Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas

News Release: Kansas students find success in Salt Lake City

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:13:13 GMT

Twenty-one Kansas students participated and placed in national competitions at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Career Development Conference (NCDC) just over a week ago in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The NCDC was hosted April 30th through May 2nd, where students from all 32 JAG state affiliates came together for competition and development activities.

Thirty-four students and ten staff members from Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) made the trip to Salt Lake City to participate in NCDC. The competition categories that JAG-K had representation in were Creative Decision Making, Prepared Speaking, Career Preparation, Financial Budget Planning, Project-Based Learning, and Employability Skills. Additionally, Analicia Aquino (Shawnee Mission North), and Isaiah Douglass (Goodland) served as voting delegates to elect the next set of national officers.

Kansas had two second place finishers – Hollisten Zimmer (Junction City) in Prepared Speaking, and Madison Smith (Kingman) in Employability Skills.

“This was my first year competing in a CDC,” Zimmer stated. “I can’t wait to return next year and see everyone again because I know we have what it takes.”

The individual JAG-K students who placed in the top ten in their events were:

Employability Skills:

2nd – Madison Smith, Kingman

Prepared Speaking:

2nd – Hollisten Zimmer, Junction City
7th – Sophi Register, Augusta
8th – Haley Hughes, Manhattan

Career Preparation:

3rd – Chylind Kelly, Buhler

Financial Budget Preparation:

4th – James Veerkamp, Basehor-Linwood
5th – Joel Umana Jimenez, Newton

The JAG-K teams who placed in the top ten of their events were:

JAG Promotional Video- Finalists

4th – Olivia Mehiel, Sophi Register; Augusta

Creative Decision Making:

7th – Alyson Taylor, Benjamin Sturgeon, Jemma Ploger; Kiowa County
9th – Kadence Kreuzburg, Jaiden Means, Raegan Stillwell; Augusta

Project-Based Learning:

5th – Ashliey Aliwis, Adaira Hutto, Ayden Le; Winfield
10th – Anthony Phoenix, Tyrone Wright Jr., Kevin Walton Jr.; Shawnee Mission North

One Kansas program, Kiowa County High School, received recognition for the national outstanding chapter award.

“To have a student representing Kansas in the top ten of every event we entered is an impressive feat,” said Chuck Knapp, President & CEO of JAG-K. “We are incredibly proud of our students and their hard work!”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 120 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K teams up with Kansas Department of Agriculture to host Agriculture Summit

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:23:34 GMT

A few short weeks ago, Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas partnered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to host their first annual Ag Summit at Kansas State University.

This event was all about putting the “AG” in JAG-K! 45 students from 5 schools around the state came to learn all about the agriculture industry and the various careers and opportunities it has to offer. For many students, this was the first time they were introduced to the world of agriculture.

JAG-K wants every student to have a successful future, no matter what industry they choose to work in after graduation. Experiences like this one are an integral part of the time spent in JAG-K, because they introduce students to the many career opportunities in Kansas.

“Career exploration events are essential for JAG-K students because they turn future goals into real, tangible experiences,” says Emily Gartner, JAG-K Specialist out of Marysville High School. “By interacting with professionals, asking questions, and presenting their own work, students gain a deeper understanding of careers while building confidence and communication skills.”

Agriculture is Kansas’s largest industry, supporting 137,142 jobs in the state during 2025. Throughout the month of March, JAG-K partnered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to celebrate Kansas Agriculture Month.

“Exposing high school students to the wide range of careers in agriculture is important to inspire the next generation to be involved in the industry,” explained Dana Ladner, Workforce Development Coordinator at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “The JAG-K and KDA partnership creates relationships, with students, their schools and career specialists, to aid in building a pipeline for the future workforce needs for the agriculture industry in Kansas.”

For the students, the experience proved to be valuable. There are careers in agriculture that often go unnoticed, and this event did a great job at showing JAG-K students the variety of career fields within the agriculture industry.

“Agronomy was a field of study that I didn’t know existed until I learned about it at the event,” said Owen Malcolm, a freshman at Marysville High School. “I found out that I knew a lot more than what I thought.”

Multiple learning sessions were held throughout the day. From agronomy to veterinary science, to robotics, the day was full of learning opportunities!

Dana Ladner addresses the crowd of students to kick off the event.

A student gives a thumbs up after scrubbing in to help with a mock c-section during the veterinary science session.

“I loved getting to be on the K-State campus and being able to find different careers in agriculture, especially as an FFA member and officer,” stated Marysville High School Senior Emily Rockwell. “I knew about most of the careers just because I’ve always been surrounded by agriculture, but I was interested in the robot that K-State built to go survey the land.”

JAG-K and the KDA are looking forward to maintaining a working relationship and hosting this event annually.

“We hope JAG-K students walked away with a stronger appreciation for agriculture in Kansas— not just as a key driver of our economy, but as an industry full of diverse opportunities,” said Ladner about the overall event. “Whatever their career interests and passions may be, there is a place for them in agriculture.”

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Student Success Story: Zamir

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:30:44 GMT

“It was probably the best decision I’ve made in school so far,” recalls Zamir Loyo Reynaga, a former Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) Student out of Westridge Middle School in Overland Park. “Just because of the friends I’ve made and also the things they’ve taught me in JAG-K.”

Zamir’s JAG-K story is a unique one, as his story doesn’t start in Kansas. Originally from Nevada, Zamir came to Kansas City for a unique opportunity – Joining Sporting KC as a professional soccer midfielder at just 15 years old. This is a historic achievement – Zamir is the youngest player in the club’s history to represent Sporting KC II (SKC II). SKC II is Sporting KC’s reserve team that plays in Major League Soccer’s Next Pro League. Zamir practices with Sporting Kansas City’s first and second team interchangeably and has plans to play with Sporting KC I next season.

Initially, Zamir was set to play with a soccer club closer to home. However, the pieces fell into place, and he ended up in Kansas City instead. While he’s far from home, he’s excelling on the field and in school.

“I don’t know that I’ve had a student that could have fun and be a middle school kid when they’re at school and then at the same time leaving town for tournaments Friday through Sunday, getting back Sunday night and then come back to school on Monday,” Says Rebecca Cornett, JAG-K Specialist at Westridge Middle School. “I feel like he kind of kept it more private, but to have that balance and humility, I don’t think that I’ve seen that before.”

“I think the thing that helped me most in JAG-K was the leadership skills that they’ve taught me,” Zamir explained as he reflected on his time in the classroom. “I think it’s pretty similar to what we learned in soccer on the field, communicating with others and knowing when to go, and when not to and overall communicating with others to help each other out.”

But how does one manage being a high school student and a professional athlete? For Zamir, it comes naturally. After mornings filled with training and time with both first and second teams at Sporting KC, his afternoons are typically reserved for homework and hanging out, and there’s maybe even some time to play video games! “I’ve been really busy with soccer and that just makes me happy and pretty excited,” Zamir stated when talking about his day-to-day routines.

JAG-K is proud of Zamir, and we can’t wait to continue watching him in action with Sporting KC!

Zamir at his signing day (Photo provided by Sporting KC)

Zamir with his JAG-K career specialist, Rebecca Cornett

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

News Release: Students Earn Financial Literacy Scholarships

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:31:00 GMT

On March 10 ^th , three students from Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas were announced as winners of the fifth annual financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.

The winners were selected by the office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, and the scholarships were presented during the awards ceremony of the annual state Career Development Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita. The scholarship winners were:

1 ^st Place, $5,000: Eric Bustillos Andrade, Newton High School

2 ^nd Place, $3,000: Amiyah Beard, Newton High School

3 ^rd Place, $2,000: Collin Falloon, Beloit High School

One of the responsibilities of any JAG-K program is education on sound financial management to its participants, many of whom come from low-income families.

Students from across Kansas wrote essays to attempt to earn one of these prestigious scholarships. Last year, all three recipients of the scholarships hailed from Career Specialist Kylee Raigoza’s JAG-K program at Newton High School. This year, two more recipients were selected from her program.

“I am so proud of my students that received the scholarships,” stated Raigoza. “We started talking about this early in the school year when the essay topic was released. We spent time researching the Kansas Insurance Commissioner’s website, where many students found useful information to include in their essays.”

“Financial Literacy is so important at all ages, and I want my students to feel confident and in control of their finances so they can choose what lifestyle they want to live,” explained Raigoza. “By mastering budgeting, saving, and understanding credit early, students can reduce financial stress and set themselves up for independent living.”

The Securities Division Works to protect Kansas citizens by promoting awareness of fraudulent activities and by assisting in identifying and prosecuting fraud. The Securities Division also partners with programs like JAG-K to support and promote financial literacy throughout the state.

The Kansas Department of Insurance donated $25,000 to help support JAG-K’s efforts to teach important financial concepts to the students in the program. A portion of the donated funds were designated for a financial literacy essay contest in which the top three JAG-K student essays would split a share of $10,000 in scholarship funds.

“Demonstrating financial literacy and investing fundamentals are at the heart of this essay competition, and I’m proud of all the students who participated and congratulate this year’s winners,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “More importantly, through JAG-K, students are learning to apply these skills in their own lives, empowering them to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.”

The three students from JAG-K will now have the chance to compete against winners from two other Kansas Organizations for the chance to win additional scholarship funds.

Kansas’ 120 JAG-K programs serve more than 6,600 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Toni Porter joins JAG-K

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:39:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas, Inc., today announced Toni Porter as the new Vice President of Marketing and Development. Porter started on March 23, and will succeed Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development Mark Bisbing, who is retiring in June.

“I could not be more pleased that Toni is joining us. Her reputation and experience are impeccable, and I know we will benefit immensely as an organization and executive team,” said Chuck Knapp, President & CEO. “Mark has been a trusted and valued member of our team, and we will miss him.”

Porter most recently served as the Vice President of Government Relations and Military Affairs for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has also worked as a senior official in the United States Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State University and is an active member of the Wichita community.

“I am incredibly honored to join the JAG-K executive team at such a pivotal time for Kansas youth,” said Toni Porter, Vice President of Marketing and Development. “JAG-K has a proven track record of transforming lives through its evidence-based model, and I am excited to help drive the strategic growth of programs that provide stability, mentorship, and real-world skills to those who need them most.”

Porter will be responsible for leading the JAG-K marketing and developing team, which is responsible for increasing awareness of the organization, securing private financial support, and building relationships with the Kansas business community. Porter will also be assisting Knapp with government relations at the local, state and federal levels.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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Emporia High School Senior Awarded JAG-K Scholarship

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:41:00 GMT

Every year, one outstanding Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) senior is awarded a $500 dollar scholarship for being an exemplary student in the program. This scholarship is awarded during the annual State Career Development Conference, which was held on March 10, 2026.

This year, Angel Bahena from Emporia High School was selected to receive this scholarship. “Angel naturally builds up other members of our program by offering encouragement, guidance, and support,” said Ramsey Siebert, the JAG-K specialist at Emporia High School, who has been working with Angel for the entirety of her high school career. “He leads by example and helps create a welcoming, motivating environment where others feel valued and capable of success.”

“Angel didn’t just attend JAG-K classes; he made the decision to invest in JAG-K as a freshman,” explained Beverly Mortimer, Chief Innovation Officer for JAG-K. “He attributes JAG-K for helping him develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism that will carry him to his successful future. He knows that his CDC events were more than competitions, and they helped him prepare for real-world career readiness.”

Angel aspires to be a history teacher and has completed a course in Teaching as a Career, a Teaching Observation, and a Teaching Internship. These are just a few of the many ways Angel proves that he is already taking the necessary steps to work toward a meaningful career in History and Education.

Kansas’ 120 JAG-K programs serve over 6,000 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Travel to Wichita For Career Development Conference

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:24:00 GMT

Over 200 Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) students and staff came together at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita for the program’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).

The event was sponsored by the Kansas State Bank Commissioners’ Office, and the event hosted judges from a variety of employer partners such as: Southern Star, Forvis Mazars, and Berkshire Hathaway – Pen Fed Realty. Berkshire Hathaway also helped create the prompt for the Creative Decision Making event.

During this event, students compete in areas that prove that they possess the skills they are learning within the classroom – from mock interviews for Employability Skills to finding a solution to a real-world problem in Creative Decision Making, these competitive events are a place where our students showcase their hard work and dedication.

Additionally, students from across the state got to vote for the next cohort of statewide officers. Elected to serve as next year’s state officers were President Alani Burks, Junction City High School; Vice President Adaira Hutto, Winfield High School; Secretary Neo Allison, Eudora High School; Parliamentarian Brennon Stahlecker, Larned High School.

“State CDC is always an exciting event, and this year was no exception,” said Chuck Knapp, President and CEO of JAG-K. “This year may have been the highest level of competition we’ve seen. Regardless, it is always a great opportunity for our students to represent their school at the state level, no matter where they place in competition.”

The top three finishers in each event have earned the opportunity to represent Kansas at the National Career Development Conference next month in Salt Lake City. Our national qualifiers are:

Prepared Speaking: 1st Sophie Register, Augusta High School; 2nd Haley Huges, Manhattan High School; 3rd Hollisten Zimmer, Junction City High School

Career Preparation: 1st Amani Buentllo, Manhattan High School; 2nd Charly Estrada, F.L. Schlagle High School; 3rd Chylinda Kelly, Buhler High School

Employability Skills: 1st Eli Leiker, Norton High School; 2nd Bianca Uman, Emporia High School; 3rd Madison Smith, Kingman High School

Financial Budget: 1st Joel Umana Jumenez, Newton High School; 2nd Aaron Hubbard, Augusta High School; 3rd James Veerkamp, Basehor-Linwood High School

Project Based Learning: 1st Anthony Phoenix, Tyrone Wright Jr., & Kevin Walton Jr., Shawnee Mission North High School; 2nd Caleb Alvarez, Daijon Kent, & Brock Rogers, Topeka High School; 3rd Ashliey Aliwis, Adaira Hutto, & Ayden Le, Winfield High School

Creative Decision Making: 1st Jemma Ploger, Alyson Taylor, & Benjamin Sturgeon, Kiowa County High School; 2nd Jae’lynn Dennard, Jaden Exantus, & Kayden Bandag, Junction City High School; 3rd Kadence Kreuzburg, Jaden Means, & Raegan Stillwell, Augusta High School

Additionally, three programs qualified for nationals by creating a digital scrapbook in an event called Outstanding Chapter Books. Those schools were: Kiowa County High School (1st), Russell High School (2nd), and Eudora High School (3rd).

High school teams were also recognized based on their collective performance. There was a two-way tie for third place this year between Junction City High School and Emporia High School, while Kiowa County High School came in second, and Augusta High School took first place.

We are excited to send our students to NCDC and can’t wait to watch them continue their journey!

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 32 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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Alumni Spotlight – Remy Stull

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:02:00 GMT

“Sometimes I think that, especially in the generation now, we get so caught up with the extracurricular activities in our life, whether that’s a bad home environment, whether that’s the homework that we didn’t finish, or whether that’s just conversations with our friends,” ponders Remy Stull, a 2023 graduate of Hays High School JAG-K who was recently featured by the Hays Post . “We get so caught up in all of these things that we don’t take the time to actually gain the knowledge we need to progress our lives forward. Just be present in the moment because it’s going to go by so fast.”

Remy wasn’t originally looking for the JAG-K program – it found him. “There was kind of a stigma around it at our school,” he explained. “Brian Zollinger came to me and told me he wanted to change how people see JAG-K and what it encompasses.”

It wasn’t a difficult decision for Remy to join once he learned what JAG-K was all about – a big part of his excitement to join the program came from learning that it was student led. In a JAG-K classroom, students have a say in how they want to learn the material. From hands on projects, to guest speakers to field trips, it’s a unique opportunity in many ways. For Remy, he noted that guest speakers were really impactful to him. “I got to see so many different people from so many avenues and walks of life come and speak to our class,” Stull said. “I learned a lot of what to do and not to do. It also kind of gave me motivation to want to do that myself.”

