Jobs for Maine's Graduates

Jobs for Maine's Graduates (JMG) is a statewide non-profit organization that provides a continuum of support for students from middle school through to post-secondary education and career placement. Founded in 1993 through an act of the Maine State Legislature, JMG partners with public schools, career and technical centers, community colleges, and the university system to assist students who may face barriers to education. The organization's President and CEO is Craig Larrabee.

JMG's business model is centered on a long-term, relationship-based approach. The organization embeds full-time specialists in schools to deliver a competency-based curriculum as a for-credit course. This curriculum focuses on career development, leadership, teamwork, financial literacy, and community service. Serving over 13,000 students annually across nearly 150 programs, JMG aims to increase high school graduation rates and post-secondary credential attainment. The support system extends for a minimum of one year after high school graduation, and for those in higher education, support continues until degree or credential attainment up to the age of 24.

The organization's various programs cater to different stages of a student's journey, including a Middle School Program, High School Program, College Success Program (CSP), and High School Completion for youth who have left the traditional school system. JMG also offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) that emphasize hands-on, community-based career exploration. Funding is primarily sourced from state departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, alongside federal grants, local contributions, and private funding from foundations and businesses.

Keywords: student career development, workforce readiness, post-secondary education support, at-risk youth programs, high school graduation, educational nonprofit, career pathways, financial literacy education, student mentoring, work-based learning, Maine education, college transition, career counseling, youth empowerment, credential attainment, community service learning, school-to-work transition, leadership development, educational partnerships, career and technical education