DES MOINES – State Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City has joined the Iowa Jobs for American Graduates Board (iJAG).
“The iJAG Board of Directors and I are very pleased that Rep. Steckman has agreed to join the iJAG Board,” said Laurie Phelan, President/CEO. “She was instrumental in securing support for the expansion of iJAG Programs statewide, including the start up at Mason City High School last fall. Rep. Steckman’s passion for quality education for all students, and her career as an educator, will help iJAG in setting our course for the future.”
iJAG is an independent, statewide 501(c)(3) private nonprofit corporation established in 1999 and has become a leader within the national JAG network. Initially created for high school seniors as a school-to-work program, iJAG has evolved into an organization serving more than 1,500 students per year in 30 programs (25 schools), reaching into multiple communities across the state of Iowa.
“I’m thrilled to join the iJAG board and help at-risk kids get the skills and support they need to be successful,” said Rep. Steckman. “This nonprofit has a critical mission and has already helped thousands of Iowa kids.” In its 13-year history, iJAG has provided more than 8,100 students who were at the highest risk of disengaging from school or dropping out of school without the skills and motivation needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce; 93% of the iJAG students graduate from high school, almost 60% of the graduates are first generation to attend any kind of post-secondary education, and 24 percent are the first generation in their family to graduate high school.