A Local Mission with National Strength

Group of ten teenagers, six standing and four sitting, posing inside a restaurant with blue wall decorated with words and pictures. Some are smiling, some with neutral expressions. Dining table in foreground with phones and glasses.

Outline map of the state of New Hampshire with a red border.

A young woman in a navy blue graduation cap and gown, wearing a white collar and a gold honorary rope, standing in a classroom with bookshelves, desks, and various supplies.

At JAG-NH, we believe every young person has potential not just to graduate,
but to lead, grow, and succeed.

Founded as part of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) network, one of the nation’s most effective programs for preventing school dropout and connecting youth to careers, JAG-NH proudly carries this mission forward in the Granite State. We’ve tailored our approach to the unique needs of New Hampshire’s students, families, and communities.

Since our launch, we’ve helped thousands of youth build brighter futures through academic support, leadership development, career exploration, and workforce training.

But we’re just getting started.

Group of students and teachers posing for a photo in a banquet hall with striped yellow wallpaper, a chandelier, and an exit sign

Group of seven young people standing outside in front of a building with a large

A man is explaining something to two young adults inside an industrial facility, possibly a factory or a plant, with machinery and pipes in the background.

Rooted in Schools.

Focused on Futures

Our in-school and out-of-school programs are designed to meet students where they are academically, emotionally, and geographically.

Whether a middle schooler needs mentorship, a high school student wants job readiness skills, or a young adult needs access to training and a career path, JAG-NH delivers tailored, year-round support.

Through partnerships with educators, employers, and the state’s workforce development leaders, we help young people:

Stay in school and graduate
Explore meaningful career options
Gain hands-on experience and credentials
Move confidently into employment, training, or higher education

JAG-NH combines personalized guidance with real-world opportunities, ensuring that students don’t just succeed in school, but beyond it.

We are part of a national network that spans over 1,400 communities and has served more than 1.6 million students over four decades. Backed by JAG’s proven model and strong data outcomes, JAG-NH uses nationally recognized best practices while staying deeply connected to the people and priorities of New Hampshire.
Our commitment is local focused on the real-time workforce needs of our state, the voices of our youth, and the goals of our communities.
http://www.jag.org

Our Vision:
A JAG Program in Every New Hampshire School

We envision a future where every school in New Hampshire has access to a JAG program. We believe every student, no matter their zip code, circumstance, or challenge, deserves a path forward that includes:

Mentorship
Leadership development
College and career planning
Connection to the workforce

We invite school administrators and educators to reach out and explore how JAG-NH can serve your students. We’re ready to collaborate and bring our proven programs to your district, tailored to your unique student population.

Bring JAG to Your School

Contact Us Today

Meeting Workforce Needs - One Student at a Time

New Hampshire’s economy is growing, and with it comes the urgent need for a prepared, passionate, and skilled workforce. JAG-NH is building that workforce by investing in the next generation, one student at a time.

Through our WIOA-aligned Workforce Pathways, we equip young people with access to high-demand training in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, hospitality, and more. Our programs support career exploration, occupational skills development, and job placement, all while offering financial, emotional, and academic support along the way.

Each student who finds their spark through JAG-NH becomes part of a more resilient, more ready New Hampshire.

Group of seven young people wearing yellow construction helmets, standing outdoors, smiling, and posing for a photo. They appear to be at a construction or educational event.

You Can Be Part of the Story

Whether you’re a school leader, a community partner, a business sponsor, or a student looking for a fresh start we welcome you.

Together, we can help New Hampshire’s youth discover what’s possible.

Contact Us To Learn More

Explore Our Programs

Meet the Team

Leadership

Career Specialists

Board of Directors

Leadership

Nick Resca, M.S., Executive Director, nresca@jagnh.org 603-491-8330

About Nick

Nick Resca has been serving as the Executive Director of Jobs for America’s Graduates - New Hampshire since 2023. Resca is a results-oriented Director with 15+ years of special education teaching experience in the public sector. His passion for equity, access, and opportunity for New Hampshire’s Youth is at the forefront of his leadership. Under his leadership, JAG-NH has expanded its programs, secured new funding partners, and increased student engagement across the state.

Nick’s prior teaching career covered multiple school districts in New Hampshire and Florida, including his time with JAG-NH as a Middle School Career Specialist. He was awarded the Outstanding Specialist and High Performance Award from the JAG National Team for his work at Laconia Middle School in 2015.

Resca holds a Master’s of Science degree in Instruction and Leadership from Granite State College and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. Nick worked for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in the early years of his professional career. As he leads JAG-NH, he is always encouraging Youth to reach for their own dreams, no matter how big or small, much like he did.

Outside of work, NIck can be found boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying the company of family and friends, or traveling as much as possible.

Suzanne Simano, Program Manager, ssimano@jagnh.org 603-856-6105

About Suzanne

Suzanne Simano is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in public education. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of impactful roles beginning as a JAG Youth Specialist and Regional Program Manager, as well as roles in alternative education instructor and special education. Driven by a deep commitment to student success, Suzanne consistently fosters inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments for all students.

A standout moment in her career was helping launch an Out Of School JAG program in Northern New Hampshire, where she served both as Regional Program Director and Youth Specialist. Her exceptional contributions were quickly recognized on both the local and state levels for her dedication to students and the community. Her real-world experience, compassion, and leadership continue to shape her work as she supports Specialists and programs across the State of NH.

Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science in Local and Regional Planning from Plymouth State University.

When not working, Suzanne loves skiing in the winter, camping in the summer and spending weekends in the White Mountains or enjoying New Hampshire’s beautiful lakes year around.

Liam O’Connell, Data Manager, loconnell@jagnh.org 603-223-7363

About Liam

Liam O’Connell has been working for JAG NH as the data Manager since November 2024. In his first year as Data Manager, he helped JAG NH achieve the 6 of 6 award at NTS. Liam is a process driven leader who works to make sure the data reflects the great work being done by JAG Staff Members.

Liam has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and Economics from the University of New Hampshire. He also completed a minor in Film Studies and helped to create the UNH Film Club during his time in Durham.

Liam taught in the Manchester School District for 2 years in various roles, including Emotional/Behavioral Disorder classes and different subjects across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Before joining JAG, Liam was a Project Manager in the AudioVisual Integration Industry, working with many Fortune 500 clients and across many projects. He brings this process-oriented thinking to his role as a Data Manager at JAG NH.

Liam spends his free time playing, coaching, and watching soccer. He has served as a board member for soccer leagues in the past and was named Volunteer of the Year for Manchester North Soccer League. He is very Irish and travels there as much as possible to see his extended family.