WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci was awarded a Government Leader Award by the Jobs for America’s Graduates’ Network at a ceremony in Washington recently.

Chosen for his support of this nationwide school-to-work initiative, the 2nd District representative said he was honored to be recognized for commitment to educational and economic progress.

The award was presented during a JAG special recognition reception in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.

Some 400 leaders of business, government and education attended, along with several young people who have been involved in the program.

Baldacci was nominated for the award by the state’s JAG affiliate, Jobs for Maine’s Graduates.

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a national nonprofit public service corporation serving 53,000 young people.

The JAG mission is to assist at-risk and disadvantaged youth in graduating from high school and thereafter in finding and keeping quality jobs.

“Jobs for America’s Graduates and its affiliate in Maine provide valuable support and needed services to at-risk youth. These organizations have proved themselves to be very effective in enabling students to finish high school and make a successful transition to quality job opportunities or postsecondary education,” Baldacci said.