JAG Insider News

Sheely Farms Elementary JAG Alum, Silvana, learned focus and discipline as JAG helped her discover her passion and future pathway in 8th Grade.

Xander joined Porfirio H Gonzales JAG in seventh grade in the hopes that the program could help him come out of his shell. Only a year into the program and Xander already feels more confident and excited for his future.

We're excited to announce that two Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) students, Jenna Flores and Frida Medrano Ibarra from the Tolleson Union High School District, were elected as National Officers for the Jobs for America’s Graduates National Career Association (NCA). The students, along with fifteen of their Arizona JAG peers, traveled to Orlando to attend the second annual National Career Development Conference in April.

Westview Alum Lenoa Williamson joined JAG during her senior year of high school. After the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, she hoped to meet new people, make friends, and gain the knowledge and skills needed for adulthood.

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates Career Development Conference (CDC) held at the Mesa Convention Center on April 6 was the culmination of the students’ year-long professional and leadership development activities in their JAG programs on school campuses and in communities throughout the state.

JAG is proud to announce that our President, Graciela Garcia Candia was recognized on March 29th at the YWCA Tribute to Leadership Awards event.

Choice Hotels sponsored JAG’s annual Pre-CDC Employability Skills Event at the Radisson Hotel and hosted 120 JAG youth in February. JAG programs from all over the state made the trip to interview with local employers, compete for the Career Development Conference’s (CDC) public speaking competition, and put their hospitality skills to the test.

In December, the office of Arizona District 3 Representative Raúl M. Grijalva announced that $167,700 of the Community Project Funding government package would be distributed to Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates for our targeted student support programs in Tolleson Elementary School District. JAG was one of 15 projects funded by this government package for Arizona’s 3rd District residents.

Copper Canyon JAG President and LEADS member Frida Medrano joined JAG this year as a senior. Within just five short months, she has found balance in school and her certificate program at West-MEC, improved her confidence, and excelled as a leader.

From September-December, many JAG programs held the Initiation & Installation Ceremony to formally initiate their Career Association officers and install them into their positions for the year. The Initiation & Installation ceremony is a JAG tradition held annually to celebrate and recognize student leaders' pursuit of their program goals.

Arizona Community Foundation has been a donor of JAG for 10 years. With their support, JAG has expanded into more than 25 program locations. This year, JAG was able to partner with Camp Verde High School in Yavapai County. JAG is truly grateful for their continuous support and passion for helping young people reach their highest potential.

The Association for Construction Career Development hosted their annual Arizona Construction Career Days, an in-person event that gives high school students hands-on experience with construction. Students from the Westview HS JAG program learned about welding, concrete, and other real-world aspects of construction.

In December, our 13 LEADS traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the Jobs for America’s Graduates’ National Student Leadership Academy conference. At the conference, they met with the Clyde Group, District Rep Grijalva, and District Rep Schweikert; learned about the power of networking and advocacy; and toured monuments at the National Mall.

The Young Women in STEM Career Day hosted by APS provided our high school students insight into the careers available to them and how to overcome barriers that may come with nontraditional career paths.

The LEADS program is available for JAG students who aspire to become changemakers before graduation. LEADS receive an advisor with which they identify opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and having their voices heard nationally with other JAG programs across the country.

Paradise Valley Community College and Maricopa County Community Colleges will ensure that JAG community college students are well-prepared for competitive industries and excel in their chosen career paths. Through their strong workforce development curriculum, program options, and guaranteed interviews with select employers, this alliance will benefit future JAG graduates.

The LEADS program is available for JAG students who aspire to become changemakers before graduation. LEADS receive an advisor with which they identify opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and having their voices heard nationally with other JAG programs across the country.

West Point JAG Vice President/Secretary and LEADS President Jenna Flores shares about her first year in LEADS so far and the goals she is most looking forward to achieving. LEADS receive an advisor with which they identify opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and having their voices heard on a national level with other JAG programs.

Shadow Mountain JAG President and LEADS Parliamentarian Noah Chapman shares about his leadership experiences so far and his post-graduation plans. LEADS receive an advisor with which they identify opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and having their voices heard on a national level with other JAG programs.

West Point JAG President and Alum ‘22 Ixchel Garcia transferred from Tolleson in her sophomore year to West Point HS, where she embarked on a path of self-discovery. During her three years in JAG, she grew from a bright, shy student to a leader as JAG President for her class and a University of Phoenix LEADS.