Over 150 high school students in JAG programs across the state converged onto the Phoenix College campus for our annual JAG Student Leadership Development Conference (SLDC) last week. The annual event, held on Thursday, September 30th, was a very special occasion for us as this was the first in-person event for our students since early 2020.
Every year, JAG programs all over Arizona hold student-led elections to select their peer leaders for their program Career Association activities. The elected student officers attend the SLDC each year to learn team building techniques, attend workshops, gain leadership skills and collaborate on their Program of Work (POW). In addition to the workshops, JAG students heard from keynote speakers, including; JAG President, Graciela Garcia Candia, Phoenix College President, Dr. Clyne Namuo, and Go Daddy Learning Program Manager, Desmond Sweet. The event was emceed by the state's student-leadership team, the University of Phoenix LEADS.
Employer Engagement
After lunch, outside in the courtyard, the student officers attended the Community Partner Career Association Fair which featured employer partners and community resource organizations, as well as, college recruiters and the opportunity to register to vote with non-profit Tomorrow We Vote. The organizations are later invited into the JAG classrooms to share career stories, job opportunities, and more. These connections are extremely important and help students learn networking and communication skills while making vital connections that will aid in their future successes.
About the Career Association
Every year, students develop a Career Association within their JAG program and serve on committees in the areas of; Leadership Development, Career Development, Social Awareness, Civic Awareness and Community Service. The purpose of the Career Association is to provide opportunities for participants to develop and demonstrate leadership and career development skills and knowledge. In addition, the Career Association creates the structure for the JAG Family – the family atmosphere is what gives participants a sense of belonging and connection to school, community and their JAG peers.
Thank You to Our Partners
A big thank you to our partners who came out to the event to engage with our students! The following organizations attend the conference fair: Allen School of Health & Science, ANB Services, ASU, Atabey Outdoors, AZ Youth Force, Grand Canyon Fundraising, HBCU Tour, Honeywell, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, Phoenix College, Phoenix Tool Bank, Square One Concepts, St. Vincent De Paul, Tomorrow We Vote, and UTI. And thank you to Phoenix College for making another Student Leadership Development Conference a success.
About Us
We focus on developing career pathways for our participants, emphasizing post-secondary education, employment readiness and life-skills training. JAG consistently exceeds the national standards set by Jobs for America’s Graduates, receiving the prestigious Five for Five Award each year since 2003.
Connect with us! If you would like more information about JAG in your school and community, call us at 602-216-9503. Follow us on social media!
(602) 216-9503 I info@jagaz.org