And Remy has done just that! Since graduating high school and starting his career as a barber, he has come back to speak in multiple JAG-K programs, including the program he graduated from, Hays High School. “I genuinely feel as though I can express my story and the values I have, and there are things I can teach people,” he stated. Additionally, Remy has traveled to a couple of barber schools in Kansas to teach classes on cutting hair. “Whenever I get asked, I’m going. Whenever I have an opportunity, I’m going. Whenever there’s somebody who calls me, I’m going.”

After high school, Remy went on to Paul Mitchell School in Wichita to study barbering. After finishing his education as a barber, he did a brief stint as a door-to-door salesman in Florida before ultimately moving back to Hays and beginning work as a barber at Fade Factory. “I wanted to give it one more shot to see if there’s something else that might just pique my interest that I want to go do instead of cutting hair,” he explained about the sudden shift of careers. “I ended up breaking my contract to leave early because I found that it wasn’t something I really was passionate about.”

Remy has always shown up, and he plans to continue showing up for every opportunity he gets. During his time in JAG-K, he learned the importance of communication after an opportunity to participate in the prepared speaking competition at Career Development Conferences. “They said something to me that I’ll never really forget,” he said. “They said my smile and my energy were so contagious. In that moment, it just felt really reinforcing to hear that.”

Although Remy was busy outside of the classroom juggling academics as a three-sport athlete, he still found a way to hold a position in JAG-K through managing social media and coordinating guest speakers, as well as helping around the classroom. “I didn’t ever really want to be president,” he explained with a laugh. “But I definitely wanted to have a role. I want to have a place in JAG-K that I can help people or do something that I’m already doing or already interested in.”

Remy says that one of his biggest takeaways from his various opportunities in life is understanding that anything you want to do, you can do. “I think that a lot of people tend to forget the fact that they are capable,” he said. “A lot of times kids don’t have an environment where they’re being told that their passions and their dreams can be a reality. But that was something that I had.”

JAG-K helps to provide that environment for many students, including Remy. Remy was raised by his grandparents while his mother and father were battling addiction. Recently, Remy had a full circle moment with his father, who he has a stronger relationship with now. “I looked him in the face, and I said, ‘I told you I was going to do this’,” he explained. “And the fact that I did it was something that was just beautiful. It just shows that when you’re consistent, when you’re disciplined, when you continue to show up, even when you don’t want to, the things that you can achieve are endless.”

We are proud of Remy and all that he has accomplished!

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Alumni Spotlight – Chrishayla Adams

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:54:00 GMT

“I think JAG-K helped me become myself outside of the noise,” says Chrishayla Adams, a 2021 graduate of Topeka High School JAG-K. “There’s a lot of things I don’t think would have been possible without me going through JAG-K.”

Adams joined the Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas program during her sophomore year after her step coach (who was coincidentally also the JAG-K specialist) convinced her to give it a shot. During her time in JAG-K, she excelled in many categories, from public speaking to leadership skills. Adams was the national champion in the Prepared Speaking (formerly called Public Speaking) category at the 2020 Virtual National Student Leadership Academy. Additionally, Adams served as the State President for JAG-K during her senior year.

“My whole thing was, don’t call it a dream, call it a plan,” explained Adams about her motto when serving as the JAG-K State President. “JAG-K actually helped me put my plans in motion.”

And those plans have taken her far! From the National Guard to the University of Kansas, to now being a social studies teacher pursuing further education, Adams has accomplished a lot since graduating high school. There are many specific opportunities that JAG-K brought to her that still impact her life today.

“I joined the National Guard when I was in JAG-K,” stated Adams. “A recruiter came to our class and told us about the benefits and how they can pay for college.”

Being a first-generation college student, that was what made Adams’ ears shoot up. She enlisted in the National Guard in her senior year, and she is still an active enlistee currently. She works as a Fire Control Specialist in the field, working behind the scenes with coordinates and other artillery strategy systems. Her time in the guard has taught her valuable lessons in both leadership and mentorship, among other things.

“I still do my weekend drills and my weeks in the summertime,” Adams explained. “They did pay for me to go to college! I graduated in May of 2024 from the University of Kansas with two degrees, one in Sociology and the other in African American Studies, with a minor in Social Justice.”

After graduating from KU, Adams wasn’t sure of her next steps – she had a few ideas but hadn’t ironed out that part of her plan. She even considered joining JAG-K as a specialist! Ultimately, she decided to go a different route.

“I ended up going with the Teach for America route,” said Adams. “Because they would pay for me to get my master’s in education, which I’ll be finishing this upcoming May.”

Adams is now in her second year as a seventh grade Social Studies teacher at Ewing Marion Kaufman School in Kansas City, where she also coaches cheer. Additionally, Chrishayla still serves on the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a position she was appointed to by Governor Laura Kelly in 2020, after connecting with Gov. Kelly through JAG-K.

“It’s really fun because I still get to help speak for youth and advocate for them,” Adams commented. “And I guess I do that in teaching as well.”

To keep things engaging in her Social Studies classroom, Adams has created her own version of the acronym C.I.A. Every day, her seventh grade students put on their C.I.A caps and agree to uphold the classroom’s values – Community, Inspiration, and Accountability.

“I think it helps me have a better relationship with my students,” she explained. “They know they can come to me and lean on me, and that’s something I want them to do.”

From the JAG-K classroom to a classroom of her own, we’re proud of Chrishayla and all that she has accomplished!

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News Release: JAG-K Travels to NSLA

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:18:00 GMT

During the first week of December, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) hosted their annual National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington, D.C. During this event, students from all over the U.S. come together to build leadership skills, enhance their network of connections, and see the sights of our nation’s capital.

Eight students traveled from Kansas to represent Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) at the event. During their time in D.C., our students got to meet with Senator Jerry Moran and Representative Ron Estes. This was an opportunity that allowed our students to advocate for themselves at a high level – they were able to tell the JAG-K story to two of the people who represent Kansas in national offices. They also were given the opportunity to speak to their peers about their experience meeting with Senator Moran during the NSLA Advocacy Training Panel.

“My biggest takeaway from NSLA is that every leader leads differently, and with collaboration and communication you can do amazing things,” said Acacia Weeks, a senior from Winfield High School, who serves as the JAG-K Career Association Secretary and the Region 4 President. “I enjoyed meeting and networking with other JAG students across the nation as well as forming closer relationships with my fellow Kansas officers.”

During the sessions at NSLA, our JAG-K students spent time honing their skills and learning all about various aspects of leadership, including leadership styles and how to collaborate effectively. Additionally, Kansas’ very own Ryah Klima was in attendance to speak on an Alumni Panel during the business luncheon. Klima served as the first National Career Association President from 2022 to 2023, after serving as the JAG-K Career Association Vice President from 2021 to 2022.

The trip to D.C. wasn’t strictly business for JAG-K. Our students were also able to explore the city – from seeing national historic monuments, to touring the White House, and visiting several museums, there was no shortage of fun to be had! They even got to experience some snowy weather while they were in the city. They ended their trip with a tour of the historic Ford’s Theatre, where they also watched a performance of “A Christmas Carol”.

“What I enjoyed most was watching our JAG-K students experience Washington D.C. with fresh eyes,” explained Randy Randolph, Vice President of Programming for JAG-K. He attended the trip with the students, along with two other staff members. “I got to see their confidence grow, hear their reflections, and watch them discover new possibilities for their future.”

This trip is always a highlight of the year for JAG-K, and we are glad our students are able to experience this opportunity!

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Gideon

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:44:00 GMT

When you join Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas (JAG-K), you might not know just how many opportunities will come to you. Hannah Gideon, a graduate from the JAG-K program at Russell High School, understands this deeply.

“The specialist suggested the class would be an outstanding opportunity to gain skills and real-life experience that I can transfer into my future career, not just within my short time in high school,” Gideon stated. “I had no clue what I was jumping into, but I saw a possible outcome and decided to pursue it to the best of my ability.”

Throughout her three years in JAG-K, Hannah blossomed as a leader. She served as her program’s President in her first year by chance. She had initially campaigned for Vice President but ended up in the higher role after nobody ran for it. “I was unconfident in my abilities, and I was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone for fear of failure,” Gideon explained. “It took a year of failure, of realizations, and of growth to learn that I can do and achieve the feats that I put my mind to.”

Hannah also played a part in bringing the Ogallala Commons internship opportunities to her JAG-K program. “After learning from my first internship, I saw the growth and potential that these internships could bring to many students,” She expressed that many students often believe they won’t find opportunities in small towns like Russell. “I wanted other students in our school to grow, to learn, and gain experience so they can step headfirst into their career and learn if it is something they truly wish to be in.”

“Not only has this highlighted many smaller businesses in our community, but I believe this has helped bridge some of the distance between the younger generations and the community members within Russell,” Gideon explained when reflecting on the internship program. “I hope that students will continue to be offered these opportunities in the future and hopefully inspire other JAG-K Programs to encourage students to break past their barriers and towards a brighter future.”

Hannah is a strong supporter of her peers, whether they’re her classmates from Russell, or other JAG-K students throughout the state. “Within my 3 years in the JAG-K Program, I have found that my favorite memories are seeing the other students in the program grow to heights they may have never thought possible.”

Now, Hannah is a student at Kansas State University, studying environmental engineering. She has goals to find a career in water conservation, a passion she found through her internships during her time as a JAG-K student. Recently, Hannah accepted a summer internship working with Burns & McDonnell, in their Environmental Services department as a Civil Engineering Intern.

“I will always be grateful to the JAG-K organization for their dedication to growing and investing in the qualities of future generations to come,” Gideon closed out her interview with an abundance of gratitude for the program. “In my opinion, JAG-K specialists are truly superheroes in today’s world.”

We are excited to see where Hannah will journey next, and we are so happy to have had her in our program!

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Presents to Kansas Board of Education

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:59:00 GMT

Last week, Jobs for America’s Graduates- Kansas (JAG-K) presented to the Kansas State Board of Education, a long-time supporter and advocate for the work that JAG-K does. This was an exciting opportunity for JAG-K to share news of their new micro-credentialing pilot, student success stories, and recognize retiring State Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson’s contributions to education.

Leading the presentation was Bev Mortimer, Chief Innovation Officer at JAG-K. “Think of JAG-K as a comprehensive career development model that is evidence based,” Mortimer explained to the Board, reiterating critical components of the JAG-K program. “We are in a pilot right now, piloting credentials in our competency areas.”

“We’ve always been competency-based, but this pilot takes it one step further,” Mortimer continued, introducing the new Competency to Credential model to the Board. “Once our students have successfully provided evidence of learning, they will be awarded with a digital badge that has verifiable metadata to prove that they have the skills associated with the competency.”

After informing the Board about the Competency to Credential model, three JAG-K students approached the Board to share how JAG-K has impacted their lives over the years.

Aaron Foster, a senior at Topeka High School, who also serves as the Region 2 Vice President for JAG-K, spoke first. “In my earlier years, I was a target at school,” Foster explained. “I couldn’t go a day without being bullied.”

“I didn’t expect high school to be any different, and it wasn’t,” Foster continued, recounting his time in school before joining the JAG-K program. “Not until JAG-K found me. I’ll never forget the amazing feeling of putting myself out there and finally having people believe in me.”

Analicia Aquino is a senior at Shawnee Mission North and serves as the Region 2 President and State Vice President for JAG-K. “My brother was in the program, and he loved it,” Aquino stated as she told the Board about how she joined the program. “So, he told me to give it a chance, and I did.”

“Little did I know that chance I took would turn into something bigger than I could ever imagine,” Aquino continued, before recounting her experience participating at Career Development Conferences, competing in the prepared speaking competition. “When I competed my eighth-grade year, I did horrible,” Aquino remembered with a laugh, “But somehow, me doing terrible made me want to keep going and push harder.”

“Freshman year, fourth place at the state level. Sophomore and junior year, top ten at the national level,” Aquino listed off her rankings in her prepared speech to the Board. “I haven’tgotten to compete during my senior year yet, but I’m hoping for the best. My best might not be placing top ten at nationals again, but maybe it’s having peace knowing that I found something I love doing, and a passion I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

The last student to address the board was Macy Patterson, a senior from Russell High School, who serves as the Region 1 president and State Parliamentarian. “Nobody really talks about the students who have everything figured out their freshman year,” Patterson explained that she has always been a good student, and she has known for a long time where she wanted to go in life. “It’s a little bit lonely, because all your friends are still figuring out what they want to do and they’re exploring.”

“Freshman year was a little bit different for me because I still knew what I wanted to do, but I had no idea how to get there,” Patterson stated when explaining her journey into the JAG-K program. “My first year in JAG-K was my sophomore year, and I just loved the class because I finally had the chance to figure out how I wanted to get into my career, which was law enforcement.”

Macy got a unique opportunity through her JAG-K program in Russell – two internships with the Russell Police Department through a partnership between JAG-K and Ogallala Commons . “I learned that Russell is 100 percent a place that I would want to come back to after I spread my wings and get my education,” Patterson told the board as she spoke on the importance of her internship. “I created relationships with the people in my community, and I have so many people who are on my side supporting me now; it’s like I have a huge family. I wouldn’thave had that experience without JAG.”

Chuck Knapp, President & CEO of JAG-K, thanked the board to close out the presentation. “The reason JAG-K exists is we want all students to have successful futures, and these are just three stories of thousands,” Knapp told the board. Knapp emphasized the importance of the resilience demonstrated by JAG-K students being one of the most important aspects of the program. “Every student in this state could benefit from being a part of our program,” Knapp concluded.

Knapp then presented Watson with the JAG-K Education Champion Award. “This award is given in deep appreciation of your extraordinary leadership, steadfast partnership, and enduring commitment to the students of Kansas, and your unwavering support of JAG-K,” Knapp explained as he presented the award. “We present this to Dr. Randy Watson with gratitude and admiration from the JAG-K Board of Directors, staff, and our students.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Alumni Return to JAG-K as Employees

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:50:00 GMT

As the summer comes to an end, JAG-K students and specialists alike are returning to the classroom with anticipation for what this year will hold.

For many, this isn’t the first time they’ve set foot into one of our classrooms. However, for Hannah Atchison, the career specialist at Wyandotte High School, the JAG-K classroom is taking on a whole new meaning.

This year, Hannah is returning to JAG-K after graduating from our program as a student at Basehor-Linwood high school in 2020. “I got involved in JAG-K through a friend of mine in high school,” Hannah stated. “He was in this class that he really liked and said that I would be perfect for the program, so I talked to the Specialist about getting into the program my sophomore year.”

Throughout her time as a student, Hannah experienced several meaningful accomplishments, including serving as her chapter president and attending National Student Leadership Academy to compete in the Financial Literacy event during her senior year. “I loved that JAG had an event that I knew I could be good at,” Hannah explained. “I always loved math, and I had a lot of anxiety, so public speaking wasn’t a good fit for me. A big part of my favorite memory in JAG-K is getting the call from my Specialist that I was going to nationals.”

Hannah has expressed that she is excited to be re-entering the JAG-K classroom as a Specialist. “I love being a Specialist and being able to connect with and help my students in the way that I needed in high school.” Hannah understands just how important the JAG-K program is for students, which brings her a great perspective as a new Specialist. This isn’t her first time in a classroom setting, either. “Before I came back as a Specialist, I worked in an elementary school for almost 3 years as a paraprofessional. I loved working there and I loved working with kids, but I wanted to be able to help the students more and I had always wanted to be a teacher.”

“It has definitely been a big change from knowing the program as a student and knowing it as a Specialist, but I love what I am doing,” Hannah added at the close of her interview. “Seeing how excited my students get to come into my classroom, or to hear them say they love my class makes me so happy. I know I’m making a difference to at least a couple kids.”

