Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc.

Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates A Soaring Dropout Prevention Program That Works InThis Issue JMG CDC 20 1 Staff & Board Comments 2 Board of Directors News 2 Volume 1 Issue 4 JMG 20 Career Development Conference (CDC) Theme: Building Your Future: Today, Tomorrow and Forever JMG hosted its 20th Annual Career Development Conference March 27-2th at Hinds Community College Clyde Muse Center, Pearl, Mississippi. -Each JMG Job Specialist brought up to 6 students to represent their school by competing in one of the six competitive events held. Student competition was held in 6 areas. Competitive Events categories and 1st place winners were: Public Speaking; Terrance Thomas, Simmons High School: Critical Thinking Skills, 1st place winner, Araneshia Haynes, Amite Co High School: Interviewing Skills, 1st place winner, Undra Richardson, Simmons High School, Financial Planning 1st place winner, Andre Roberst, Amite Co. High School, Words March 20 from the Workplace, 1st place winner, Shantasha Thomas, Crystal Springs High School: Chapter Banner, 1st place winner, Simmons High School and Entrepreneurship, Humphreys Co. High School, 1st place winner. Congratulations goes out to all of our winners and students that attended the conference. Special thanks goes to our volunteer judges who worked hard to make sure that results were fair. Specialists and students rated the conference as being one of the best. Staff as well as students enjoyed all conference activities and the messages from the guest speakers were LIFE CHANGING. Conference special guest speakers were: Ms. Marie Wicks, Miss Mississippi; Dr. Samuel Jones, Dean of students, Jones Community College; Ms. Bianca Knight, Olympic Athlete; Mr. Mark Fomby, FTC Prevention Services; Mr. Hotep, founder of Hustler University; Ms. Leah Campbell, Attorney General s office; Mr. Lucas Boyce, Orlando Magic; Mr. Sultan Sharrief, filmmaker and Mr. Ken Smith, JAG National President. Conference activities were: The Choice Bus tours, Money Matters and a number of local exhibitors. The Banquet and Awards presentation was held on the evening of the first day for the first time and it was well received. A JOB WELL DONE. PY 2012 JMG Program Outcomes JMG Student Testimony Important Upcoming Events Program Reflections 2012 Regions Bank Support JMG/CBO Initiative 3 4 6 Gentry Simmons Canton High CDC PARTICIPANTS 2012-20 PY 2012-20 Programs 7 JMG Board of Directors We Believe in Mississippi Students

