The American Staffing Association and Jobs for America’s Graduates recently formalized a strategic educational and hiring partnership to help prepare at-risk youth from across the nation for their future roles in the workforce.

Under the terms of the partnership, ASA will connect member staffing firms with JAG students to help enhance the students’ employability skills. The association will serve as a conduit to member companies for volunteer opportunities in JAG classrooms. Staffing firm professionals will be available to present on the staffing industry as a source for jobs, and to provide mock interviews, résumé reviews, job shadowing, staffing office tours, and additional work-related guidance.

“Businesses are combating skills gap challenges with long-term implications for the U.S. economy and competitiveness,” said Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association. “Programs like JAG help to address this critical workforce obstacle. ASA is proud to partner with JAG to connect our members with at-risk students to help assure their future successes in the world of work.”

The partnership will be celebrated during the inaugural ASA Cares Month in February 2016. During this special month to be dedicated to corporate social responsibility (CSR), staffing professionals with ASA member firms will be encouraged to volunteer with JAG in their local areas. ASA also will launch a series of short, recorded webinars to help JAG students effectively search and interview for a job, design a professional résumé, and develop social media professional profiles.

“Staffing companies provide a unique opportunity for JAG and JAG students by offering a much wider range of choices than they are able to get otherwise,” said Ken Smith, JAG president. “JAG students come equipped to these staffing companies with enhanced employability and customer service skills, and enthusiasm for their job, making this a great partnership.”

Learn more about the association’s CSR initiatives at americanstaffing.net.

Learn more about JAG at jag.org.

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About the American Staffing Association

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state and regional affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.

About Jobs for America’s Graduates

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a nonprofit youth development program committed to helping America’s most at-risk kids excel in high schools, prepare for success in college, and embark on a rewarding career. Since its inception in 1980, JAG has served over 1 million at-risk kids, and is currently serving over 50,000 students in 32 states. JAG students have a graduation rate of over 90%, and approximately 80% of those graduates go on to postsecondary education, military service, and/or full-time employment.