ASA Foundation Launches Fund on Giving Tuesday to Assist At-Risk Students

The American Staffing Association Foundation today launched a national scholarship fund to help high school students who face significant economic, academic, behavioral, and financial challenges. Money raised will help students attend a national leadership conference in Washington, DC, in 2020 through ASA national philanthropic partner, Jobs for America’s Graduates.

Each year, the JAG National Student Leadership Academy hosts 800 student delegates from across the nation to participate in three days of leadership development activities—competitive employability skills events; educational tours of historic sites in the nation’s capital; and networking experiences with fellow students, supporters, and members of the JAG board of directors.

“It is never too early to prepare young people for success—especially those who face serious barriers to graduation or future employment,” said Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association. “The ASA Foundation is delighted to support JAG students through this campaign, beginning today on Giving Tuesday, to provide deserving, economically challenged student leaders with an opportunity to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event that will help shape their personal lives and professional futures in the workforce.”

Since the program’s inception, JAG has assisted more than one million of the highest-risk young people, across 1,400 communities in 39 U.S. states, with positive, consistent and convincing results. At the National Student Leadership Academy, students can participate in four national competitions to showcase their expertise and improve their skills in math, employability, project-based learning, and public speaking.

“Being part of the national leadership conference, students tell me, is a ‘life-changing experience,’ and JAG is grateful for the generosity of the ASA Foundation and ASA member companies that will give more students—who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend—that opportunity,” said Ken Smith, JAG president. “This annual event enables students to learn and grow by connecting with their peers, JAG staff, corporate partners, and prestigious board members for an enriching, empowering experience.”

To learn more about and contribute to the ASA Foundation JAG Scholar Fund, visit americanstaffing.net/foundation.

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About the American Staffing Association (ASA)

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state 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 national nonprofit that has been reaching our nation’s most underserved youth for 40 years. JAG is a unique, valuable and necessary program providing youth with the essential skills for success. The JAG national network has a footprint in 39 states, across 1,400 communities, serving more than 75,000 youth annually.