Page 2 Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc. From the Executive Director s Desk 30 th Annual National Training Seminar and Pre- NTS Professional Development Workshops - July -12, 20 Lucy Ferron, Program Manager JMG Staff Mrs. Ramona Williams Executive Director Mrs. Brenda Thurman Director of Operations Ms. Lucy Ferron Program Manager Mrs. Alice Gaulden Program Manager Mrs. Beverly Coleman Administrative Ms. Courtney Coleman, Intern Dear JMG Alumni and Friends, Working with Job Specialists and seeing how students across the state are reaping extraordinary benefits from the JAG program is more rewarding than I could ever imagine. JAG Specialists believe in their students and work hard continuously to bring out the best in them. Research conducted by Harvard professor, Robert Rosenthal in 1964 (the first psychologist to systematically study this) at an elementary school south of San Francisco confirms how teacher JMG and JAG are leaders in assisting students with barriers to success to accomplish goals including graduation or GED, planning and preparing for a career, advancement to higher education, or military service. How is success measured? First we think of the data collected. Quantitative measures are required for reporting to JAG, the Department of Education, the Governor s Office, the Legislature, funding providers, and others we serve. We count the number of students who qualify for services, have various barriers, graduate, It is a rewarding, yet challenging task being Board Chairman for Jobs for Mississippi Graduates. I take the mission of this organization to heart, and I too believe that I am in the right place at the right time. My task becomes easy in large part to the diversity of knowledge and experience we have among the board members, expectations can affect the performance of the children they teach. This has not changed. Researcher Robert Pianta offers 7 ways teachers can change student expectations and this is what JMG Specialists do. My ultimate challenge is to expand the services that JMG provides to more districts in the state struggling with low graduation rates. This years program outcomes were again remarkable. The 12 month follow-up is complete for the 624 seniors who graduated last May, 2012 with a 71.2% and more importantly, the zeal of the CEO. The board has to take responsibility seriously because we too play a vital role in the successful longevity of JMG. We make tough decisions when monitoring trends & growth of the drop-out epidemic whether the decisions be to add-on or take away. The ability to work together as a team and be accountable is what makes us a very unique board that represents the diverse corporate and private sector comgo on to higher education or the military, and find employment. As educators though, we know that success is not measured by numbers alone. Job Specialists witness success when students realize they can set and reach goals once thought beyond their grasp. The growth of skills taught by JMG is evident to other faculty members in the changed attitudes and attentiveness of students many had given up for failures. A competitive spirit is nurtured by classroom teamwork and the challenges of rivalry at the state-wide Ca- positive outcome. 423 of these students are enrolled in college or other educational programs, have full or part-time jobs, and/or enlisted in the military. Thanks to all of our School Districts for past, current & future support. Special thanks to Honorable Governor Phil Bryant From the Desk of Lucy Ferron, Program Manager Attorney Ramona Williams, CEO for supporting us and believing in what we do. reer Development Conference. The smile of confidence, the posture of pride, the helping hand offered, and the glow of happiness are measures of success that thrill all of us who have the privilege of working with these students of potential. The inner strength Specialists foster in their JMG students cannot be measured in traditional ways. Just look at the faces of those amazing young people and the job well-done is reflected there. Thank you for all you do to make JMG successful, however you want to measure it. JMG Board President, Ms. Evelyn Edwards munity that MS fosters. We are committed to ensuring that our students not only stay in school, but graduate with a road map. This is essential for dropout prevention services and employability skills training to reach more students across the state that so desperately need and can benefit from these services. I extend sincere thanks to Regions Bank, Entergy, and Monsanto for their recent support of JMG. I would also like to welcome Ms. Kimberly Little,

Page 3 Board updates Cont d Human Resources Generalist II with Regions Financial Corporation, the latest appointment to the JMG Board of Directors. Kudos to Attorney Ramona Williams, Executive Director of JMG, for leading the effort/charge over the past 2 years. After 22 years of services that has changed/impacted the lives of more that 2,000 youth as well as their families, we must be doing something right. Seniors Graduation Total Positive Non-Seniors Retention Rate Rate 624 (9) 94.39% 71.2% 04 (737) 91.67% for all that you do as teachers and facilitators for our students. Students today face a challenging world with rapid changes in every facet of their lives. The training that you provide prepares our students for the real world. To be empowered for the 21st century, our students need to be able to... Think critically, solve problems, be creative, be innovative, communicate, collaborate, use technology and media, self-direct, lead, be ethical, be adaptable, be versatile, have a great work ethic, be passionate, be curious, and learn for a lifetime. THIS IS WHAT THE JAG/JMG CURRICULUM DOES.THIS IS WHAT YOU DO. Special Thanks to Ms. Bettye Sims-Hawkins for being No. 1 in preparing students and winners for the JAG National Student Leadership Academy Competition held in Washington, D. C. each year. Perry Washington, Gentry High 2012 Graduate won 1st place in Public Speaking in Washington, D. C. in November, 2011. Student Testimony -Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Inc. has consistently produced great men and women. As a child growing up, I can remember being so anxious about my future and listing a whole list of things that I wanted to become. It was not until my senior year in high school that I stepped foot into a JMG classroom. When I entered, I was SGA president, so I thought that I knew it all. I was sure that I knew all of the leadership styles and that I could speak and make all hearts burn. That was my mentality, at first, but when all those agents of arrogance would come tumbling down. My specialist, Mrs. Bettye Ann Sims-Hawkins, was more than just another teacher to me; she was in so many ways Mother. Mrs. Hawkins, through JMG, was an agent of change and inspiration in my life. She changed my out look on things in life. I learned how to work well with others and learned the importance of diversity. Just when I thought I could speak well, Mrs. Hawkins stepped to the stand and articulated and orated as if she was America s most noted and revered speaker. This is what JMG is. JMG tears down the very walls of ignorance and builds monuments of wisdom. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, gave me hope when even my family didn t give me any. It is because of this organization that I am a freshman at the National Headquarters for Black Male Achievement, Morehouse College. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, thank you for giving me hope, strength, and most of all an education. Perry completed his first year at Morehouse College with a 4.0 GPA. GO PERRY

