[ad_1]
PHOENIX — Arizona’s high school graduation rate remains one of the lowest in the nation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There’s a group in our state that’s not only trying to change that, but helping shape kids’ futures after they graduate.
“If you can learn, you can go anywhere you want in the world.”
This is an important lesson Trevion “Tre” Turman learned at a young age.
At just 17 years old, Turman has already paved the way for a bright future, but the West Point junior told ABC15 that wasn’t always the case.
“I was in trouble a lot in elementary school,” Turman said. “My sister always tells me, ‘You know you have power in the classroom. Why not use it to do something good?'”
Thanks to a change of mindset and help from the Arizona Graduate Employment Group (JAG), Turman was able to do this and more.
“His drive was not there, but his leadership was always there,” explains Trinetta Lipsey, JAG’s director of programs and training.
JAG partners with the Tullman School District, Tolson Alliance and dozens of other school districts across the state to help students break down barriers that may be holding them back.
“Students need exposure and experiences that they may not have had before because they had no control over past issues,” Lipsey said.
Arizona’s graduation rate for the 2021-2022 school year is 77.3%, one of the lowest in the nation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
JAG says they have a 99% graduation rate for their students and believe in their ability to nurture students, provide one-on-one attention and let them know the sky is the limit.
“Having your voice heard and knowing that your voice is heard, that they understand what you want to do and support your goals, that’s the importance of our program,” Lipsey said.
JAG also partners with universities, trade schools, businesses and other nonprofit organizations to empower these students to become architects of their own futures.
Turman said he didn’t even know college would be an option for him before attending JAG.
Last fall, Turman had the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. — his first time on a plane — to visit colleges, where he particularly fell in love with Howard University.
“Watching him walking around campus… it takes your breath away because you can see these students… He has to look at me with the perspective of, ‘This is where I see myself. Come and see yourself,” explained Lipsey.
“JAG really helped me put all the pieces together,” Turman said. “It’s like I was a flower that didn’t bloom until I entered JAG.”
For information about JAG and all the services and resources it offers, please visit its website.
[ad_2]
Source link