A program that helps students transition to life after high school will return next year after receiving a $30,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation recently.

The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program was started last year and currently has 33 students enrolled and will return for another year thanks to the grant.

“The JAG program has given me and other students an amazing opportunity,” student Anavay White said. “JAG gave me a chance to work at the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. I learned skills and gained experience that will help me after high school.”

And that is the goal of the JAG program to help students after high school whether that is going to college, joining the workforce or embarking on a different endeavour.

“This program is about figuring out what you want to do with your life after high school,” JAG Regional Director Sandy Sobek Leslie said. “It is about career and leadership development and reminding students of their worth.”

The JAG program is in 33 states and has been in Wisconsin since 2009 starting out in Dane County and expanding where funding is available.

The AT&T donation is part of a broader $1 million donation the company is providing for programs across the country.

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to bring JAG to Rhinelander,” AT&T Director of External Affairs Robyn Gruner said. “You are the future engineers at AT&T. You are our future customers and we want you to be prosperous.”

Kim Brown is the JAG career specialist at Rhinelander and she said she is grateful to everyone involved in bringing JAG to Rhinelander and everyone that has worked with the program.

“I am thrilled to working with this program,” Brown said. “I am excited as this program grows and continues to help students.”

With the extension of the JAG program, it will also mean help in the future for those who have graduated and begun their life after Rhinelander High School.

“One of the things that is unique about this program is that up to 12 months after graduation, we follow up with students,” Sobek Leslie said. “We are here to help you guys figure out where you are headed next.”