Alongside Hannah, another former JAG-K student is returning to the classroom as a Specialist. Kyleigh Pittman is also a graduate from the Basehor-Linwood JAG-K program, class of 2019. However, this isn’t Kyleigh’s first year as a Specialist. She has just begun her 4 ^th year in the classroom.

“When I was in high school, my mom always took in extra kids, even when we ourselves needed help. That’s how I met Taylor, who ended up moving in with us,” Kyleigh explained as she told us about how she joined JAG-K. “She was in JAG-K at Basehor-Linwood High School and told her specialist, Mary Guerra, that I would be a good fit for the program.”

Kyleigh has a huge passion for JAG-K, and that passion comes directly from her experience as a student. “I was struggling to stay focused on my own goals and vision for the future,” She added. “I worried constantly about home and how I could make things better there. JAG-K helped me shift that focus. It encouraged me to make choices for myself and my future.”

Much like Hannah, Kyleigh also developed a love for the competitive events that are offered through JAG-K, and found success in Employability Skills, where she made it to nationals. “The highlight of my JAG-K experience was traveling to Washington, D.C.—still the best trip of my life. There, I learned so much about networking, leadership, and applying myself to the future I wanted, all while experiencing our nation’s history firsthand,” Kyleigh explained. “Getting a tour inside the White House is something I’ll never forget. That trip is my favorite JAG-K memory.”

In terms of the journey back to the classroom, Kyleigh attributed her reignited passion for the program to her sisters. “I had always envisioned myself becoming a teacher—maybe in kindergarten or elementary school,” She stated. “In 2022, I attended my sisters’ JAG-K I&I Ceremony at Basehor-Linwood. Watching both of my sisters hold officer positions in the same program I once did reignited my passion for JAG-K.”

“JAG-K has always been a family to me, and I’m grateful to now be part of that family again—this time as someone who gets to give back,” Kyleigh stated at the close of her interview.

Behind the scenes and outside of the classroom, JAG-K graduate Ryah Klima is working out of our Topeka office as our new Marketing & Communications Specialist.

Ryah was a graduate of the Concordia JAG-K program in 2022. During her time in JAG-K, she was heavily involved in student leadership at multiple levels, culminating in her serving as the first ever National Career Association President . “It’s still easily the biggest achievement of my life,” Ryah said when reflecting on the role. “It was a really big deal to me, seeing the way that my six years in JAG-K paid off. I didn’t really have any other activities in school. JAG-K was my thing.”

Along with being a student leader, Ryah also competed in Public Speaking – She even attended the National Student Leadership Academy to compete at the national level in 2019 alongside Hannah Atchison! All three of our returning alumni competed at National Student Leadership Academy within a year of each other. National Competitive Events are now held separately at the National Career Development Conference.

“I really wouldn’t be where I am today without JAG-K,” Ryah stated. “There are so many opportunities I never would’ve had if I hadn’t been in this program.”

Ryah’s career with JAG-K began through an internship – she needed one to finish her degree, and she sent a few text messages letting her contacts in JAG-K know. “It’s kind of crazy,” Ryah stated. “I sent a text message, and then I got a phone call. They made an internship spot for me and then invited me to apply for the full-time position as soon as it opened.”

When discussing her new role in the program, Ryah was open about what she’s looking forward to. “I’ve always loved to tell my personal JAG-K story,” She explained. “Now I get to help tell the whole JAG-K story to everyone. It means a lot to me. I love connecting with the students and hearing their stories.”

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas is extremely lucky and thankful to have students return to the program as employees, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will hold for Hannah, Kyleigh and Ryah!

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Day at Cloud

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:28:00 GMT

Earlier this month, Cloud County Community College (CCCC) hosted a group of Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas (JAG-K) students from all around the state for the third annual JAG-K Day at Cloud.

“JAG-K Day started from a deep respect for the impact JAG-K has on students,” said CCCC Vice President of Student Services Brandt Hutchinson. “Coming from the K–12 world, I saw firsthand how powerful the program is.”

Regarding the motivation to continually support our JAG-K students, Hutchinson believes it is simple. “Cloud and JAG-K share the same values: student success, career readiness, leadership, and building relationships,” He stated. “Hosting this event just makes sense.”

At the event, students and their specialists got a tour of the college campus, while also attending several breakout sessions on topics relevant to the college experience. There were six sessions throughout the day, with a wide range of topics such as financial aid, program options at CCCC, and even a session about how to smoothly transition from high school to college. Notably, there was also a session where the JAG-K students got to share their stories with one another.

“The JAG-K Share session is always a highlight,” Hutchinson stated when speaking about his favorite part of the event. “I love meeting students from across the region and hearing their stories. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of student voice.”

JAG-K Day at Cloud benefits both CCCC and JAG-K students equally. The combination of learning sessions and tours create an amazing opportunity for students to explore life after high school, which is a crucial part of the JAG-K program. It also provides a recruitment opportunity for CCCC, and many JAG-K students in the region have started their post-high school journey there.

“This was the first time several of our students had ever been on college campus,” Minneapolis High School Career Specialist William Burton explained. “The ability to learn about all the different options at Cloud that have immediate employability options was impressive.”

“My biggest takeaway from the visit was to make the most of your college experience,” Emilie Sadler, a senior at Beloit High School stated. “I was exposed to so many clubs and pathways that are available at Cloud, it showed me that there are options for everyone.”

This event is always exciting for our students, and we are very thankful for this opportunity each year!

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Russell JAG-K Hosts Harvesting Ceremony to Celebrate Successful Summer Internships

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:41:00 GMT

September 12, 2025

“I want you to know this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Cambrea Solze, a senior at Russell High School stated as she reflected on her time in the JAG-K program. “You need to steal it while you can.”

Solze recently finished an internship in the Radiology department at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas. “I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but I didn’t know exactly what part,” She stated as her reason for applying for the internship opportunity. “My internship gave me such a deep understanding of what Radiology Techs do.”

Solze, along with five other students from Russell High School were able to do summer internships in their desired career fields thanks to a unique partnership between Ogallala Commons and their local Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program.

To participate in the summer internship program hosted by Ogallala Commons, JAG-K students in Russell must apply for an internship, go through a selection process, and if chosen, attend an orientation in Texas at the beginning of the summer. Throughout each student’s internship, they must meet the following three requirements:

100 hours of work in their internship

10 hours of community service

3 blog posts: An introductory bio post, a post about the commonwealth assets in their community, and a final post about their community service and a reflection on their overall experience.

The culmination of the JAG-K interns’ experience is the Harvesting Ceremony, which was hosted at the Dream Theater in Russell on September 10 ^th , 2025. This year, all of the students who participated in internships over the summer shared their experiences in the form of self-made movies, which played on the big screen while the audience was filled with members of the Russell community. The four students who were present also hosted a question-and-answer session after the film concluded. Two of the interns were unable to attend, as they have graduated and are away for college.

“Before I joined JAG-K, it seemed like everyone I know knew exactly what they were passionate about and knew what they were going to do after high school,” Allison Grieve, another senior at RHS stated. “I had no clue what I wanted to do.”

Like Solze, Grieve also interned with Russell Regional Hospital in the surgical center. “My internship showed me that there are so many opportunities in the medical field,” Grieve stated in her portion of the film. “It made me realize that this is exactly what I want to do. I want to help people in every way possible.”

Thanks to her internship, Grieve has decided she will become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and she has even decided her first steps toward that career: attending Barton Community College for her nursing degree, before moving on to anesthesiology school.

In addition to their individual internships, the six students also created a brand-new program in Russell to meet their community service hours requirement. This new program, called Helping Hands, aims to provide community care for the elderly demographic in Russell. More information about Helping Hands can be found here.

Russell JAG-K is making great strides in their community. We are excited to see what will come next for them!

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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Russell JAG-K Introduces a New Program in their Community

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:20:00 GMT

KRSL Radio, Aug. 20th, 2025. – Click to see original article

The Russell City Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, at 4:30 pm at the Council Chambers in City Hall. Multiple awards given out, new ordinances passed, and a big update about the Russell Play Park Project stick out from the meeting.

To start the meeting, the Russell High School JAG-K program held a presentation, led by senior Macy Patterson, to introduce their Helping Hands Program. She presented the program and all its details to the council along with Police Chief Jordan Harrison representing the Police Department in their partnership. Linked here is an article all about the Helping Hands Program. After the presentation, Harrison was proud to present the RHS JAG-K program the Russell Police Department Award of Excellence.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Place in National Competition in Indianapolis

Fri, 02 May 2025 20:23:00 GMT

Seventeen students representing Kansas placed in national competitions at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Career Development Conference (NCDC) in Indianapolis last week.

JAG National hosted the NCDC April 24-26, with a contingent from each state affiliate attending for training and competition.

This year, 30 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) programs traveled to Indianapolis to participate in NCDC. The national event brings together the top performers from competitions held in each of the 32 states with JAG programs. The seven competition categories are Financial Literacy, Creative Decision Making, Prepared Speaking, Career Preparation, Project-Based Learning, Business Plan, and Employability Skills.

The top finisher from Kansas this year was Sauni Kishpaugh (pictured), a junior from Kiowa County High School, who placed third in the Prepared Speaking competition.

“My time at the NCDC was truly transformative,” Kishpaugh said. “The JAG program has inspired me to believe in my potential and strive to become even more. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.”

JAG-K individuals who placed in the top 10 in their events were:

Kenton Grauerholz, Great Bend High School, 7 ^th Place, Financial Literacy

Chris Tomlinson, Shawnee Mission North High School, 8 ^th Place, Financial Literacy

Analicia Aquino, Shawnee Mission North High School, 10 ^th Place, Prepared Speaking

Elijah Quiring, Augusta High School, 10 ^th Place, Employability Skills

JAG-K teams who placed in the top 10 in their events were:

Kiowa County High School (Hannah Greenleaf, Silas Hawkins, Aly Taylor), 5 ^th Place, Creative Decision Making

Holcomb High School (Ashlynn Bradley, Riley Miller, Shalynn Sizemore), 6 ^th Place, Project-Based Learning

HD Karns-Junction City High School (Shantee Dowd, Jaylah Buffington, Morgan Barrett), 9 ^th Place, Project-Based Learning

Junction City High School (Jaden Exantus, Lyric Pope, Trent Herrington), 10 ^th Place, Creative Decision Making

Three Kansas programs – Augusta High School, Innovations Academy-Junction City, and Kiowa County High School – received national awards for Outstanding Digital Chapter Notebooks.

In addition to the competitions, the Kansas students participated in a college and career expo and attended workshops. They attended an event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and toured the Indianapolis Zoo and Lucas Oil Stadium. Noah Maldonado, Junction City High School, and Kalli Peterson, Eudora High School, participated in the JAG National Career Association business meeting and served as voting delegates to elect national officers for the next year.

“JAG-K was well represented by some outstanding students at the second annual National Career Development Conference,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “These young people continue to impress and inspire, and they are a consistent reminder that our evidence-based model works. There is not another program that is as comprehensive in the competencies taught, personal skills learned, and life changing results achieved.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Month with the KBA Teaches Students about Financial Literacy, Career Opportunities

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:49:00 GMT

Members of the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) teamed up with Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) throughout April to educate students about opportunities in the banking industry as well as tips on financial literacy.

The partnership has evolved over four years to become “JAG-K Month with the KBA.” JAG-K programs throughout the state collaborated with banks in their respective areas to plan educational opportunities for students. Throughout April, employees of participating banks visited local JAG-K classes in person or virtually or hosted groups for visits to their facilities.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. One of the responsibilities of JAG-K is the instruction of sound financial management to its participants, 75 percent of whom qualify for free or subsidized lunches.

April is recognized nationally as both Community Banking Month and Financial Literacy Month. Through JAG-K Month with the KBA, students were introduced to the tools made available to them by financial institutions.

“At the Kansas Bankers Association, we believe that financial literacy is foundational to a strong, thriving community,” said Mary Taylor, Senior Vice President – Communications and Marketing Director for the KBA. “By helping students understand how money works—from budgeting and saving to credit and loans—we’re equipping them with tools that will serve them throughout their lives.”

JAG-K programs across the state visited banking institutions or met in their classrooms with representatives of banks. Representatives of their local banks emphasized the need to develop future employees in the field of banking. Through interactions with banking professionals, students learned about the many career opportunities in the financial industry.

The program at Shawnee Mission North hosted Frances Scheuerman, Senior Vice President at UMB Bank in Kansas City.

“Banking offers several entry-level opportunities, many of which do not require previous banking experience,” said Scheuerman. “Some positions can even be held part-time while in school. Roles like teller, customer service representative, or internships are great entry points to learn the business, build professional skills, and make valuable connections.”

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had 805 high school graduates.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Wichita-area JAG-K Students Learn about Plumbing, HVAC

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:55:00 GMT

JAG-K participants from Wichita Northwest High School and Circle High School recently visited the Plumbers & Pipefitters office in Wichita to learn about training opportunities in plumbing and HVAC.

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #441 of Kansas provides support and training to members and information and introduction to those interested in entering the field. It offers an apprenticeship program in plumbing, piping, welding and HVAC installation and maintenance.

JAG-K offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. One of the important features of JAG-K is employer engagement. Students are regularly introduced to a wide range of jobs and careers through field trips, job shadows, internships and summer or part-time employment.

A group of 40 JAG-K students toured the Plumbers & Pipefitters training facility and learned about opportunities in the industry.

“I think it was a great trip. It was very educational,” said Anden Gooding, a freshman from Circle High School. “All the workers there loved their jobs. The environment was very chill but also professional. They were all very nice.”

Students learned about the various jobs represented within the Plumbers & Pipefitters union, the training, qualifications and certifications and earnings opportunities. They were introduced to a wide range of tasks and skills involved in plumbing and HVAC.”

“I saw that plumbing isn’t just involving bathrooms,” said Sarah Andrus, a freshman from Circle High School. “It plays a role in hospitals like the oxygen bag they help hook up. I would have never thought about that.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Participate in “Marine for a Day” Activity

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:58:00 GMT

More than 60 JAG-K participants from 10 different schools recently took part in “Marine for a Day” events hosted by the 9 ^th Marine Corps District Recruiting Station in Kansas City.

Groups of students met in Hays and Manhattan last week for introductions to the Marine Corps as part of JAG-K’s mission to present a variety of options for after high school.

In Hays, students participated in physical training sessions, including running, agility training and pushup and pullup contests. Those gathered in Manhattan took a 3.5-mile hike on the Konza Prairie carrying loaded rucksacks. Both groups ate MREs (the military’s iconic “meal ready to eat”) for lunch and were given the opportunity to learn about careers and training in the Marines.

“My favorite part of the day was the running,” said Goodland High School junior Tristen Austin. “I learned how to push myself to finish, and that made feel really good about myself. I learned to overcome what I was struggling with and finish.”

Seventeen JAG-K students from the most recent group of graduates enlisted in the armed forces.

“Structure, character building, service, sacrifice, career and education development opportunities, there are so many benefits to joining the military that could set someone up to be successful in life,” said Joni Bolen, JAG-K Director of Employer Engagement. “We have worked closely with the Marine Corps in particular to present students the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about enlisting in that branch of the military. They have been very supportive of JAG-K’s mission.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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JAG-K Holds Career Development Conference Dedicated to Middle School Students

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:45:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) held its State Career Development Conference (CDC) dedicated to middle school students Wednesday in Hutchinson. Students visited the Kansas Cosmosphere and participated in outer space-themed competitions.

About 150 JAG-K students gathered at Hutchinson’s Boys and Girls Club of Shadduck Park to put skills developed in JAG-K to use launching rockets, planning lunar landing and community-building strategies, and other STEM activities.

In most years, middle school JAG-K students have joined high school participants for CDCs. This year, JAG-K developed a day of learning and competition aimed specifically at the younger participants. Both high school and middle school CDC events were sponsored by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

“As our presence in middle schools continues to grow, we wanted to provide these students an event that would engage and inspire them,” JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp said. “We placed an emphasis on group activities and creativity to give them a dynamic experience.”

