthood, attendance troubles or substance abuse. More than 1,000 kids each year are served by the program in Davidson, Dickson, Giles and Wilson counties.

The Tennessee Department of Education and Labor provides 45 percent of program-wide funding for JTG, with the Nashville Career Advancement Center providing 55 percent, according to information from JTG.

JTG is operated by the PENCIL Foundation at eight Metro schools, including the four honored by JAG.

Visit pencilfd.org for more information about the PENCIL Foundation and JTG.