Last spring, Education Secretary Katie Jenner announced that the Indiana Department of Education would be unable to sustain JAG programs in schools with state funding due to budget constraints. As a result, the program’s future at Paoli was in jeopardy.

JAG stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates, and the program helps students prepare for graduation and career success. The program at Paoli welcomed Katie Cook seven years ago to build the program at PHS, and has seen numerous students participate and compete in local contests.

On July 14, the Paoli School Board voted to enter into a one-year Memorandum of Understanding with the South Central Region 8 Indiana Workforce Board for 2025-2026 to cover the operation of the JAG program. Region 8 will reimburse the school corporation for the salary and benefits for the JAG Specialist, who will be a school corporation employee.

According to a story from WFYI, there were 250 JAG programs at schools in Indiana, including the one at PHS, last year. The JAG official website states there are now only 125 programs. In Region 8, where Paoli is located, the number of schools went from 18 to just four.

“I feel like Indiana is making a mistake by not choosing to fund the JAG program. JAG is a huge part of preparing students for life after graduation. JAG teaches things that other classes don’t teach and focuses on more real-life experiences and what students will face out there,” said Cook.

Cook has seen firsthand how the program has impacted both her and her students.

“The program has had a huge impact on my life. It’s connected me with so many students who just needed a little extra support and encouragement. I’ve seen so many students thrive and grow in just the two years they have been in the program,” said Cook.

Currently, the JAG program is only guaranteed funding through the end of this school year. Its future beyond this year is uncertain at this time.