JAG Insider News

This month, JAG students are touring college campuses in preparation for upcoming application deadlines and to explore their options for after graduation. Coolidge JAG students had the chance to visit Arizona Science Center to participate in hands-on STEM exhibits and tour GCU to learn about college life.

This month, JAG students are touring college campuses in preparation for upcoming application deadlines and to explore their options for after graduation. Copper Canyon JAG students toured NAU to learn more about their programs and student life on campus.

On August 15th, Wickenburg JAG students visited C&C’s Baking Studio to meet the owners and former Wickenburg HS alumni, Cheryl and Caitlin Kohnke. During their visit, they learned about how the owners turned their passion for baking into a small business, and they even decorated cookies to enjoy.

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates’ (JAG) annual Celebration of Success Breakfast event was hosted at Paradise Valley High School’s Auditorium from 8-9:00 a.m. on August 23. The event provided an opportunity for administrators, educators, community leaders, board members, employer partners, volunteers, and donors to come together and kick-off the start of a new school year for statewide JAG programs.

In June, Thunderbirds Charities awarded $50,000 to JAG in support of our middle and high school leadership programs across the state. This generous award will ensure that leadership development opportunities for students continue to offer the resources they need to be successful.

Last month, two of our JAG coordinators were recognized by Jobs for America’s Graduates for their dedication to their programs. We sat down with one of those coordinators from Coronado HS to hear about her 11 years in the role and what she is looking forward to this year.

Last month, two of our JAG coordinators were recognized by Jobs for America’s Graduates for their dedication to their programs. We sat down with one of those coordinators from Coolidge HS to hear about her first year in the role.

The grant awarded by Dreams Foundation will be used toward strengthening JAG’s leadership and workforce development programs for middle and high school students and JAG Works participants.

2021-2022 VISTA Leader Deirdre Conroy had brought their passion for community empowerment and mental health awareness to our JAG team since 2020. In June, they completed their AmeriCorps VISTA service and are now focusing on their degree in mental health counseling.

After joining JAG to improve his social skills, City of Tolleson JAG Works Alum Angelo Cortina became program president in his senior year, and now works with Employer Partner, Credit Union West.

JAG’s Leadership 101 Camp held during the week of July 18th featured workshops on leadership, personality discovery, emotional intelligence, and stress management.

JAG’s AZ Adventure Day Camp held on July 21 joined a series of free leadership and career exploration camps this summer hosted by JAG Staff for current students and recent alumni. Attendees at the AZ Adventure College and Historical Sites Tour visited Northern Arizona University, Antelope Canyon, and Moenave Dinosaur Tracks.

Every year, JAG National hosts the National Training Seminar (NTS) to bring JAG State Affiliates from all across the nation together to recognize the efforts of each program for the past year and prepare for the upcoming school year through workshops and training.

Although Tempe JAG Alum Cindy Badillo joined in her final year of high school, her coordinator and the opportunities for employer engagement were instrumental in solidifying her career aspirations. Now attending ASU as a Criminal Justice major, Badillo shares the ways JAG supported her.

As part of JAG’s Career Exploration Summer Camp, one of our community program participants is partnering with Nourish Phoenix to learn more about nonprofit work. Nourish PHX is a nonprofit food bank that seeks to end poverty through food, clothing, and education/employment assistance.

This summer JAG is hosting four summer camps for current participants and alumni to offer experiences in leadership building, career exploration, and tours of colleges.

Coronado JAG Alumna Angela Mancilla joined in her junior year, during a time in her life where she endured loss and setbacks. With dedication to her academic success and JAG’s supportive coordinator and students, she accomplished goals that seemed out of reach when she was a first year.

One of our very own JAG alumna gave a speech in recognition of June 19th, Juneteenth, a day known for the country-wide end of slavery more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.

As one of our Employer Partners and a volunteer guest speaker for our JAG students, Honeywell visited La Joya Community HS earlier this year to share about their workplace culture and the many opportunities available for students and graduates interested in working there.

JAG Central Office hired two new staff members in March and June to support the Programs Team in expanding JAG and our partnerships. We happily welcome Career Pathways Coordinator Shontel Dixon Mulato and JAG Works Program Manager Melinda Vazquez to the JAG family!