Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) hosted the annual "Faces of JAG" Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol on January 19th. This legislative immersion was a unique educational experience as JAG students engaged in mock sessions in the House, toured the Capitol Museum, and enjoyed lunch with legislators at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
The exposure to legislative sessions had a profound impact on the students as they participated in real-time discussions while voting on a mock key issue on the House floor. The experience fueled civic engagement as students discovered the impactful role their voices can play in shaping the future. The luncheon, attended by 150 JAG students from various high schools throughout Arizona, featured an activity titled "Ideas in Action," led by Tomorrow We Vote. This hands-on engagement reinforced the importance of students actively participating in civic responsibilities and creatively providing solutions to the issues that are important to them.
A notable highlight occurred when JAG students had the chance to hear from legislators on stage recount their personal career journeys and engage in face-to-face interactions, effectively bridging the gap between the students and decision-makers. This personal interaction provided valuable insights, transforming elected officials from distant figures into mentors actively guiding the students on their journey to becoming informed and active citizens. The event concluded with a poignant closing speech by Jenna Flores, NCA Secretary and 2023 JAG Alumni from Westpoint High School. Flores shared personal insights, highlighting the transformative power of JAG programs in bridging the gap between education and real-world civic engagement.
"Faces of JAG" Legislative Day is a significant event that aligns with JAG’s vision. It not only prepares students for graduation but equips them to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, fostering responsible, informed, and empowered leaders. At JAG, we proudly lead in graduation success, with an impressive 99% high school graduation rate compared to the state's 77%. This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of JAG programming in preparing students for both immediate employment and postsecondary education.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who made this day possible, from legislators and Capitol staff to our invaluable JAG teachers who make an impact every day. Thank you for making this memorable for our students!
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(602) 216-9503 I info@jagaz.org