DECATUR - Jennifer Ontiveros wants to major in psychology in college and plans to be a music therapist.

She had never considered such a career before becoming involved with Jobs for Illinois Graduates, the state version of Jobs for America's Graduates, a national program in about 700 schools.

"At first, I was kind of hesitant because I didn't know much about it," Ontiveros said. "But the fundamentals they teach you in business areas, filling out applications and talking with businesspeople, it really helps a lot."

The program is in its pilot year in Decatur, serving 19 students at MacArthur High School. Counselors helped identify prospective participants who are facing challenges to graduation.

"The mission is to keep students in school and to graduate," said Mirinda Rothrock, community engagement manager for Archer Daniels Midland Co. "All the activities around the program provide experiences for youth to have work-related experience that will lead them, right after graduation, into a successful career or opportunity where they can learn a skill to be employed."

Nicole Jackson, who teaches the class at MacArthur, said students learn practical skills such as filling out job applications, plus social skills, confidence and leadership and developing goals.

Some students have made significant changes as a result of their participation in the program, Jackson said.

"Some students kind of fear success because now the bar is raised," she said. "Some students are realizing they have leadership qualities, and they never thought that before."

ADM sponsors the program in the hope of "growing its own," Rothrock said.

"It would be so nice to hire local talent in our community and have them come back and work in our company," she said.

At ADM on Tuesday, the students toured the James Randall Research Center, met staff in various fields and learned about how soy is used in a variety of food products worldwide.

Alan Grusby, senior scientist for research and development, has been to more than 40 countries, teaching manufacturers how to incorporate soy into their existing production of food. Soy, he said, increases protein and even can be substituted for dairy and meat. He showed students dozens of products available locally and worldwide, including a frozen dessert that looks and tastes like ice cream.

"It gives me a chance and some other kids a chance to not just stick in the classroom all the time," said Jarvis Jarell Clark, who plans to go into computer graphics and Web site design. "Today, observing these wonderful people in their environment, you learn a lot. JILG teaches you not only to be businesslike, but to get out and expand and do different things."

Valerie Wells can be reached at vwells@herald-review.com or 421-7982.