In this Faces of JAG spotlight, Julian shares his unforgettable experience attending the Jobs for America's Graduates National Career Development Conference (NCDC), where JAG students, educators, and employer partners from across the country come together to compete, learn, and lead. From the energy of the opening ceremony, to impactful breakout sessions that helped Julian refine his goal of becoming a teacher, NCDC challenged and inspired him at every turn.

Julian reflects on the nerves and determination that came with preparing for competition, the confidence he built along the way, and the powerful moment when he was announced as 1st Place National Winner in Employability Skills in his division.

His story is a powerful reminder that leadership, confidence, and career readiness can begin early and students can achieve more than they ever imagined.

Meet Jesse, a senior at West Point High School and proud member of the West Point JAG program. With the guidance and encouragement of his JAG teachers, Jesse is building a clear path forward. He is currently studying HVAC through West-MEC and plans to attend university to pursue electrical engineering, with the goal of becoming an HVAC engineer. JAG helped Jesse discover that he is capable of more than he ever imagined. 

Discover the powerful story of Jesus Garcia, a 2023 JAG graduate from Coolidge High School. Born into a large, single-parent family and determined to break a generational cycle, Jesus made a promise to his late mother that he would rise above the odds. With the support of Jobs for Arizona Graduates, he has transformed adversity into strength and is now the first in his family to graduate high school!

Xariyon shares his story and how JAG is supporting him through his struggles and preparing him for a successful future. "I was having a hard time in school ever since I started... But the moment I came to 7th grade and joined JAG, it changed everything about me..."

Meet Nyla Phillips—a resilient leader and passionate broadcaster whose journey is transforming lives. A graduate of Tonopah Valley High School in 2024 and now a freshman at Howard University, Nyla's experience in the JAG program reshaped her future.

Jenna will share her experiences, challenges, and triumphs throughout her JAG journey. Her commitment to personal and professional growth made a lasting impact on her peers and helped create a thriving JAG community in Arizona.

Rizky Watuna shares her insight on what makes JAG Works so helpful and important to struggling students, as well as how she came to accept and take pride in her identity as an immigrant.

West Point High School JAG Coordinator, Ryan Klem, shares why he's passionate in preparing students for the workforce, improving academic achievements, developing life skills, providing college and career guidance, and making a positive impact in student lives.

Ryan Johnson is a senior at Coolidge High School and host for JAG News Desk for the 2021-22 school year. Check out Ryan's JAG story on another Faces of JAG episode!

By his own account, Erick has received plenty of support in the program. He attributes his success to his coordinator, Holly Gorman, who also supported both his brother and sister through JAG. Erick Osorio Canizales shares his JAG journey in hopes to inspire others to support programs like JAG. Erick will be graduating from Paradise Valley High School in May 2022.

Bryan is a senior at West Point High School in the west valley and is currently enrolled in JAG and the Automotive program at West-MEC's northeast campus. Bryan was introduced to West-MEC while preparing his career path in his JAG program. Bryan shares the impact of JAG and CTE in his education and future career goals.

Welcome to another episode of Faces of JAG! We had a chance to sit down with JAG Alumni, Anna Tovar, as she shares her JAG experience and a special message to current JAG students. You'll be inspired after hearing from Anna Tovar! Anna is a Tolleson Union High School JAG alumni from Class of 1992.

We sat down with JAG Alumni, Bob Burns, to share his JAG story and describe what led him to his now, 36 years with General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). Check out this inspiring story as Bob connects his career success with the JAG program at Coronado High School. “In high school, I would have never thought I would work for a technology company, JAG got me there,” Burns reflects.

Diego Espinoza shares his JAG journey; from attending Tolleson Union High School in the early '90s to the Arizona State Capital serving in the House. Diego continues to support JAG students and inspires them by sharing his story in JAG classrooms and at state events and helps students to learn the importance of serving their communities. 

Juan Rodriguez shares his story. A 1992 Tolleson Union High School JAG alumni, Mayor Rodriguez has been serving public office for 15 years and is currently the Mayor of the City of Tolleson. He continues to support JAG students and inspires them to reach for their goals reminding them that they are not alone.

When Martin was a sophomore at Tolleson Union High School, he became one of the first students to join the community-based JAG program in the City of Tolleson. Currently a senior at Georgetown University, he is grateful for the opportunities and skills he gained in JAG. 

Shanahyah was supposed to speak at the 2020 Career Development Conference as the winner of the Public Speaking Competition. Due to the pandemic, she was unable to share this live. She believes there's so many different pathways you can take after school and that JAG helps you learn your personality, your likes, and your qualities. "I feel that JAG shows you how to create a life after high school.” 

From being alone in school to making friends, finding a place for himself, DuyAnh’s story is one of constant growth, the kind of growth that brings others up alongside him. Wanting to add leadership experience to his resume, DuyAnh ran for JAG Treasurer during his senior year.

Hear Iyana's inspiring story as she shares about her experience in JAG. Iyana won the 2018 Public Speaking Competition at the Career Development Conference. She was also a member of the University of Phoenix LEADS and Vice President of her JAG program at Tempe High School.

Madeline Zavala wasn’t thinking about graduating at all. High school was hard, confusing, and disorienting. She couldn’t think far ahead - it was like a long walk with no end in sight. “I was just thinking, ok, I’ll get my GED.” The next school year Maddie joined Tempe High School’s Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates class.

Nasik attended Coronado High School and knew she wanted to become a nurse. Her JAG Coordinator helped her develop her career path and the step by step guidance she needed to succeed.