The students were hosted by the Kansas State Cosmosphere for tours and discussions of the history of NASA as well as the skills involved in the study and exploration of outer space.

“We were excited to watch our students participate in this event, which was designed around STEM activities,” said Bev Mortimer, JAG-K Senior Vice President of Programming. “The competitive events allowed students to participate in events that demonstrated the same skills as our high school competitions, doing it through fun and engaging STEM themes.

“After the competitions, students participated in three different activities at the Kansas Cosmosphere, Dr. Goddard’s lab, planetarium, and touring the Hall of Space Museum.”

Middle school students who placed in competition were:

Lunar Landing: 1 ^st Hunter Russell, Kevin Funes, Turner Middle School; 2 ^nd Zachary Suderman, Sebastian Medina, Anthony Middle School; 3 ^rd Jakoby Council, Giovanni Cruz, Great Bend Middle School

Rocket Launch: 1 ^st Diego Garcia, Evette Reyes-Rodriguez, Alexander Urbina, Carl Bruce Middle School; 2 ^nd Jack Reeves, Khloe Hulsether, Shawnee Heights Middle School; 3 ^rd Anjiliyah Smith, Logan Sprinkle, Hannah Wellman, Fort Riley Middle School

Moon Community: 1 ^st Luc Kouassi, Donavan Inzurriaga, Jameson Holmes, Fort Riley Middle School; 2 ^nd Gwendolyn Diaz, Kendall Beery, Turner Middle School; 3 ^rd Janice Jiang, Shyanne Castaneda-Mardis, Bianca Puentes, Chisholm Middle School

Poster Project: 1 ^st Avary Domme, Bijou Schmidt, Ashlyn Mattox, Shawnee Heights Middle School; 2 ^nd Ruth Peralta, Lia Garibay-Fernandez, Turner Middle School; 3 ^rd Payeton McBride, Addy Phillips, Jayden Willinger, Winfield Middle School

Outstanding Digital Scrapbook: 1 ^st Annika Marquez-Tresvan, Franchesca Mendez, Turner Middle School; 2 ^nd Maycee Murphy, Kate Reinhardt, Russell Middle School; 3 ^rd Delaney Little, Addison Minyard, Jemma Ploger, Kiowa County Junior High

Middle school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Turner Middle School (1 ^st place), Shawnee Heights Middle School (2 ^nd place) and combined programs from Junction City (3 ^rd place).

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Scholarship Memorializing Former Sen. Bud Estes Presented to Holcomb High School Student

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:57:00 GMT

Emma Redden, a senior at Holcomb High School, was announced Wednesday as recipient of the fourth annual Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) Bud Estes Memorial Scholarship honoring the memory of the late Kansas state senator from Dodge City.

Redden will receive $1,000 to apply toward college expenses. The award was announced before more than 250 JAG-K students and staff gathered at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex for the annual JAG-K Career Development Conference.

A member of the JAG-K Board of Directors and one of the program’s most avid supporters, Estes passed away in February of 2021 following a long illness. Estes served in the Kansas Legislature from 2012 until his passing.

“We are pleased to honor the memory of Senator Estes with this annual scholarship,” said Chuck Knapp, JAG-K President and CEO. “There was not a stronger champion for JAG-K than Bud Estes. He was dedicated to ensuring a great future for Kansas, and his work with our organization showed how passionate and selfless he was.”

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs, which serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state, reported a graduation rate of 97 percent in the last reporting period. Many of JAG-K’s students attend college, overcoming barriers that might otherwise have kept them from succeeding in school.

The Bud Estes scholarship is awarded to a student who expresses an interest in public service. A participant in the Holcomb High School JAG-K program for two years, Redden plans to attend Friends University, where whe will be on the cheer squad. She plans to study radiologic technology.

“I’m very honored to get this scholarship,” Redden said. “Family means the most to me. So to receive a memorial scholarship for someone who was truly dear to their family is really significant.

“My greatest role model is my mom. Everything I do is to make her proud. So getting this scholarship to help my parents out with college means a lot. I want to do all I can to make my community proud and make my school proud, and to represent JAG-K well.”

“Emma has been a valuable member of JAG-K with a positive work ethic and attitude,” said Holcomb High School JAG-K Career Specialist Melinda Gersberger. “Her willingness to support her peers and adapt to change and embrace new challenges shows her leadership potential. She has a bright future ahead of her.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Parsons High School Student Receives Scholarship from JAG-K

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:45:00 GMT

Parsons High School senior Aubree Waun was named recipient of the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) Senior Scholarship at the JAG-K Career Development Conference at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex on Wednesday.

“I am so proud of Aubree for all of her accomplishments, including being named the 2025 JAG-K Senior Scholar,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “She is a great example of the benefits of the program and what can happen when students leave their comfort zone and pursue opportunities.”

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs, which serve approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state, reported a graduation rate of 96 percent in the last reporting period. Many of JAG-K’s students attend college, overcoming barriers that might otherwise have kept them from succeeding in school.

The award was announced before more than 250 JAG-K students and staff gathered in Wichita for the annual JAG-K Career Development Conference.

Waun plans to attend Labette Community College, where she will major in Psychology.

“I couldn’t have won this scholarship without the incredible support I’ve received from JAG-K,” Waun said. “I’ve grown so much – starting as a shy freshman who couldn’t even give a class presentation, to now being a two-time state CDC qualifier.”

This year, for the first time, JAG-K selected two winners of the organization’s Senior Scholarship. Waun and Holcomb High School senior Ashlynn Bradley were selected from an application process that included an essay, resume, a speech, letters of recommendation, and work samples.

“It was tough competition with a lot of deserving applicants. Aubree stood out in the applications because she is working toward becoming a clinical psychologist. Her goal is to help youth with mental health issues,” said Bev Mortimer, JAG-K Senior Vice President of Programming. “Aubree has shown dedication to JAG-K and provided great leadership to her school’s program.”

Waun has participated in the JAG-K program at Parson High School for four years, serving as the school’s Career Association president this year. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a three-time qualifier for the JAG-K state Career Development Conference competition in Career Preparation.

“When I started with JAG-K four years ago, Aubree was part of my freshman class,” said Parsons High School JAG-K Career Specialist Mark Pound. “It has been inspirational to watch Aubree grow into the person she is. She has taken the tools used in JAG to support her personal growth. I know she has a great future in front of her!”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Holcomb High School Student Receives Scholarship from JAG-K

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:42:00 GMT

Holcomb High School senior Ashlynn Bradley was named recipient of the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) Senior Scholarship at the JAG-K Career Development Conference at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex on Wednesday.

“I am so proud of Ashlynn for all of her accomplishments, including being named the 2025 JAG-K Senior Scholar,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “She is a great example of the benefits of the program and what can happen when students leave their comfort zone and pursue opportunities.”

The award was announced before more than 250 JAG-K students and staff gathered in Wichita for the annual JAG-K Career Development Conference, where Bradley was part of a team that claimed first place in the Project-Based Learning competition, qualifying them to compete at nationals.

Among her other achievements, Bradley has accumulated 163 hours of community service while in high school. She plans to make service a career. Bradley plans to attend Garden City Community College with the goal of going into pediatric nursing.

“I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without all the support of the people around me,” Bradley said. “So that’s the point of community service. To give back and to serve your community, to help others like they have helped you. I’ve always been taught the importance of taking care of others before you take care of yourself.”

This year, for the first time, JAG-K selected two winners of the organization’s Senior Scholarship. Bradley and Parsons High School senior Aubree Waun were selected from an application process that included an essay, resume, a speech, letters of recommendation, and work samples.

“Ashlynn has been in the Holcomb program for several years and has demonstrated excellence in the way she approached everything,” said Bev Mortimer, JAG-K Senior Vice President of Programming. “She has really taken advantage of of all the opportunities JAG-K makes available.”

Bradley has participated in the JAG-K program at Holcomb for three years and currently serves as the JAG-K Region 1 Secretary. She has qualified three times to compete in the JAG national competition in the Project-Based Learning category.

“Ashlynn has demonstrated exceptional leadership in JAG-K, inspiring her peers with her dedication and strong work ethic,” said Holcomb High School JAG-K Career Specialist Melinda Gerstberger. “Her commitment to Holcomb JAG-K and her personal and professional growth set her apart. There is no doubt she will be successful in her future, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of this journey with her!”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Students Receive Financial Literacy Scholarships from KS Dept of Insurance

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:08:00 GMT

Three participants in Jobs for Americas’ Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) – all from Newton High School – were announced Wednesday as winners of the fourth annual financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.

The office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt selected the scholarship winners, which were revealed at the JAG-K Career Development Conference hosted at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The scholarship winners included:

1 ^st Place, $5,000 – Joel Umana, Newton High School

2 ^nd Place, $3,000 – Amiyah Beard, Newton High School

3 ^rd Place, $2,000 – Alex Toribo-Trana, Newton High School

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs, serving approximately 6,000 students in 48 school districts across the state, reported a graduation rate of 97 percent in the last reporting period. One of the responsibilities of JAG-K is the instruction of sound financial management to its participants, many of whom come from low-income families.

Students from across Kansas entered essays, and for the first time in the four-year history of the competition, all three winners were from the same school.

“I am extremely proud of my students for their hard work,” said Newton High School JAG-K Career Specialist Kylee Raigoza. “They are so excited for each other.

“Financial literacy is so important in these students lives. We talk about real world challenges, exploring their own strength and weaknesses, and planning for the future they want to achieve.”

The Securities Division works to protect Kansas citizens by creating awareness of fraudulent activity in the securities industry and by assisting the Kansas Attorney General in identifying and prosecuting fraud. The Securities Division is partnering with student development organizations like JAG-K to support and promote financial literacy programs throughout the state.

“This year’s winners showed strong knowledge of investment fraud risks and how to apply techniques designed to stop scammers,” said Commissioner Schmidt. “The essays show that JAG-K students are obtaining practical money skills that will serve them well in adulthood.”

The three students will now have the opportunity to compete against winners of financial literacy competitions representing two other Kansas organizations for the chance to win an additional $5,000, $3,000, or $2,000.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Gather in Wichita for Career Development Conference

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:44:00 GMT

About 275 students and staff from Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) gathered at the Wichita State University Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex on March 12 for the organization’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).

The CDC was sponsored by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

At the event, students elected officers for next year and competed in areas of job preparedness.

“The State CDC is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year for JAG-K students,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “Representing your school at state is a rare opportunity, and all these students should be proud of the work and preparation it took to get there.”

JAG-K participants across Kansas voted for statewide officers for the next year. Elected to serve as state officers were President Jaden Exantus, Junction City; Vice President Analicia Aquino, Shawnee Mission North: Secretary Acacia Weeks, Winfield; Parliamentarian Macy Patterson, Russell.

Students competed in events that showcase competencies attained in the JAG-K program.

High school students who placed in competition were:

Prepared Speaking: 1 ^st Haley Hughes, Manhattan; 2 ^nd Sauni Kishpaugh, Kiowa County; 3 ^rd Analicia Aquino, Shawnee Mission North

Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1 ^st Jaden Exantus, Trent Herrington, Lyric Pope, Junction City; 2 ^nd Hannah Greenleaf, Silas Hawkins, Aly Taylor, Kiowa County

Business Plan Team: 1 ^st Audra Burke & Zulma Duran, Newton; 2 ^nd Kaylyn Snodgrass & Brennon Stahlecker, Larned

Career Preparation: 1 ^st Addysyn Rockwell, Marysville; 2 ^nd Charly Nicolas Estrada, Schlagle; 3 ^rd Myra Kurth, Kiowa County

Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1 ^st Ashlynn Bradley, Shalynn Sizemore, Riley Miller, Holcomb; 2 ^nd Jaylah Buffington, Morgan Barrett, Shantee Down, Junction City-Karns
Financial Literacy: 1 ^st Kenton Grauerholz, Great Bend; 2 ^nd Ivan Cuveas, Shawnee Mission West; 3 ^rd Chris Tomlinson, Shawnee Mission North

Employability Skills: 1 ^st Gracie Hicks, Beloit; 2 ^nd Shalom Wactcha, Shawnee Mission West; 3 ^rd Brynlee Friess, Kingman

The top three finishers of the four different individual areas of competition and the top two finishers in the three team competitions earned the opportunity to compete at the National Career Development Conference in Indianapolis in April.

High school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Kiowa County High School (1 ^st place), Shawnee Mission West High School (2 ^nd place) and Augusta High School (3 ^rd place).

Schools were also recognized for development of digital notebooks featuring their programs. The top programs were: 1 ^st Augusta High School; 2 ^nd Junction City-Karns High School; 3 ^rd Kiowa County High School; 4 ^th Russell High School; 5 ^th Minneapolis High School, ; 6 ^th (tie) Wichita Southeast High School and KC Harmon High School.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: John Deere Coffeyville Works Commits to Three-Year Continuation to Sponsorship of JAG-K

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:49:00 GMT

John Deere Coffeyville Works (JDCW) announced recently that it will continue its sponsorship of the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Field Kindley Memorial High School in Coffeyville for the next three years.

For the past eight years, the Field Kindley JAG-K program has benefitted from a local partnership with John Deere Coffeyville Works. The manufacturing plant has made an annual donation through the John Deere Foundation of $36,000 to help fund the in-school workforce-development program.

This spring, JDCW committed to the sponsorship for three years, giving a new degree of stability and continuity to the Field Kindley JAG-K program. The grant provided by JDCW covers the Field Kindley JAG-K program fee and a portion of the remaining cost that is subsidized by JAG-K.

“We can’t say enough about the impact this partnership has had over the years,” JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp said. “Literally hundreds of students have prepared for successful futures thanks to the generosity of John Deere Coffeyville Works. There are young adults working, raising families and serving in the Coffeyville community because of this investment.”

JAG-K offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. One of the important features of JAG-K is employer engagement. Students from Field Kindley are regularly invited to the JDCW facilities to learn about jobs and career opportunities.

“The JAG-K program is dedicated to nurturing essential skills in our local youth that resonate with John Deere’s core values. At JDCW, we prioritize these foundational skills when seeking future talent,” said Mike Marquart, Labor Relations Manager at JDCW. “While we are thrilled to discover local talent, we are equally committed to the positive influence that the Field Kindley JAG-K Program has on our community.”

JDCW employs about 236 total employees at the Coffeyville location, where it assembles drive train components and produces parts for power systems for John Deere factories that make agriculture, construction, and forestry equipment. Initially founded as Funk Manufacturing in 1941, the corporation was purchased by John Deere in 1989.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Barton Community College, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, Independence Community College, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Magellan Financial, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, Walmart and Washburn Tech.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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Students gaining extra life skills for the workforce demonstrate their knowledge in a competition

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:21:00 GMT

WIBW-TV, Feb. 26, 2025 – click to see original story and video

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Topeka’s Washburn Tech was the backdrop for a regional competition of “America’s Graduates.”

JAG-K, or Jobs for America’s Graduates in Kansas, is a non-profit program that teaches students soft skills, such as resume building and exploring career opportunities, so they are ready for the workforce after school. In addition, the students are also taught financial skills, making them financially conscientious.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, 126 students representing 15 Kansas high schools came to Topeka for a competition.

Bernhardt Tyler Dotson, president of the Manhattan #3, Region 2 JAG-K program at Manhattan High School says there are many different competitions with categories, including financial literacy, creative decision-making — a competition where teams develop a presentation together and present it to judges, and Project-Based Learning — where a student will talk about what they have learned so far from JAG-K, and more.

Each competition is essentially a way for program participants to demonstrate what they have learned through JAG-K.

“Of course, I want the winning teams to feel accomplished that they were able to use their skills and actually place within the competition, but I also want them to really take away what we learn in JAG-K isn’t useless,” said Dotson. “We can actually use these things outside of JAG-K, and I feel like that is very important to not only me as a student but me as someone who is growing up and wants to do good in life.”

