Jobs (and more) for Maine Graduates
By Frances Fleming
Pop quiz. What is JMG?
The real name is Jobs for Maine Graduates – a credit course class that helps guide students on a career or college path. JMG helps students who are in danger of multiple barriers facing graduation or even falling behind in classes and a grade level.
We are one of 150 schools in Maine (out of 569) with a JMG program.
Elizabeth DeGrandpre has been a teacher at Poland Regional High School and a JMG specialist since 2019. In the 4-plus years she has taught at PRHS she has worked and helped more than 250 kids, two of which – Sadie Kyllonen and Brayden Tipton – I interviewed to help spread the word about JMG.
Mrs. DeGrandpre said her favorite part of teaching is when “a student is struggling with something and working hard to find the solution or answer, then seeing their reaction to finally getting the answer … I call it ‘the lightbulb moment.’”
What does she tell students who ask what they might get out of JMG?
“What you will learn in class is directly applicable to real life moments,” she said. “It’s is going to accommodate into your life and help you with real world skills.”
Sadie Kyllonen and Brayden Tipton had good things to say about JMG while offering different answers to my questions.
What is one important skill that you learned through JMG?
“Critical life skills,” said Sadie.
“How to write a cover letter and resume, how to apply for jobs, and even buy a house or a car,” said Brayden.
What is your biggest takeaway from JMG?
“Budgeting,” said Sadie.
“How to write and understand a check and checkbook,” said Brayden.
They are part of a bigger JMG picture. Every JMG class in schools around Maine is taught by “an on-site, full-time JMG specialist,” such as Mrs. DeGrandpre. These specialists focus on helping with “environmental, work-related, physical and even psychological roadblocks” a student might face. Each JMG teacher follows a curriculum that is designed around “competencies related to career development, life/community living skills, social skills and career based learning,” according to the JMG official website.
Along with regular activities provided by schools, JMG offers help with finding the right schools that will benefit you in the long run, how to apply to schools, finding apartments, and finding jobs that will best fit your lifestyle. JMG also offers support and guidance to students for a minimum of one year after they graduate, especially for those attending post-secondary institutions.
JMG helps students with disabilities. The American Institute for Research conducted research on the impact that JMG has on disabled and non-disabled students. AIR reported that all students who have disabilities are 22 percent more likely to graduate if they participated in JMG in grades 11-12. Students with free/reduced-priced lunches have a 49 percent better chance of graduating with JMG’s help. Those with limited English-language proficiency have a 42 percent better chance of graduating after enrolling in JMG.
About 150 schools in Maine offer middle school JMG programs and classes. The middle school JMG program helps kids develop “communication skills, team building, problem solving, and leadership skills” through adventure-based activities and projects. This program includes lots of hands-on projects and community service components, along with teaching them the importance of giving back.
Mrs. DeGrandpre is more than happy to answer questions about signing up for JMG. Stop by her room, D103, or contact her at [email protected].
By Frances Fleming
Pop quiz. What is JMG?
The real name is Jobs for Maine Graduates – a credit course class that helps guide students on a career or college path. JMG helps students who are in danger of multiple barriers facing graduation or even falling behind in classes and a grade level.
We are one of 150 schools in Maine (out of 569) with a JMG program.
Elizabeth DeGrandpre has been a teacher at Poland Regional High School and a JMG specialist since 2019. In the 4-plus years she has taught at PRHS she has worked and helped more than 250 kids, two of which – Sadie Kyllonen and Brayden Tipton – I interviewed to help spread the word about JMG.
Mrs. DeGrandpre said her favorite part of teaching is when “a student is struggling with something and working hard to find the solution or answer, then seeing their reaction to finally getting the answer … I call it ‘the lightbulb moment.’”
What does she tell students who ask what they might get out of JMG?
“What you will learn in class is directly applicable to real life moments,” she said. “It’s is going to accommodate into your life and help you with real world skills.”
Sadie Kyllonen and Brayden Tipton had good things to say about JMG while offering different answers to my questions.
What is one important skill that you learned through JMG?
“Critical life skills,” said Sadie.
“How to write a cover letter and resume, how to apply for jobs, and even buy a house or a car,” said Brayden.
What is your biggest takeaway from JMG?
“Budgeting,” said Sadie.
“How to write and understand a check and checkbook,” said Brayden.
They are part of a bigger JMG picture. Every JMG class in schools around Maine is taught by “an on-site, full-time JMG specialist,” such as Mrs. DeGrandpre. These specialists focus on helping with “environmental, work-related, physical and even psychological roadblocks” a student might face. Each JMG teacher follows a curriculum that is designed around “competencies related to career development, life/community living skills, social skills and career based learning,” according to the JMG official website.
Along with regular activities provided by schools, JMG offers help with finding the right schools that will benefit you in the long run, how to apply to schools, finding apartments, and finding jobs that will best fit your lifestyle. JMG also offers support and guidance to students for a minimum of one year after they graduate, especially for those attending post-secondary institutions.
JMG helps students with disabilities. The American Institute for Research conducted research on the impact that JMG has on disabled and non-disabled students. AIR reported that all students who have disabilities are 22 percent more likely to graduate if they participated in JMG in grades 11-12. Students with free/reduced-priced lunches have a 49 percent better chance of graduating with JMG’s help. Those with limited English-language proficiency have a 42 percent better chance of graduating after enrolling in JMG.
About 150 schools in Maine offer middle school JMG programs and classes. The middle school JMG program helps kids develop “communication skills, team building, problem solving, and leadership skills” through adventure-based activities and projects. This program includes lots of hands-on projects and community service components, along with teaching them the importance of giving back.
Mrs. DeGrandpre is more than happy to answer questions about signing up for JMG. Stop by her room, D103, or contact her at [email protected].