Jobs For Maine's Graduates Inc.

The Foundation hears from many of our education partners on the front lines that the social, emotional, and financial barriers facing today’s young people are numerous and increasingly complex, threatening to derail even the most resilient students. To help address these challenges, the Foundation has partnered with Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG), a student-centered, results-driven organization offering a continuum of student support services from middle school to college and on to meaningful careers.

In 2014, with Harold Alfond Foundation support and in partnership with Thomas College, JMG launched the College Success Program. Early outcomes captured the attention of Maine’s legislature, and in 2016, Public Law 466 mandated JMG as a partner of the community college and university system.

In 2023, the Foundation awarded JMG a $10.4 million grant to expand its College Success Program so that the program is now on all University of Maine and Maine Community College campuses, in addition to Thomas College. The investment also strengthens JMG’s high school bridging to include credentials of value through Extended Learning Opportunities and advances a new research initiative in collaboration with the University of Maine to back proven best practices for student recruitment and persistence with evidence and third-party evaluation.

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Founded in 1993, JMG partners with public education and private businesses to offer results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials, and pursue meaningful careers. JMG is the largest statewide education nonprofit in Maine, serving more than 12,000 students annually, and is the only educational organization that provides a continuum of support to students from middle school throughout high school and onto post-secondary education and career pathways.

JMG’s College Success Program begins in high school through bridging services. It continues seamlessly through college by providing proactive support to ensure students persist toward the attainment of a degree and/or credentials of value. JMG’s College Success Specialists provide students with individualized services, including academic, social, and financial support. Eligible students include those who were part of a JMG program in middle school or high school, youth in foster care or who have been in foster care, and students who received their GED within the last five years.