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New Middle School JAG-K Program Taking Off at RJSHS

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:00:00 GMT

KRSL Radio, Jan. 29, 2025 – Click to see original article and hear audio

Piggybacking on the success of the JAG-K program at the high school, Russell County USD 407 Board of Education members and school staff decided to establish a JAG-K middle school program starting this school year.

JAG-K stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas program.

Sally Dinkel is the JAG-K Coordinator for the Russell middle school program.

Dinkel has 48 students in the program and says their program has a slightly different focus than the high school JAG-K program.

If you have questions about JAG-K or would be interested in being a guest speaker, contact Dinkel at sdinkel@usd407.org .

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News Release: JAG-K Day at the Capitol Connects About 450 JAG-K Students, Staff to Policymakers

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:43:00 GMT

Approximately 450 Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students and staff visited the Kansas Statehouse as part of the JAG-K Day at the Capitol celebration on January 30.

One of JAG-K’s emphasis each year is to encourage civic awareness and foster leadership potential in its members. Students from JAG-K programs across the state met with their legislators, informing them about the impact of the program and inviting them to visit their schools. Meeting with legislators helps JAG-K students understand how government works and connects the lawmakers to JAG-K at the local level. JAG-K elected officers were recognized on the floor of both the House and Senate.

“Civic awareness and leadership development are two important aspects of the JAG model, and JAG-K Day at the Capitol is the perfect teaching event for those two competencies,” JAG-K President/CEO Chuck Knapp said. “The Kansas Legislature and Governor (Laura) Kelly have been strong supporters of JAG-K, and this is an excellent opportunity for our students to thank them, encourage their continued involvement, and to learn about Kansas government at the same time.”

Students toured the Capitol building and observed both legislative bodies in session. For many, it was their first visit to the Statehouse.

Quindall Johnson, junior at Highland Park, was happy to share the story of JAG-K with legislators and to be part of the organization’s presence in the Statehouse.

“JAG-K is providing lots of opportunities which will lead to jobs,” said Johnson, who serves as president of the JAG-K Career Association at his school. “It impacts the future of the state because it builds a lot of people up and gives them places to go and direction after high school.”

Visiting the Statehouse and learning about state government helps JAG-K Career Specialists foster leadership abilities in their students.

Kevin Flanner, Career Specialist at Fort Scott High School, said being in the Capitol building itself inspired his students and fostered dialogue about history and politics.

“They loved looking at the building,” Flanner said,” The conversations we’ve had, about how we might not always agree with everything that’s happened, but we agree that it’s history and it’s important. We got to meet our legislator, Rep. Chuck Smith, and it was great that he took time to come and talk with us. Anytime we can get (state leaders) involved with us is pretty awesome.”

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,200 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students at Correctional Facility Find Inspiration, Graduate High School

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:07:00 GMT

In July of 2023, a new resident at the Kansas Juvenile Corrections Complex (KJCC) in Topeka said he didn’t care if he ever graduated high school. He had essentially no high school record and saw no point in trying to change that.

At the Lawrence Gardner High School at KJCC, the young man came in contact for the first time with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG-K) program.

“He had only one high school credit to his name. His outlook on life and education was bleak,” said Jordan Godinet, Career Specialist at KJCC. “He simply shrugged and responded ‘I don’t really care. I haven’t been to school since my freshman year.’

“At that moment, I made a promise to him: ‘Before you leave here, you’ll be a graduate.’ He laughed. But I knew that with the right support, something could change.”

With a population of about 140 residents, KJCC is the state’s only secure facility for young people adjudicated by Kansas courts as juvenile offenders.

The JAG-K program located within KJCC brings the evidence-based curriculum and emphasis on career exploration to justice-involved youth, most of whom came with spotty academic records. Gov. Laura Kelly, who sits on the national board of JAG, believed the program could work in a correctional setting and helped forge the partnership between JAG-K and Lawrence Gardner High School, the educational program directed within KJCC by Smoky Hill Education Service Center.

Six students enrolled in the JAG-K program at KJCC received high school diplomas at a ceremony in December. JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp addressed the gathering.

“We control our attitudes, our work ethic, and how we treat others,” Knapp said. “So, I will suggest to you that if you have a positive attitude, you work hard, and you treat others well, you have a great chance for success in this world.”

Click to watch a video of the graduation ceremony at KJCC

JAG-K first began working with residents in early 2022 and has grown gradually over the past two years, helping dozens of young people earn high school diplomas and GEDs.

Once connected with JAG-K, Godinet’s 19-year-old student began to discover a meaningful purpose in education. He explored various career options that sparked his interest. With the support Godinet, and encouragement and guidance from fellow Career Specialists Morgan Godinet (Jordan’s sister) and Parker Wells, the young man commenced the process of obtaining his GED.

“It was evident that he was evolving,” Godinet said. “Slowly but surely, he began working toward his GED. He pushed through obstacles, dedicated himself to his studies, and passed all but one test. While the journey was far from easy, his determination and growth were undeniable.”

On November 20, after months of hard work, the young man earned his GED. He has aspirations to continue his education while in KJCC and upon his release.

“His transformation is a testament to the power of perseverance, the right guidance, and the belief that change is possible,” Godinet said. “What started as a student who didn’t believe in his potential ended with the achievement of a goal many thought was impossible.

“His story is about more than just about a diploma. It’s a reminder that with the right support, anyone can turn their life around. His achievement is not just his own, but a testament to the impact of programs like JAG-K, and the belief that no matter where you start, it’s where you end that matters.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Matheson, Thomlinson Recognized as Russell Community Impact Award Recipients

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:21:00 GMT

KRSL News, Jan. 22, 2025 – Click to see original story

During Tuesday’s Russell City Council meeting, the November and December recipients of the Russell Community Impact Award were honored.

The November recipient was DeeAnn Matheson and the December recipient was Raina Tomlinson.

According to the release, Matheson is a lifelong resident of Russell. Her heart is firmly rooted in her community. When Mathenson is not dedicating her time to serving others, she cherishes moments with her family and finds joy in helping them however she can. Her unwavering dedication makes her an invaluable part of the Russell community. Matheson is a board member at the food pantry, and deeply involved in the Russell VFW Auxiliary, Kiwanis and her church.

Tomlinson’s numerous nominations describe her as a passionate local leader whose dedication and innovative spirit have a tremendous positive impact on local youth. As a JAG-K Specialist at Russell Junior-Senior High School, she works to instill a passion and drive in local youth to become leaders within our community and beyond. She has inspired local business owners to recognize and invest in our local youth through career development opportunities, such as those offered through her partnership with the Ogallala Commons Community Internship Program. Tomlinson also volunteers her time to Community for Classrooms and is a foster parent.

Matheson and Tomlinson each received $250 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. Matheson chose the Russell Play Park project and Tomlinson chose the Russell High School Internship Program.

The Russell Community Impact Award recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations whose exceptional contributions have significantly enriched the fabric of the Russell community.

Nominations for the award can be submitted online at russellcity.org or downloaded from russellcity.org or KRSL.com . Additionally, nomination forms are available for pickup at the City Building at 133 West 8th Street, or KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio at 1984 North Main Street.

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Larned JAG-K Student Selected for Special Gifts

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:33:00 GMT

Larned Tiller & Toiler, December 19, 2024

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UHS students serve a little pie to teachers as part of competition

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:17:00 GMT

Ulysses News, December 11, 2024 – Click to read original article

The Ulysses High School Jag-K program has become a leader in the school and across Grant County for its community service projects. And Tuesday morning in the UHS cafeteria, the students got to serve up a little “Breakfast Pie” to some teachers as a reward for their latest community service project.

“We like to like to participate on community stuff to give back to the community,” said Jag-K sponsor Rosalinda Ochoa. “I had seen the post on Facebook about Adopt-a-Senior.”

Crystal Padilla with Western Prairie Assisted Living had posted on Social Media about the program, asking for donations of cute reusable bags; nice body wash, shampoos, and lotions; craft Items; colored pencils, crayons, markers; fun jewelry; coffee mugs or water bottles; bird feeder for outside residents’ windows; fuzzy socks with grippers on the bottom, and hair ties, bows, headbands.

“When I was reading about it I was like, ‘Oh, we can do something about that – we can help,’” Ochoa said. “We usually go out in town to do community service, but we’re getting towards the end of the semester and we don’t want to take that time to go out, but we want to do something from the classroom and get everyone involved.”

Madison Montano is the Director of Programming and Events for Jag-K, and her mother works at the assisted living facility.

The Jag-K officers decided on a Students vs. Teachers competition with whomever brought the most items winning, with the winner getting to “Pie” the loser.

The students won.

Jag-K students decorated boxes that were placed in the front office for the students and teachers to place their items. But Ochoa said the boxes didn’t fill up very fast.

“But (we) ended up having a good turnout and the students stepped up and added enough items to pass the teachers,” Ochoa added.

Padilla has been with the facility for less than a year and said the residents are appreciative and are working on a thank-you card for the students. She told the students that in her time working at the facility, some of the residents have not had family visit them.

“Maybe they don’t have family, they’re too far away,” Padilla told the students. “So I wanted every resident in the care home to feel special and loved on Christmas day. Everybody wants that, you know? So this is the reason I chose to do Adopt-a-Senior, and Jag-K, they pulled through with it, they did amazing and I do appreciate all of you.”

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News Release: JAG-K Helped Concordia Grad Overcome Hardships, Achieve Success as Husband, Father, Soldier

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:36:00 GMT

In 2014, Concordia High School senior Zach Roberts said, “JAG-K saved my life.”

Like many students in the JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas) program, Roberts experienced a string of traumatic experiences that affected his motivation and success in school.

A fatal car accident, financial hardships, a lack of role models and the absence of structure all contributed to Roberts’ chaotic youth. His mother struggled with addiction and found it hard to hold a job, so the family moved a lot. Roberts tried to adjust each time he started a new school, but the transitions were hard. By the time he was a freshman in high school, he’d been abandoned by his mother. He slept in a pickup truck and worked jobs before and after school in an effort to provide for himself. He frequently fell asleep in class and missed homework assignments because his time and energy was dedicated to survival.

Roberts fell further and further behind in school until JAG-K launched in 25 Kansas high schools – including Concordia High School – in the fall of 2013. Students with barriers to success were recommended to participate in the new programs. Roberts entered the program and quickly began to experience a change.

“JAG-K came at just the right time in my life,” Roberts said. “The biggest thing is JAG-K gave me hope. I wasn’t alone. It gives kids a place to belong and feel like someone cares.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

“I bounced around to all these schools. I didn’t care if I graduated. I wouldn’t say I was a lost kid, but I didn’t have any rules or guidance, and I just thought school was a waste of time. I was behind on credits, so I had to make up classes on top of going to school in order to graduate on time.”

Roberts found in JAG-K an adult who provided mentorship, structure, discipline, and a vision of what was possible.

“The JAG-K Career Specialists are there to mentor you for your life outside of high school,” Roberts said. “They were honestly the best teachers I ever had. Obviously, they cared about what you had to do to pass the class, but they cared about you. They weren’t just teachers. They were role models.”

Lacking reliable adult influence for most of his young life, Roberts found a mentor and encourager in his JAG-K Career Specialist. He found another role model his junior year when he was invited to live with a farmer in the Concordia area named Rusty Carter in exchange for help on the farm. Roberts was thankful for a place to call home, and he enjoyed the physical labor and the discipline on the farm. He enjoyed working outdoors and developed a love for hunting and fishing. He even began trying his hand at rodeo.

“I had goals to do things in life that I wasn’t learning in my regular classes in school. Having spent so much time working with older men, I saw that there was a lot of practical knowledge that I needed to be equipped to succeed. The JAG-K class taught me real-life stuff that I realized that I needed to learn. It prepared me for the real world.”

Roberts thrived in JAG-K. At the state skills competition, Roberts placed second in the Public Speaking event and was voted Vice President of the Career Association. He went to the national competition in Washington D.C., where he placed in the top five in two competitions.

During the summer between his junior and senior years of high school, Roberts enlisted in the U.S. Army.

“Before I got into the JAG-K program, I never had any vision of leaving the state of Kansas,” Roberts said. “I never had a set path before me growing up, and the structure the military offered really appealed to me. So one morning I just woke up and called a recruiter. And two weeks later I was enlisted.”

Upon completion of basic training, the 2015 graduate of Concordia High School was stationed in Hawaii as a military police officer. While most people would find the beach the most appealing part of that assignment, Roberts explored the hunting and fishing opportunities on the islands.

After three years in Hawaii, Roberts was stationed at Fort Riley. While there, he met his wife, Monica. During his three years assigned to Fort Riley, he deployed to Iraq and Syria. During that period, Roberts also found an opportunity to tap into his love of ranching and animals. He served the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard, a ceremonial detail that keeps alive the tradition of soldiers on horseback. Roberts trained the cared for the detail’s horses while at Fort Riley.

After three years at Fort Riley, Roberts was stationed in Hawaii once again, where he and Monica currently reside with their one-year-old daughter Willow.

Roberts is excited to show young people that they can overcome the harshest of circumstances, find their talents and achieve their dreams. While he is happy to promote careers in the military, he is also anxious to promote the Jobs for Americas Graduates program. 

“I hope I can get more involved with JAG-K and with the national JAG program, to help kids like me,” Roberts said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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Junction City Students, Staff Meet with Kansas Board of Education

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:45:00 GMT

On December 10, 2024, students and staff from the JAG-K programs in Junction City joined JAG-K Senior Vice President of Programming Bev Mortmer in a presentation to the Kansas State Board of Education.

Click to view the presentation, which was made available by the Kansas State Department of Education

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JAG-K gets a lesson in local government

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:28:00 GMT

Great Bend Tribune, Dec. 11, 2024 – click to see original article

The Barton County Commissioners played host to several Great Bend High School students at Tuesday’s Agenda meeting. Part of the curriculum for the Jobs for American Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) is learning the function of government, from the local level up to the federal level. The students in Danielle Ricklefs’ class received hands-on training at the meeting.

Commission Chair Barb Esfeld has spent time with this group in the classroom and came away with positive reactions to the course and the students.

“I had the privilege to go to the school, and Danielle invited me to come to the class,” Esfeld said. “I gave a quick overview of county government, but the students had good questions. They really surprised me with their questions and the interest. And I was impressed with what they’re learning. And I wanted to thank Mrs. Ricklefs for doing this. Her job is not to necessarily teach about county government. She could go right over that to state and federal, which you hear of more in government classes. But she’s taken the time to teach the students about local government, which is where you generally have your first experience with so I’m interested in you coming. They will learn from being here and watching how it really works. And then they’ll bring that back to the other students. So thank you so much; I think you’re doing a great job with these students.”

During this exercise, the students, Kenton Grauerholz, Trista Riley, McKayla Smith and Trason Stevens, along with Eli Hutchinson and Cambria Conrad, were tasked with a situation where they heard from several department heads about the use of personal cellphones during working hours in the workplace. The students heard spirited responses from Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Register of Deeds Glennda French. Treasurer Jim Jordan and County Appraiser Wendy Prosser.

Each Barton County representative made compelling arguments for why they should or why they shouldn’t allow personal cellphones in their respective offices.

The students asked questions before making their decision – which was for educational purposes only and is non-binding. By a vote of 6-0, the student commissioners would allow the use of cellphones in emergency situations only.

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El Dorado Students Perform at PBR in Wichita

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 20:01:00 GMT

Butler County Times-Gazette, Dec. 16, 2024 – click to view original article

El Dorado JAG-K students had a special visit from the Professional Bull Riders Inc., (PBR), on Thursday morning before they performed at the opening event on Friday night.