Volume 1 Issue 4 Page 4 Important Upcoming Events JAG will host the 30th Annual National Training Seminar and Pre-NTS Professional Development Workshops in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel July -12, 20. Pre-NTS will begin July and all JAG Pre-NTS new Job Specialists will participate in intensive worktraining & shops for 2½ days NTS designed to help Workshops improve the delivery of youthfocused JAG Model programs. National Training Seminars will begin July. More than 400 JAG colleagues will have the opportunity to participate in motivational and dynamic general sessions and 60 best practice workshops. JAG-Mississippi Presents at NTS Bettye Sims-Hawkins, Gentry High School & Janice B. Galloway, Simmons High School will be hosting a workshop at NTS this year entitled: Mentoring: A Positive Youth De- velopment Tool. The workshop is designed to assist Job Specialists in facilitating a mentoring and job shadowing program that would provide students with actual work experience in a career interest, a greater understanding of employment expectations, and aid in the development of the students educational and career goals. JAGMississippi Pre-School Training The training for JMG Specialists will be held July 29th August 2nd. All JMG new Job Specialists will begin training on Monday July 29 for 2½ days. All Job Specialists will be in training for an additional 2½ days, resulting in days of intensive training. The focal point for training this year will be data management and competency attainment. JMG will be an exhibitor at the Mississippi Association of State Superintendent s (MASS) Conference in Biloxi, MS July -11, 20 JMG PROGRAM YEAR REFLECTIONS CDC HIGHLIGHS JMG Job Specialists, 2012-20 JMG CDC Student Attendees, 2012-20

Page "The mediocre teacher tells.the good teacher explains.the superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - William Arthur Ward

Regions Bank Supports JMG Page 6 Historically, Parental Involvement has been the Key Component for Student Success Regions awarded $26,000 to Jobs for Mississippi Graduates on June 12, 20. The purpose of the grant is for JMG to provide financial education to disadvantaged young people in rural areas of the state as part of its high school dropout prevention services and school-to-work-transition training opportunities. The dedication and resources committed to us by Regions Bank will aid us in our mission to further reduce the state s alarming dropout rate and in our efforts to attract and retain a quality workforce, said Executive Director Ramona Seabron-Williams. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Incorporated is delighted to have Regions as a corporate sponsor. THANK YOU REGIONS!!!! Rose, Gallup & Elam, 1997 reported that 6% of the general public believes that support from parents is the most important way to improve schools. Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing public schools. Decades of research show that when parents are involved, students have: Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rats Better school attendance Increased motivation, better self -esteem Lower rates of suspension Decreased use of drugs and alcohol Fewer instances of violent behavior. Left to right: Ms. Ramona Williams, JMG Executive Director; Mr. Alon Bee, City President, Metro Jackson. Jobs for Mississippi Graduates Hinds County Community Based Program Initiative The Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Hinds County Community Based Program (JMG-CBO) is an initiative that commenced on May 6, 20, in which JMG seeks to reach the youth and their parents in Hinds County to address dropout prevention measures, dropout recovery measures, and the importance of parental involvement in dealing with the malady of high school dropout rates in Hinds County, Mississippi. The program is one in which the students receive training on life skills i.e. workplace skills, academic development, and personal development. The parental involvement component of JMG-CBO encompasses informing parents of their roles to ensure their children remain focused and on point to graduate from high school, of techniques the parents can employ, and how the parents can better assist their youth. The program will cover the spectrum of academics, employability, financial literary, and health/wellness. It is the hopes of the executive director, Ramona Williams, that this program will reach even more students and parents and increase the awareness of the problem of high school dropout. Entities partnering with JMG in this program include Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Health, City of Jackson, Jackson Public School District, Regions Bank, and others.

