Blog Post: JAG Students at the State Capitol

On February 5 th , more than 60 JAG students from across the State flooded the Capitol mall, not in protest, but to celebrate and share their stories of success with local government leaders.  JAG Students were prepared to tell the JAG story to their local representatives, in hopes of increasing visibility and understanding of the importance of dropout prevention and AIMS intervention programs like JAG.  Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates is a nonprofit 501c3 that identifies youth facing barriers to graduation and success after high school, and provides them with an opportunity to explore and nurture their strengths, support from peers and caring adults to overcome their weaknesses, and the guidance they need to lay the path to a positive life after high school.

This year, JAG was pleased to share a special presentation with the legislators, students and other guests.  Jim Koeninger, representing Jobs for America ’s Graduates, presented local JAG President, Graciela Garcia Candia, with the prestigious “5 of 5 Award” for outstanding performance and outcomes among graduating JAG students.    

Mr. Koeninger also presented awards to two individuals who have provided above and beyond support to both JAG and their communities in areas of education and workforce development. Mayor Hugh Hallman, City of Tempe was recognized for his dedication to his community and to the expansion of the JAG program into Tempe and Marcos de Niza High Schools, now serving 80 new JAG students in Tempe .  Brian Spicker, Senior Vice President for Community Impact, Valley of the Sun United Way , was recognized for his leadership and impact on the workforce development system here in Arizona .  The Aspire Program, which has operated under the leadership of Valley of the Sun United Way since 2004, has served more than 1000 youth who have dropped out of school, or are at-risk of dropping out without the skills or a plan for their futures. 

To learn more about JAG visit www.jagaz.org  - check out our upcoming events - join us at our Career Development Conference on April 29th - sign up as a volunteer judge online.