The PBR chose to visit El Dorado JAG-K students upon request of Instructor Brett Gunderson. The team, including 21-year-old PBR rider Koltin Hevalow, who rides for the Kansas City Outlaws team. The Smithville, MO, native spoke to the students about the determination and work ethic needed to be successful as a professional athlete. Hevalow is ranked #10 in the world for 2024 but didn’t place in this weekend’s tournament.

During his visit, Hevalow brought his bull riding gear such as chaps, vest, boots, rope, helmet, and gloves for students to see and feel.

On Friday night the students traveled to Intrust Bank Arena to perform the National Anthem at the opening night of the PBR’s Unleash the Beast tournament which concluded on Saturday night. The performance was live-steamed on the Times-Gazette’s Facebook page for online viewers to watch.

The top-rated ride and winner of the tournament, Dalton Kasel, took home a winning prize of $50,000 for a total score of 181.25 and 138 points.

JAG-K is a 501(c)3 non-profit that partners with public schools to offer an elective class that provides academic and other positive supports to ensure students earn their diploma. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to successfully transition to post-secondary education, military service, or into the workforce following their graduation.

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Wins For Kansas: Answering ‘that’ question for students

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:33:00 GMT

KAKE News, Dec. 15, 2024 – click for original article and video

TOWANDA, Kan. (KAKE) – It’s the question just about every high school senior has to field all year.

“What are you going to do after graduation?”

Inside Circle High School in Towanda, one of the dozens of programs all across Kansas to give some thought first to the student and answers, second, to anyone who asks that question.

“You get out and it’s ‘where am I supposed to be?’, said Kendra Cordts, the JAG-K career specialist at Circle. “Parents are pressing you one way and you may not have the advocate to turn around and give you the best career exploration.”

JAG-K stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas. On the group’s website , we counted about 40 different schools in the KAKE viewing area with a location.

“Build a resume, mock interviews, how to dress, what leadership is and what roles are in the industry,” said Cordts on what a student can expect.

For one student, the time and effort spent should help him get ready for the next stage and, far most importantly, thrive and have a focus going in.

“It’s helping me out with my grades and holding me accountable and we’ve been doing programs on the cost of college,” said Liam Maholland, a senior at Circle H.S. “It’s been helping me out.”

All for when the Class of 2025 heads out of these hallways for the final time.

“We stay with our students for an entire year after graduation so we get to stay connected with them on their positive pathway,” said Christy Pray, regional director for JAG-K.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Receive Rare View of Honeywell Facility in Olathe

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:12:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) prepares students for successful futures. One of the ways it accomplishes this mission is by introducing participants in the program to various workforce partners across the state.

Recently a group of JAG-K students from Eudora High School were provided a behind-the-scenes look at the Honeywell manufacturing facility in Olathe where visits are a special privilege. The students needed special clearance to enter the building dedicated to national security.

JAG-K students learned about a host of jobs and skills required to accomplish the mission of the Honeywell facility. The 560,000-square foot building produces components for Honeywell’s avionics, safety and flight control systems and complex radio frequency systems for traffic collision avoidance, radar altimeters, and weather radar.

“What an incredible opportunity Honeywell gave to our students,” said Dana Chance, JAG-K Career Specialist at Eudora High School. “They saw what makes Honeywell a great employer and what great work is being done for our country.”

For the past three years, Honeywell has made an annual donation of $10,000 to support the mission of JAG-K.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Visits to businesses like Honeywell provide students valuable introductions to career opportunities.

“The tour was exciting. It showed a lot of job opportunities throughout the different parts of the building,” said Neo Allison, a sophomore at Eudora High School. “One of my favorites was the soldering. It would be a fun but challenging job to do.

“In the end, we talked about apprenticeships for the upcoming summer. A lot of my classmates liked the idea of working there and learning more about opportunities at Honeywell.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner Awards Grant Funds for Financial Literacy Education

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:29:00 GMT

News Release from the Office of the State Bank Commissioner, Nov. 15, 2024 – click to see original release

Topeka, KS – The Office of the State Bank Commissioner has awarded $179,050 in grant funds to seven Kansas organizations to provide financial literacy education throughout the state.

The mission of the Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC) is to “Ensure the integrity of regulated providers of financial services through responsible and proactive oversight, while protecting and educating consumers.” Although its primary role is regulatory, the OSBC protects and educates Kansas consumers through its Consumer Education Grant Program. Each year, funds are provided to organizations that provide financial literacy (money management skills) to Kansas consumers. Qualifying applicants must submit an application to be considered. The grant process is competitive, and recipients must provide measurable results. Consumer education funds come from fines and settlements with companies within the regulatory jurisdiction of the Consumer and Mortgage Lending Division of the OSBC; therefore, available grant funds can fluctuate from year to year. No taxpayer monies are used for these grants. The OSBC was able to award a total of $179,050 to seven organizations in 2024.

The recipients of OSBC Consumer Education grants are: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Heartland (Salina), Omni Circle Group, Inc. (Topeka), Kansas Council for Economic Education (Wichita), The Pando Initiative, Inc. (Wichita), Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) (Topeka), Mirror, Inc. (Newton), Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation (Topeka).

Consumers are faced with many financial decisions beginning at a young age that affect their lives well into the future. It is important to make information and resources available so Kansans of all ages can make informed decisions. This year’s grant funds will sponsor programs to prepare students to make financial decisions for their futures, as well as programs designed to assist adults with budgeting, saving, credit, emergency savings, investing, and protecting themselves from potential scams and fraud. More information about the specific OSBC sponsored programs is available on our website at Financial Education Grants – Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner (osbckansas.org). If you would like to know more about the OSBC Consumer Education Grant application process, please contact Kristy Hanshaw at Kristy.Hanshaw@osbckansas.org or (785) 260-2452.

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The OSBC regulates all state-chartered banks, trust companies, mortgage businesses, supervised lenders, credit service organizations, and money transmitters that do business in the State of Kansas.

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Kansas to Expand Education, Workforce Opportunities for Youth in Detention

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:35:00 GMT

The Imprint, Nov. 6, 2024 – click to read original article

A new law in Kansas calls for allowing detained youth to leave their locked juvenile facility unsupervised so they can shadow workers, participate in apprenticeships and take college-level classes in person.

State corrections officials said they are in the early stages of crafting what the program will look like for residents housed at the Kansas Juvenile Corrections Complex. There are few details at this point, they said.

But under the new law set to go into effect next year, youth from the state’s only medium to maximum security facility would be allowed to attend vocational programs or community colleges without a staff member or designated adult accompanying them, state officials said. To be eligible, the state’s Department of Corrections must find that they are not a security risk, and that they will receive a “substantial benefit” by participating in programs not offered at the youth prison , according to the legislation’s language.

Kansas Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary Megan Milner said a department workgroup has been meeting to design the program and grapple with key questions, including which criminal offenses and behaviors while incarcerated might disqualify young people from participating. They are also considering how to monitor residents when they are in the community, and how they will travel between the prison complex and their programs.

A core issue officials say they will need to address, though, is how to balance concerns for public safety alongside a mandate to prepare youth with education and skills so that they don’t return to the life and choices that landed them in lockup after their release.

“We need proper assessments and evaluations to make sure we are not sending kids outside the gates who are not ready and responsible enough to handle that sort of freedom,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly told The Imprint in an interview. “But we also need to work with our employers and our educational systems so they are prepared to put in place the right structures to ensure success and public safety.”

Until now, youth requiring medical treatment have been the only residents allowed to leave the Kansas correctional complex. Although work release programs are present in Kansas adult prisons and elsewhere in the country, it is unclear whether any other state allows juveniles to leave high security detention facilities for education or vocational training.

But Gov. Kelly said she thinks her state’s new law regarding juvenile detainees is forward-thinking and ultimately in the best interest of the community.

“It’s very expensive for the state to incarcerate folks,” Kelly said. “When these folks get released back into our communities, we need to ensure that they have the skills, the know-how and the connections to be able to enter our workforce and be productive, rather than coming back into the correctional system because they were not well prepared.”

The Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex is the state’s only youth prison. It currently houses about 180 young people for serious offenses such as aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and rape. Under state law, young people can be held there from age 12 until they reach 22 and a half. The average length of incarceration for the young men and women at the Topeka facility is about a year.

About three-quarters of those residents are above the age of 18, state officials said. That’s due in large part to a 2016 state juvenile justice reform that increased access to diversion programs for young people arrested for minor offenses instead of locking them up. As a result, fewer youth and younger teens are ending up at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. With the facility serving a greater share of older offenders, rehabilitative and education programs must now be tailored to their needs .

The prison currently contracts with Washburn Institute of Technology to offer in-facility and online college courses covering subjects such as carpentry, electrical training, and manufacturing skills.

But space constraints at the complex have made it difficult to offer a wider array of classes and vocational training, corrections official Milner said. Now, the state will look to potential partners in Topeka, including community colleges, trade schools and employment programs , she added.

Investing in education

Creating workforce and educational opportunities for incarcerated people has been a focus in the state. In 2022, Gov. Kelly launched a new Office of Registered Apprenticeships to increase job training programs for Kansans, including formerly incarcerated adults. She has also made the Sunflower State a leader in providing postsecondary education in adult correctional facilities.

State officials are hoping that such investments will have long-lasting benefits for the state.

“We still have a lot of areas in our state where our workforce is lacking, where employers are struggling to fill positions,” Milner said. “The youth that we work with at the juvenile correctional facility can be a part of that solution for a lot of communities.”

Since the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, youth in the juvenile justice system have had the right to an education comparable to their peers in traditional public schools.

But Kansas lawmakers and correctional officials said their effort to educate youth offenders is about more than fulfilling a legal obligation. They are also motivated by research that suggests education can decrease the likelihood that young people will be re-arrested once they leave the system.

A 2020 study in the Journal of Adolescence that followed up with youth offenders a year after their release found that those who had held positive attitudes about school during their incarceration were less likely to reoffend. They were also more likely to return to school.

Other states expand access

Nationwide, other states have also moved to address the educational needs of older teens and young adults in the juvenile justice system.

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice currently offers a program that is most similar to what Kansas hopes to attempt: Residents of the state’s local juvenile detention facilities for lower risk offenders can participate in an “educational or rehabilitative release program’’ if they successfully pass a review of their behavior during their incarceration and score well on a risk assessment of their likelihood to reoffend. They are also assessed for their suitability for the particular community program, according to state regulations . Residents requiring the highest level of supervision are not eligible, along with those with behavioral issues or who have attempted escapes.

In Utah, where state officials committed to providing free college access to all youth in its juvenile facilities in 2022, youth offenders are able to enroll in virtual college coursework and earn credits towards associate or bachelor degrees. In Missouri, a minimum security 11-bed group home located on the campus of Williams Woods University allows young women in the care of the state’s juvenile justice system to take classes and eat in a dining hall on campus with other students.

College opportunities have also been bolstered in California, where recent reforms have made county-run juvenile detention facilities responsible for serious youth offenders until age 25. In 2023, California lawmakers earmarked $15 million to scale up programs that provide youth access to online community-college classes and provide support to them on college campuses after release.

Katie Bliss, who oversees the California Higher Education Project at Youth Law Center, said young people in the juvenile justice system have often had a lifetime of disjointed educational experience marked by months or years of missed classes. Others were pushed out of school through suspension or expulsion. For these students, she said, “education represents something very traumatic and not promising, and most have not been encouraged to even pursue it,” Bliss said.

But higher education opportunities can change a young person’s perspective at a time when many teenagers wrestle with questions about their identity and future prospects, she said.

“Higher education and career pathways can be so transformative for shifting what your roadmap can look like,” Bliss said.

Chuck Knapp, president of Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas, said the governor has created “real hope” for young people in the juvenile justice system through the new law. His organization recently started a career and leadership program that teaches job interviewing skills and resume crafting to young youth at the juvenile correctional complex.

Running programs inside a locked correctional facility is challenging, Knapp said. Teachers are only able to include a small number of young people because of safety concerns. Allowing young people to travel outside of the correctional facility could be “life changing,” he said.

“It’s hard to shadow someone on a job just by watching a video,” he said. “There’s just something different about being there in person and building relationships.”

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JAG-K Student Journalist Reports from LDC

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:17:00 GMT

The following is a report by JAG-K student journalist Elizabeth Hernandez-Hulett from Manhattan High School of the recent Leadership Development Conference at Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka.

Students were left feeling inspired and motivated after the recent JAG-K Leadership Development Conference (LDC). The event brought together aspiring leaders to explore the transformative power of leadership and personal growth. Keynote speakers Matthew Hoover, a media relations expert, and Brewel Currie, CEO of Street Prophets LLC (pictured), shared their personal stories, offering valuable insights into what it takes to lead and inspire others.

The Heart of Leadership: Insights from Matthew Hoover

Mr. Hoover emphasized the importance of storytelling and making a difference in the lives of young individuals.

“Being able to tell the stories of what all kids do and what leadership really means inspires me,” He stated, Hoover’s dedication to uplifting youth is evident through his extensive career working alongside head coaches and diverse teams across the United States. He reflected on how these experiences shaped his understanding of teamwork and collaboration.

“Working with a lot of different individuals really helped me home in on how to work well with others and be a good teammate,” He reflected on how these experiences shaped his understanding of teamwork and collaboration.

“People told me I couldn’t do something but taking that and knowing that I had to learn how to speak and push to be the best I could be helped influence me,” Hoover’s journey has not been without challenges. He shared how overcoming doubt, and adversity fueled his drive to success.

This resilience serves as a powerful lesson for young leaders facing their own obstacles.

A Vision for Change: Brewel Currie’s Inspirational Message

Mr. Currie’s speech address resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted his personal struggles and triumphs.

“My heart is to change other people’s lives, just as I saw my life change,” Currie explained, highlighting his journey through trauma and the importance of supporting one another.

“My perspective is that sometimes I felt left out… now I want to make sure that everyone is loved and poured into,” Currie’s experiences have shaped his leadership perspective, emphasizing the need to ensure that everyone feels valued and included. In his speech, Currie aimed to inspire attendees by reinforcing their potential.

“We have to be intentional about what we do, I hope the audience takes away that they’re all amazing and have a dream and vision inside of them,” he stated. He encouraged the students to embrace their capabilities, noting, His message was clear: with belief and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Encouragement for Young Leaders

Both speakers offered essential advice for young leaders in the JAG-K program. Mr. Hoover emphasized the importance of perseverance and teamwork, and Currie advised attendees to keep bettering themselves.

“Students should keep pouring positive things into themselves. You can’t give what you don’t have,” Currie said. He explained that self-growth is crucial, and this notion of self-care and positivity serves as a guiding principle for future leaders, ensuring they are equipped to uplift others.

Conclusion

The JAG-K Leadership Development Conference proved to be a pivotal event for aspiring leaders, filled with inspiring stories and actionable insights. Both Mr. Hoover and Mr. Currie exemplified the transformative power of leadership, encouraging attendees to embrace their unique journeys and strive for greatness. As these young leaders continue on their paths, the lessons learned from the conference will undoubtedly influence their futures and the lives of those they inspire.

About JAG-K

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Learn About Construction Industry at “Build My Future” Event

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:14:00 GMT

Nearly 200 participants in Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) from the Wichita area attended the recent Build My Future expo sponsored by the Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA). The event introduced students to careers in the building and construction industry.

WABA promoted the event as an effort “to motivate and equip our youth to excel in the skilled trades and construction industry, paving the way for professional success and innovation.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. JAG-K programs from five Wichita high schools plus Augusta, Circle, and El Dorado high schools brought students to the expo held at Park City Arena Oct. 30.

“One of the takeaways I got from the event today was, there are so much more out there than you can possibly imagine,” Angel Valenzuela, senior at Wichita North High School, said at the expo. “Just about anything you want to pursue as a career, you have the opportunity to do. With the way things are changing and happening, the possibilities are endless.”

Dozens of participating businesses and organizations demonstrated implements and machines used in building and construction, giving students up-close and hands-on exposure to the tools of the skilled trades.

