This year, Jennings County High School is diving deep into helping struggling students in the community by offering the Hub.
It’s a new, all-inclusive system that’s an expansion of iGrad, which is a program designed to help students at risk of not graduating high school.
The Hub and iGrad have the same goal in mind, but the Hub has a greater ability to provide for those who may not graduate on time, or need some mentorship for life after high school. This program is a bridge between childhood and adulthood for those who need more guidance.
The Hub is a student-centered program with the mission statement, “Setting the bar high and helping students succeed. Understanding our students’ needs and providing unwavering support, believing in every student and creating pathways at JCHS and beyond.”
A student is considered at-risk if he or she:
May not graduate
Is struggling academically
Is struggling emotionally
Lacks support from the outside
The program is meant to help build character outside of school.
Students can refer themselves to get into the Hub, but the majority of students are being referred by their teachers or guidance counselors.
“The Hub has always given me a place to go when I need to concentrate, or I am having a bad day. I like that it is quiet, and I can focus and have teachers to help me get my work done,” sophomore Kayleen Clark said.
Clark stated that she tells her friends to consider going to the Hub when they bring up their grades or any grievance in conversation.
John Patterson, a junior, said he “loves the Hub” and recommends it to students who struggle with getting their work done or just lack the motivation to do so.
Middle school counselors are keeping an eye out for students who may need a little extra attention, in an attempt to help struggling students before they reach high school.
Leana Matern, the high school’s college and career coach who also heads the Hub, said the program is growing immensely.
“(We) are looking to work with outside businesses to send employees that could work with the students. For those students whom don’t want post-secondary education or to go into the military, this will provide them with a third option,” Matern said.
She also said the program is making connections and bridging the gap between the community’s workforce needs and students, so they will be ready for the workforce.
