What is University of Phoenix LEADS?
In Arizona, our Career Association State Officers are called LEADS, sponsored by the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix links mentors with participating LEADS students to guide them in their leadership development.
To join LEADS, JAG students complete an application and are interviewed by a panel who represent the JAG State Board and University of Phoenix. For this year’s application cycle, applicants created an essay detailing their interest in joining the State Career Association, and JAG participants from across the state rose to the occasion. Many wrote about their passion for mental health and their interest in promoting mental health through their service in LEADS. All of this year’s judges shared that they were “blown away” by the applicants' professional presentation and passion for serving through LEADS.
What do LEADS do?
LEADS have certain responsibilities associated with their position, like helping to plan and implement the annual Career Development Conference. LEADS attend two training meetings per month; one with their University of Phoenix LEADS mentors, and another with Athena Lent, Post Secondary-Ed Coordinator from the JAGAZ Central Office. They also participate in virtual weekly planning meetings for their state-wide projects. Over the course of the year, Athena will support the LEADS in their projects and facilitate professional development and personal wellness trainings. Historically, these trainings have included recommendations from the State Board on books to read and/or workshops for the cohort to complete together. LEADS were also some of the first participants in the JAGAZ News Desk project, where students gain public speaking & videography experience building the resource-focused episode series for other JAGAZ students.
Welcome to our 2021-2022 University of Phoenix LEADS!
Be sure to check out the 2021-2022 LEADS Leadership Development Conference Induction Video. This is the largest group we’ve welcomed in a few years:
Jobanca Nunez, from the Westpoint High School Junior JAG
Ixchel Garcia, from Westpoint High School Senior JAG
Karime Avilez, from Tolleson Union High School
Seth Rodriguez, from Tolleson Union High School
Jazzmyn Gerkin, from Coolidge High School
Gabriel Alejandrez, from Coolidge High School
DeAngelo Miguel, from Tohono Oʼodham High School
Aniyah Burns, from Sierra Linda High School
Victoria OlmosTsosie, from Paradise Valley High School
Erick Osorio, from Paradise Valley High School
Edgar Avila Rodriguez, from Peoria High School
What are our 2021-2022 LEADS excited to work on?
This year, nearly all applicants shared their passion and interest in promoting mental health through their application essays. They have also shared that they are simply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of another JAG program in addition to their home programs, especially one relating to State leadership. The JAGAZ Central Office has no doubt that these participants will rise to the leadership occasion and make themselves, their home programs, and communities proud. We are excited to see what they will accomplish this year!
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates focuses on developing career pathways for youth, 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, click here. If you would like to volunteer with us, please visit our volunteer page here or call us at 602-216-9503.
(602) 216-9503 I info@jagaz.org