“I’m always worried about not being able to compete with the masses. This showed me to focus on my dreams and not worry about the competition,” said Dorian Padilla, senior at Wichita North High School. “There is room for all of us and not all of us want to do the same thing. With so many different avenues you can take, there is room for everyone. The biggest thing is to stay focused, stay hungry and most importantly always be willing to learn.”

Build My Future events have been held in other locations around Kansas in the past. Enthusiasm for introducing students to building and construction has made the event popular with schools across the state.

“Build My Future started in Missouri and several states now have them,” said Kelly Snedden, Director of College Relations and Marketing at Butler Community College. “We are so thrilled, we have over 1,300 students here today getting hands on experience in anything to do with construction, with major industries here demonstrating the various aspects of the trade.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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JAG-K Initiates New Members

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:46:00 GMT

Great Bend Tribune, Oct. 18, 2024 – Click to view original article

Dozens of students at Great Bend High School attended the JAG-K Installation and Initiation program on Oct. 9 in the GBHS Auditorium.

These students are enrolled in Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas, an in-school, elective class. Each class of about 35 students is led by a JAG-K career specialist who teaches employability skills and more.

“The purpose of this ceremony is to officially install our officers, initiate our students into the JAG Career Association, and celebrate our students for their commitment to JAG,” Career Specialist Teresa Laraby said.

The keynote speaker of was Kimberly Escobedo, who talked about how much the program has done for her. She got more involved in school activities and did job shadowing at the 911 call center. Now she attends Barton Community College and is a member of the soccer team.

JAG-K is also a 501(c)3 organization that partners with public schools. Its goal is to prepare students for successful futures by helping them overcome various barriers, graduate from high school and get on a successful career path. The class provides academic and positive support, ensuring students earn their diplomas. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to transition successfully to post-secondary education, military service, or the workforce after graduation.

In addition to the JAG-K classes at GBHS, the program is now offered at Great Bend Middle School. Members of the high school team spoke to GBMS students this week during the Reality U program.

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News Release: EnterpriseKC Travels the State to Teach JAG-K Students About Jobs in Cybersecurity

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:48:00 GMT

EnterpriseKC aims to maximize prosperity in Kansas and has identified Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) as a partner to meet strategic needs and bolster the state’s workforce.

EnterpriseKC is a business-led, systems-driven, “think and do” tank dedicated to accelerating enterprise growth, innovation, and high-value, high-opportunity jobs through business-led, results-oriented strategies and programs in Kansas and Western Missouri.

“We are excited to partner with JAG-K to work to strengthen the local economy by equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in high-value careers, while also addressing workforce shortages in critical industry clusters,” Olivia Armstrong, Talent Experience Manager at EnterpriseKC said. “We want to ensure the region’s talent pipeline remains robust, giving businesses access to the skilled workers they need to compete globally.”

The Kansas-based organization has as one of its goals to elevate awareness of cybersecurity needs and related careers among students in the region. To accomplish this, EnterpriseKC staff have committed to visit JAG-K programs across Kansas to promote careers and training opportunities in cybersecurity. They plan to reach several thousand students from 90 of JAG-K’s programs.

In their classroom visits, EnterpriseKC staff shed light on the unfilled jobs in cybersecurity in Kansas. They share tools and training with students, including the Heartland Cyber Range which provides a real-world cyber-simulation experience.

The EnterpriseKC staff also discuss various training opportunities, including a scholarship available via a partnership the organization has with Google.

“Our goal is to create excitement around cybersecurity and show students the vast potential in this field,” said Eric Mooney, Talent and Workforce Development Leader at EnterpriseKC. “Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries with over 7,000 open jobs in the region. By connecting with students directly, we can open their eyes to career paths they may have never considered.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Students in JAG-K programs across the state have learned about cybersecurity careers through visits by EnterpriseKC staff.

“I think that cybersecurity sounds like a great step for a student to get a good career early on,” said Brandon Lara, a junior at Wyandotte High School. “EnterpriseKC showed us how interesting this career is and even showed us how to get certified before we leave high school.”

In November, EnterpriseKC will host JAG-K students from several Kansas City-area schools for a STEM Career Day event themed “Cracking the Code to Cyber Careers.”

To learn more about EnterpriseKC, contact Olivia Armstrong, Talent Experience Manager, at oarmstrong@enterprise-kc.com .

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Get “Future Ready” at Career Expo Hosted by CVA

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:39:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students from four high schools learned about careers in agriculture at the “Future Ready” Central Valley Ag (CVA) Career Expo in Beloit last week.

More than 100 students and staff from the JAG-K programs at Beloit, Concordia, Marysville and Minneapolis high schools learned about a host of career options with CVA at an event at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds in Beloit.

CVA is a farmer-owned cooperative that provides products and services in grain, agronomy, feed and energy.

Students participating in the expo were led through stations that demonstrated 10 different career opportunities within CVA: IT, Marketing, Talent, Business Services, Agronomy Sales, Operations, Safety, Feed, Energy and Grain. At each station, students gained hands-on experience and insights from CVA employees.

“They taught us so much about the company,” said Chris LaPolice, a senior from Concordia High School. “They showed all the different skills and how they connected between all the different areas: how safety connected with energy and how the business side connected with computer tech.

“It was something anyone could learn from. You could have no experience coming in, and at the end of the day have an idea of what CVA is and what it’s about. The people of CVA want the best for the ag community, and it shows.”

CVA was first formed in 2003 by three Nebraska cooperatives. Since then, it has unified with several cooperatives in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.

“Central Valley Ag is committed to improving, encouraging, and enabling the healthy development of youth throughout the region,” said CVA Talent Coordinator Bethany Gilley. “By helping our youth pursue their agricultural career, we ensure that the agricultural industry continues to grow.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Workforce partners like CVA introduce JAG-K students to opportunities in a host of career fields such as agriculture.

“CVA has been a great support for us ever since we started JAG-K at our school,” said Jay Macy, Career Specialist at Minneapolis High School. “The thing that was so special about ‘Future Ready’ in Beloit was the variety of occupations and valuable information that was passed on to our students in a very efficient manner. Each student could find something that resonated with them at one or more of the career stations.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT CENTRAL VALLEY AG:

Central Valley Ag is a farmer-owned cooperative with locations in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. CVA is an innovative leader providing products and services in grain, agronomy, feed, and energy. You can find more information about Central Valley Ag by visiting www.cvacoop.com .

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News Release: JAG-K in Coffeyville Celebrates Eight Years of Partnership with John Deere

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:49:00 GMT

The Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Field Kindley Memorial High School in Coffeyville recently visited a local John Deere unit which annually donates $36,000 to help fund the program.

Over the past eight years, the Field Kindley JAG-K program has benefitted from a local partnership with John Deere Coffeyville Works. (JDCW). The manufacturing plant has made donations, through the John Deere Foundation, each of the past eight years to help fund the in-school workforce-development program.

Going beyond making an annual donation, JDCW is making an impact on students by hosting JAG-K Manufacturing Day, for the purpose of introducing area JAG-K participants to career opportunities and sharing tips on how to be successful.

In celebration of Manufacturing Day, 24 students from the JAG-K programs at Field Kindley, Parsons and Independence high school JAG-K programs toured the JDCW plant and met employees of the company.

In one of the activities, the students simulated assembly line production using Legos to reinforce the importance of teamwork and communication to maximize productivity. The students also learned how robotics help JDCW employees accomplish their work. They met with administrative staff about the variety of positions at JDCW including information technology, human resources, maintenance, custodial, etc.

“My experience at John Deere was amazing, building John Deere machines with Legos, getting a personal tour, and job shadowing experienced employees who have my future dream career,” said Melanie Rodriguez, a senior at Field Kindley High School.

“I really enjoyed the tour of the plant,” added Aryah Archuletta, a senior at Parsons High School. “Everyone there was friendly and very proud of their work.”

JDCW took the opportunity of Manufacturing Day to tell students about additional training opportunities, including training programs at Coffeyville Community College and Independence Community College.

The grant provided by JDCW pays the Field Kindley JAG-K program’s fees, administrative costs, and a portion of the salary of Career Specialists Shayla Reliford. The Field Kindley JAG-K program visited JDCW on National Manufacturing Day for the third consecutive year.

“Every year, the staff goes the extra mile to make sure my students experience the best of what they have to offer for employment, from entry level to professional careers,” Reliford said. “JDCW is a valuable partner in ensuring that all JAG-K students feel empowered and informed of their opportunities for success in the workplace. They make everyone feel special because they take the time to teach and show what John Deere is about.”

“The JAG-K program is committed to developing foundational skills in our local youth that align closely to John Deere’s core values, and JDCW looks for those same foundational skills when recruiting future talent,” said Mike Marquart, Labor Relations Manager at JDCW. “While JDCW is excited to know we can find that talent locally, equally important is the positive impact the Field Kindley JAG-K Program has on our local community.”

JDCW employs about 140 people at the Coffeyville location, assembling drive train components and producing parts for power systems for John Deere factories that make agriculture, construction, and forestry equipment. Initially founded as Funk Manufacturing in 1941, the corporation was purchased by John Deere in 1989.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Students Attend Wichita Startup Youth Day

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:03:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students from Wichita North High School participated in the Wichita Startup Week’s Youth Day at Groover Labs on Monday, Sept. 30, where they learned about starting their own businesses.

Designed to inspire young people to explore entrepreneurship, Youth Day featured speakers who have started businesses in Wichita. The program, sponsored by the Kansas Health Foundation, led the attendees through the process of building a business from the Among the day’s activities, students competed in the composition and delivery of an “elevator pitch.”

“The Wichita Startup Week provided students with an opportunity to interact with adults in the world of entrepreneurship and learn not only how they became successful but also some of the pitfalls and mishaps that they experienced along the way,” said Kareema Williams, JAG-K Career Specialist at Wichita North High School. “I believe it provided a safe and open environment for students to talk about ideas they have and things they want to pursue. I am excited that students got to see people who look like them succeed by realizing a need and creating their own opportunity.”

Youth Day was part of the weeklong series designed to energize the economic landscape of Kansas by connecting entrepreneurs to resources and providing them knowledge and support.

“We were really excited to bring Youth Day to Wichita Startup Week in 2023, and it was such a huge success that we had more students interested in joining us in 2024,” said Shae Blevins, a lead volunteer of Wichita Startup Week. “I would love to see it grow because we have so many entrepreneurship students in Wichita and the surrounding area.”

Among the activities of Youth Day, students listened to Kori DaCosta, a software engineer who developed Biio, a digital, contactless card that can be used to share contact information directly to any mobile device.

Roy Moye, III, founder of STEM Music, led the students through the simulation of creating a business from scratch.

“I enjoyed learning about people that owned different businesses and how they became so successful,” said Ariana Piedra, a junior at Wichita North High School. “I learned how to stay following my dreams and becoming successful.”

“I learned tips and information on how to successfully run a business and overcome hardships,” added Wichita North junior Nadia Herrera. “I also learned a lot about the different kind of mindsets that people can have, which can help me learn how to communicate with different mindsets when navigating the business world.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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JAG-K Sets the Example, Makes a Volunteer Difference

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:14:00 GMT

The article pictured below ran in the Ulysses News

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News Release: JAG-K Students Participate in Kansas Highway Patrol Cadet Academy

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 16:59:00 GMT

Summer presents life-changing opportunities to Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students. Whether it’s through camps, job shadowing, work opportunities, etc., Career Specialists help students line up applications, interviews, enrollment or whatever else they need to obtain those experiences.

Two JAG-K students from Concordia High School took advantage of an opportunity offered by the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) to learn more about a career field that interests him: law enforcement.

Jagger Johnson and Hunter Nielander attended the week-long Cadet Law Enforcement Academy at the KHP Training Academy in Salina. The academy is designed to equip high school students with knowledge regarding training and responsibilities of all law enforcement officials.

“My JAG-K career specialist knew I was interested in law enforcement, so she recommended that I check out the cadet academy,” said Johnson, who serves as president of the JAG-K student-led Career Association at Concordia High School.

“We got a sneak peak of what a cadet would go through,” Johnson said. “We learned a lot. I learned that it’s a lot of hard work to actually become a state trooper. It takes a lot of discipline, and you’ve got to really want it to get through it.”

Johnson and Nielander were among 31 students who participated in the five-day-long academy.

Nielander said the students learned highway patrol safety and defensive tactical strategies. They practiced traffic stops and other scenarios in a virtual simulator. They received weapons training and flew in a Highway Patrol plane over the Salina area.

While applicants to become KHP troopers must be 21 years of age, the agency uses the academy to encourage high school students to consider it as a career path. KHP also showcases other jobs within the agency, ranging from automotive maintenance to information technology staff.

“The academy showed us the job opportunities with KHP,” Nielander said. “It helped me see a lot clearer what I want to do after high school. It was a fun opportunity to learn a lot of the basics of what you do as a trooper.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: JAG-K Releases 2024 Annual Report

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:29:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) has published its annual report for the 2024 Fiscal Year. This in-depth look at program data and highlights from the previous year is now available on the JAG-K website.

Click to view the 2024 JAG-K Annual Report

The evidence-based program helps students prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. For the 2023-2024 school year, JAG-K programs numbered 112 in 47 school districts across the state, serving 5,844 students.

Student achievement data listed in the 2024 Annual Report represents information collected for the graduating class of 2023, which concluded a year of follow-up by JAG-K in July of 2024. That cohort reported a graduation rate of 96% and an 84% positive outcomes rate (which means 84% of JAG-K graduates are either in post-secondary education, military service or in the workforce full-time one year after graduation).

“We are pleased to provide this report of our success to the state,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “It demonstrates the great work of the Career Specialists in the schools and all our staff to help prepare students for successful futures.”

The Kansas JAG program launched 11 years ago during the 2013-2014 school year. For the tenth consecutive year, the Jobs for America’s Graduates national organization announced that the Kansas affiliate earned the organization’s highest award – the 6 of 6 Award – bestowed upon those JAG programs that meet or exceed performance measures in six categories: graduation rate, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, connectivity rate, and continued education rate for the graduating class of 2023.

JAG-K participants in the 2023-2024 school year included:

67% were eligible for free and reduced lunch
57% were students of color
54% lived in single-parent homes or separate from their parents
47% are in the bottom 25% of class rank (ALL 47%, MY 47%, AE 64%, MS 45%. TS 44%)

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

For the current school year, Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs will serve approximately 6,200 students in 48 school districts across the state.

JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had 805 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Former Garden City JAG-K Student Makes His Mark in Movie and TV Industry

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:18:00 GMT

With a mother employed by Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K), Issac Silva’s connection to the organization began in his home. He’s gone a long way since then, applying lessons he learned in JAG-K on the big and small screen.

The 2016 graduate of Garden City High School has appeared in many commercials, music videos, movies, and print advertisements.

Silva’s mother served for several years as a Career Specialist at Garden City High School. His parents also provided foster care in their home. So, when Silva reached high school, he decided to join the program. He believed not only would it help him prepare for life after high school, but it would help him relate to the children his parents cared for.

“Because they were foster parents before I was born, I never knew anything different,” Silva said. “I watched the way my parents parented those children. It showed me that everybody deserves a chance. If you meet someone where they’re at and show them grace, everyone can achieve great things.”

Early in high school, Silva determined to pursue a career in acting. He learned about leadership and work skills in JAG-K. He served as the state president of the JAG-K student association as a senior. Public speaking competitions helped him hone his skills.

“I knew what I wanted to do, so my focus was ‘How do I get there?’” Silva said. “The opportunities that JAG-K provided helped solidify my dreams and that there’s a path to get there. JAG-K was a confidence booster for me because the people trusted me and encouraged me. They said ‘You can figure it out and we’re going to be behind you every step of the way.’”

After high school, Silva entered a four-year program at an art school in Los Angeles. The challenging road to a career in entertainment has seen Silva work at various jobs and play numerous roles.

