JAG Insider News - DEV

The West Point High School JAG Alum, Semaj, joined the program in his junior year of high school to prepare for graduation and college. Now that he is a Class of 2023 graduate, Semaj worked with Nourish PHX over the summer before moving to NAU for his first year in the music program there.

On Thursday, August 17th, Jobs for Arizona's Graduates (JAG) hosted the annual Celebration of Success Kick Off Event at Coronado High School, and what a remarkable gathering it was!

Thank you to all who attended the Retirement Fiesta party. Please enjoy this special message from our former president, Graciela Garcia Candia.

Tonopah Valley JAG student, Adam Miranda, graduated with the Class of 2023. JAG helped him grow professionally, identify his career goals, and prepare for college.

Xavier Garcia first joined JAG in his junior year of high school through the community-based Tolleson JAG Works program. Through the program, he became more confident in himself and grew his public speaking and social skills. Now he is in his second year working for JAG, using his experiences as motivation to grow JAG’s impact.

When Tohono O’odham High School JAG Vice President and LEADS member Alena Antone first joined JAG in her junior year, she hoped to learn how to come out of her shell, identify a career path, and acquire more life experience through leadership and traveling. After graduating this past week, Alena reflects upon the ways she has grown and the dreams she now strives toward.

Coolidge High School senior Jesus reflects on his time in JAG, and how JAG helped him focus on his future goals, overcome challenges, and set him up for success in his final year of high school.

We are pleased to share the exceptional achievements of the scholarship recipients and the winners of the competitive events at the highly anticipated 2023 Career Development Conference last month.

JAG is pleased to announce the appointment of our next President, Marjorie DeRubeis. The incoming President will officially assume the role on June 1st, 2023 and will work alongside the current President, Graciela Garcia Candia, to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for the organization.

When Nyla Phillips, an incoming senior at Tonopah Valley High School, joined JAG this past year, her father had just passed away. She felt lost in identifying the future ahead of her. Through JAG, Nyla found a support system and discovered what her future had to offer.

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.