Page 7 JMG - PY 2012-20 High School Programs School Name County Served Job Specialist Amite County High School Amite Ruth Scott 17 29 17 46 Bassfield High Jeff Davis Co. Linda Joyce-Bryant 4 1 9 Broad Street High School Bolivar George Harris 24 Canton Public High School Madison Albertine Nash 0 2 N/A 2 Clarksdale High Coahoma Co. Mr. Jordan Watts 4 26 2 30 Coahoma Co. High Coahoma Co. Ms. Mary Kimmons 0 N/A 30 9 40 Crystal Springs High Gentry High School George County High School Greenville High School Hattiesburg High Hazlehurst High Copiah Sunflower George Washington Forest Copiah Antonio Watson Ms. Betty Sims-Hawkins Ellen Strahan Ms. Lettie Brox Wm David Spight W. Pearl McDonald NonSeniors Seniors Graduated Total 24 11 1 24 39 1 11 26 41 1 32 23 36 44 Humphreys County High School Humphreys Jewelstine Sutton J. J. McClain High School Holmes Geraldine Sturgis 29 23 43 M. S. Palmer H. S. (Quitman Co.) Quitman Mattie Grimes 29 34 Natchez High School Adams Linda Bowers 23 39 North Panola High Panola Mr. Kenneth Bell 9 21 30 Obannon High School Washington Mr. Wilfred Hill 27 40 2 39 44 1 19 Port Gibson High School Prentiss High School Claiborne Jeff Davis Ellen Watts Linda Joyce-Bryant 42 3 Riverside High School Washington Melanie Nixon 17 17 Shaw High Bolivar Montrelli Finley 2 30 2 32 S. V. Marshall H. S. Holmes Rodrick Wardell 29 37 Simmons High School Washington Ms. Janice Galloway 37 42 Vicksburg High School Warren Barbara Williams 34 19 6 2 11 21 32 7 42 339 91 4 930 Warren Central High School West Bolivar High School Williams-Sullivan High School Warren Bolivar Holmes Ms. Mary Lacey Lucille Mayfield Lina Young Total Enrollment 9 Middle School Programs 2012-20 7th Graders th Graders Total Mr. Claude Harness Ms. Lois Jackson 66 171 Leflore Co. Ms. Lois Scales 20 20 40 Forest Co. Ms. Kimberly Stewart 2 6 34 92 24 School Name County Liberty Middle School Amite East Elementary N. R. Burger Total Enrollment 2012-20 Job Specialists

JMG Board of Directors Ms. Evelyn Edwards, President VP Community Reinvestment Officer BancorpSouth, Southeast Region Mr. David Horton, Vice President Monsanto Site Lead Mrs. Gloria Johnson, Secretary Director of Customer Service, Entergy Mr. Ward Van Skiver, Asst. Secretary Financial Advisor Mr. Pete Walley, Treasurer Director, MS Institutions of Higher Learning Mr. Glenn Booth, Asst. Treasurer Walmart Corp. Dr. Eric Clark State Board for Community/Junior Colleges Mr. Charles Barron, Personnel Committee Retired Superintendent, Shaw School District Mr. Henry Phillips, Jr., Superintendent West Bolivar School District Mr. Jeffrey Webster, Vice-Chair/Fundraising H R Director, Nissan North America Mr. Les Range MS Dept. of Employment Security Mr. Howard Sanders, Retired Superintendent, Hollandale School District Ms. Victoria Gholar, MSN, RN-BC University of MS Medical Center Honorable Rep. Robert G. Clark Speaker Pro Tempore (Retired) Ms. Beverly Washington, H.R. University of MS Medical Center Mrs. Joyce Bell-Hughes Catchings Insurance Agency Ms. Lorraine Washington, V.P. St. Dominic Hospital Group Mr. Seymour Pooley, President South Central Heating & Plumbing Ms. Constance Slaughter-Harvey Attorney Ms. Vickie Powell Mississippi Economic Council Mr. Edmond Hughes, V.P. Huntington-Ingalls Mrs. Carol Johnson-Burger, President/CEO, United Way of the Capitol Area Mrs. Gloria Harvey, Consultant For more information go to www.jmgms.org Ms. Kimberla Little, Human Resources Generalist II, Regions Financial Corporation, Jackson, MS