Silva’s breakthrough opportunity came shortly after he moved to Los Angeles when he appeared in the 2018 movie 12 Strong . He can be seen weekly on the Rebecca Zamolo channel, as well as in music videos with artists Chiquis Rivera, Kasey Musgraves, and Alec Benjamin. He has appeared on television commercials for Lumin, Pindaloo and the US Army. He has done hundreds of internet commercials for companies such as Disney, Universal Studios, Target, and Nerf. His modeling credits including an InStyle magazine photo shoot with Jennifer Coolidge.

Silva said JAG-K can help any student, regardless of their career goals.

“The JAG-K Career Specialists are really good at understanding students with different personality types and helping them feel affirmed for who they are and finding the resources that are available to them,” Silva said.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank, and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Emporia High Senior Serves as President of JAG-K Student Organization

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 19:44:00 GMT

Emporia High School senior Kameron Welch returned to school this fall with a big responsibility before him.

Welch is president of the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) Career Association, an affiliation of participants in the program statewide. Welch was elected to the position by his peers at JAG-K’s Career Development Conference at Fort Hays State University in March.

Welch attended EagleU, a leadership conference at Baker University, to prepare himself to lead the statewide association. He returned to school this fall excited to embrace the opportunity.

“The main thing I want to be as a leader is accessible,” Welch said. “If someone comes to me with an idea, I want to make sure that all JAG-K students are being heard and seen.”

The purpose of the JAG-K Career Association is to help members explore career pathways, to assess the opportunities and appropriateness of pursuing further education, to connect members with representatives of their chosen pathway, to develop their knowledge and skills, to secure employment in a job, and to demonstrate their ability to enter and advance with the employer.

“Kameron will be a great president because of his strong leadership skills and commitment to listening to diverse perspectives,” said Emporia High School JAG-K Career Specialist Ramsey Siebert. “He can unite people and drive positive change which will create an amazing environment.

“Additionally, being president will provide Kameron with invaluable experience in decision-making and problem-solving, equipping him to make a lasting impact.”

In Welch’s role as president, he will conduct meetings at gatherings of students from across the state. With that role can come some pressure as students debate and vote on issues.

“I like to think that one of my skills is doing well under pressure,” Welch said. “When people are coming at me with questions, I take it not as hostility, but that they are passionate about the program and have questions or ideas and I really want to receive that input.”

Welch joined JAG-K his sophomore year in high school. The positive impact it had on him personally motivated him to run for the statewide office last spring.

“I had no idea what to expect,” Welch said. “I quickly made friends in the program, and I was surprised how beneficial it was. It has led to a lot of opportunities to learn and grow. And with those opportunities, I am able to help make JAG-K a better experience for others.”

JAG-K programs are found in 75 schools (in 48 school districts) across the state. The program expects to serve about 6,200 students this school year.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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News Release: JAG-K Earns Top National Honor for 10th Year

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:31:00 GMT

TOPEKA – For the tenth consecutive year, the Jobs for America’s Graduates national organization announced that the Kansas affiliate earned the organization’s highest award for achievement.

Additionally, 36 Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) school-based programs earned the prestigious 6 of 6 Award (an expansion of the 5 of 5 award previously presented by the national organization) for 2024.

(See below a list of all Kansas schools to receive the award.)

The 6 of 6 Award is bestowed upon those JAG programs that meet or exceed performance measures in six categories: graduation rate, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, connectivity rate, and continued education rate for the graduating class of 2023. JAG has a 12-month follow-up period with all seniors as part of its evidence-based, data-driven national model.

“This marks a decade that the Kansas affiliate has received JAG’s highest award,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “This accomplishment speaks to the work of all our Career Specialists across Kansas. And it means there are thousands of young men and women across the state who left high school ready to succeed.”

JAG-K helps students prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. JAG-K programs across the state, serving 5,844 students, reported a graduation rate of 96 percent for the Class of 2023. Additionally, the state reported an 84% positive outcomes rate (which means 84% of JAG-K graduates are either in post-secondary education, military service or in the workforce full-time one year after graduation).

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

Recipients of the JAG “6 of 6 Award” and their Career Specialist for the 2023-2024 school year:

Arkansas City HS Dae’trell Gordon

Augusta HS 1 Andrea Pletcher

Augusta HS 2 Mindy McCormick

Beloit HS Jacee Tice

Concordia HS Christina Henderson

Dodge City HS Vianey Martinez

Eudora HS Dana Chance

Garden City Achieve AE Erika Schafer

Great Bend HS Danielle Ricklefs

Kiowa County HS Marcus Mitchell

Holcomb HS Melinda Gerstberger

Hutchinson HS Marcus Moeder

Independence HS Kristie Hawley/Brian Norvell

Junction City HD Karns AE Willie Woods

Junction City HS 1 Valeria Bernal

Junction City HS 2 James Denton

Marysville HS Emily Gartner

Minneapolis HS Jay Macy

FL Schlagle (Kansas City) HS 2 Kyleigh Pittman

JC Harmon HS 2 Jaylen Cook-Gibson

JC Harmon HS 4 Ian Pittman

KC Wyandotte HS Alexandria Trakas

Larned HS Israel Hagerman

McPherson HS Skyler Hill

Newton HS Kylee Raigoza

Pittsburg HS Quinn Hobbs

Parson HS Mark Pound

Russell HS Raina Tomlinson

Shawnee Heights HS Kami Mead

Shawnee Mission West HS Kay Rolls

Stafford HS Alyson Rice

Topeka HS Tasha Lewis

Highland Park HS (Topeka) Vernon White

Wichita North HS Kareema Williams

Wichita Southeast HS Ashley Baughns

Wichita West HS DaMarshae Franklin

Winfield HS Shanna Groom

Wichita Southeast HS Mario Ponds

Wichita West HS Joyea Marshall

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JAG-K Student Interns with City of Russell

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 21:27:00 GMT

KRSL, August 7, 2024 – click to see the original article

The Russell City Council met Tuesday and adopted an amended ordinance recommended by the Russell Planning Commission pertaining to fences.

According to City staff, submitted to the City Council was an amendment to the zoning regulations. The change better defines the classifications of fences, primarily class four picket style fences, as well as the addition of class six split rail fence. This amendment also makes changes to fences on retaining walls regarding where the maximum height is measured from.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 11. After review of the information presented, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the approval of the amendment to the zoning regulations.

Also Tuesday, the Council approved moving forward with a Russell Youth Council following a presentation by City Intern Astral Jennings and Deputy City Manager Kayla Schneider.

City staff has developed a partnership with Russell High School’s JAG-K program in an effort to promote workforce development and engage local youth.

The inclusion of a youth representative for the City Council will accomplish several goals according to City staff and Jennings, including encouraging civic engagement, developing relationships between student and City leaders, providing an opportunity to obtain a youth perspective on a broad range of community issues and developing future civic leaders.

Jennings’ final project as an Ogallala Commons intern has been to assist with the development of a Russell Youth Council program. Through her research and collaboration with City staff and JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, a proposal of the program outline was developed, the City Council gave its approval Tuesday and the program will be implemented for the 2024-2025 school year.

Some of the member requirements and duties of the Russell Youth Council representative will be to attend at least one City Council meeting a month, participate in an apprenticeship program with the City of Russell, make and take comments from an online form for youth to express their concerns, advise the City Council based off of these comments from youth, bring issues that youth have brought up to City staff for consideration then to the City Council and report back to the youth of the high school any information from City Council meetings.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)

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News Release: Newton Students Capitalize on Summer Career Prep Opportunities

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:28:00 GMT

Participants in the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Newton High School are taking advantage of higher education classes this summer to set themselves up for successful futures.

JAG-K provides opportunities for students to explore careers through employer engagement relationships. Those experiences may include field trips, job shadows, internships and summer or part-time employment.

In the case of the students in Newton, they are benefitting from training programs offered by local partners.

Two recent graduates and one rising senior got paid to earn manufacturing and construction certifications through the Hutchinson Community College FAST Track program (Future Apprenticeship Success Training). The students were paid $10 an hour to attend three weeks of all-day courses, receiving free lunches and a stipend for transportation.

“What an incredible opportunity for those students,” said Dede Trumble, Career Specialist at Newton High School. “Two of them were in the manufacturing track and one in construction in the track. Both of the recent grads were hired by Kansas Electric as apprentice electricians thanks to the training and certifications received through HCC FAST Track.”

Similarly, two Newton students participated in a brand-new patient care technician training program through NMC Health in June. The five-week course trained students in critical patient care. They were paid $13.23 an hour during the training. The students were given hospital rotations and job shadows in labor and delivery, surgery, rehab and medical care at the hospital.

“As patient care technicians, these students are now certified to perform technical tasks for patient care such as feeding, bathing, moving, catheter care, and monitoring vital signs which are very much in demand,” Trumble said. “They can work part time while in school and continue to add to their training before graduating high school.”

It was a good experience seeing different companies and what they had to offer,” said Juan Gonzalez Castillo Jr., a rising senior at Newton High School. “I am thankful to JAG-K for showing me this great opportunity. I had a good time and made some new friends, too.”

Trumble said one of the most important things JAG-K can do is connect students to employment opportunities they might not have learned about on their own.

“By introducing students to employers and continued-education opportunities, they have a far greater chance of success after high school,” Trumble said. “I invite guest speakers into the classroom and take advantage of doing many college visits and industry tours. Former JAG-K students are also a great resource. By tapping these resources, we give students a broad view of opportunities.”

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Last year more than 900 JAG-K participants graduated from high schools across the state.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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News Release: Concordia HS JAG-K Student Hopes to Turn Rodeo Interest into Career

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:03:00 GMT

Jesse Voss, a junior at Concordia High School, has found that the training provided by his school’s Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program can be applied anywhere.

Even on the back of a bucking bull.

Voss, who will enter his third year in JAG-K this fall, is headed to the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyo., this weekend. He competes in a variety of riding, roping and shooting events.

“Basically, ever since I could walk, I’ve been on horses,” Voss said. “It just runs in the family.”

A self-described “thrill seeker,” Voss said JAG-K teaches students to face a host of challenges.

“In rodeo, you’ve got to overcome your fears and just do it,” Voss said. “That relates to life. There will always be obstacles you’ve got to overcome. JAG-K helps teach kids how to succeed in life despite the obstacles.”

One of the ways JAG-K prepares students for successful futures is by helping them consider various careers and how to attain them. Voss hopes to take his interest in rodeo as far as possible, including potentially as a career. Beyond the competitors in the arena, there are a wide range of employment opportunities in rodeo, Voss said.

Some of the skills needed to make a career in rodeo also apply generally to success in ranching and agriculture – financial management, care for animals and the upkeep of facilities and tools involved. Voss said that in any those areas, skills emphasized in JAG-K will apply.

“JAG-K teaches how to set goals and accomplish tasks necessary for success,” said Voss, who served as the vice president of his local chapter as a sophomore.

Voss said he has received training in interviewing and public speaking which is already paying dividends in leadership positions in junior rodeo organizations. Additionally, he is gaining skills in other areas while in high school, including working on heating and air conditioning systems, cleaning chimneys and welding.

“JAG-K helps students explore and pursue careers that best suit their interests and abilities by exposing them to professionals and employers in a variety of careers,” said Christina Henderson, Career Specialist of the Concordia JAG-K program. “By inviting these professionals into the classroom, visiting local businesses, and doing community service, students build relationships in their communities and the work force. These relationships open doors for internships and employment.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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News Release: JAG-K Alum Shares Her International Adventures with Programs Across Kansas

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:34:00 GMT

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) doesn’t just prepare students for careers after high school. It helps open a world of possibilities.

Mego Londeen was a shy, small town girl who found joy watching internet programs – particularly dance classes – from around the world. It was an escape for a student who wasn’t sure where she fit.

That is, until a JAG-K Career Specialist helped her study some unique careers that matched her interests.

“I was watching and learning dance moves from a Korean YouTube dance program,” Londeen said. “That led me to start watching Korean dramas, pop culture, some history. There wasn’t much opportunity at my high school to study anything international.

The 2018 graduate of Kingman High School found guidance and a place to excel in JAG-K during her junior and senior years. The school’s Career Specialist, Brittany Esposito, guided Londeen on how to turn her interests in dance, social media, and world cultures into a college degree and career.

“I believed JAG-K could help me prepare for life after high school as I was very unsure what that life looked like. I enjoyed learning soft skills and the atmosphere of support within the program,” Londeen said. “My specialist paid attention and supported what I enjoyed, so I kind of came alive in her classroom.

“I decided to run for president of our Career Association my senior year. I didn’t think anyone would listen to me, but my peers voted for me. Then I became the president of our region, and that was a welcome shock to me.”

Through Esposito’s guidance, Londeen followed her interests in foreign cultures, dance and communications to the University of Kansas. She graduated with degrees in East Asian Languages & Cultures, as well as in Strategic Communications, as well as a minor in Dance. During her time in college, she took advantaged of scholarships to study abroad in South Korea twice.

Upon graduation, Londeen became Outreach Coordinator for the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Kansas. The center’s mission is to disseminate knowledge about East Asia to audiences within the Great Plains region.

Founded in 1959, the Center is funded by a Department of Education Title VI grant to serve as a National Resource Center with a mission of increasing knowledge of East Asian histories, languages, cultures, and current events in the region and beyond. (Learn more about CEAS on its Facebook , Instagram , or monthly newsletter .)

In her position, Londeen has been allowed to make presentations to six JAG-K programs across Kansas, including her alma mater, Kingman High School.

“I want to show students that they can succeed in their interests and those interests can even have global opportunities,” Londeen said. “JAG-K helps students find their passions and believe in themselves. There are so many amazing opportunities out there, and JAG-K students can access them.”

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , and ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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News Release: Recent Russell High School Graduate Voted “JAG-K Student of the Year”

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:04:00 GMT

Hannah Gideon, a 2024 graduate of Russell High School, was recently announced the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) “Student of the Year.”

Gideon was elected by JAG-K state and regional student officers to receive the honor. Criteria for the award were the five pillars of the JAG-K Career Association: Leadership Development, Career Development, Civic Awareness, Service Learning, and Social Awareness.

“JAG-K’s student leaders developed this honor and selected Hannah as the first recipient, which is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on the Russell High School program, but the legacy she leaves with the organization as a whole,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp.

Gideon served three school years as the president of the Russell High School JAG-K student-led Career Association.

“Hannah has worked hard to make JAG-K a place for everyone,” said Russell High School JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, who nominated Gideon for the award. “I have not only watched Hannah grow from her experience, but I have watched her develop and encourage those around her.”

After participating in a summer internship coordinated by the Ogallala Commons in the summer of 2022, Gideon encouraged other JAG-K students to participate and helped coordinate several entities to offer internships to a number of Russell High School JAG-K participants in the ensuing summers.

Gideon has fostered connections between the Russell JAG-K program and the community, including helping with elections, visiting the hospital and connecting with elementary school students through a letter writing program. She also helped spearhead a drive to start a school library at Russell High School.

“JAG-K is not just a class for her. This is something she believes in,” Tomlinson said of Gideon.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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News Release: JAG-K Director of Employment Engagement Experiences Marine Training

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:22:00 GMT

In her effort to connect students to potential careers, Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) Director of Employer Engagement Joni Bolen would run through a wall.

Well, not quite. But Bolen recently rappelled off walls and endured other physical challenges trying to form a link between a potential employer and Kansas students.

Bolen recently attended the Marine Corps Educator’s Workshop in San Diego to build her knowledge of military career options for her students. For one week, she engaged in an introduction to Marine life, which included training with M16 rifles, martial arts demonstrations, and a water survival drill.

“This experience was like nothing I have ever done before,” Bolen said. “I appreciate the insights that I was able to gain regarding the process of joining the United States Marines and learning about all the benefits that go along with it.

“Physically, we were able to get a small taste of some of the drills that recruits experience in boot camp. I will be honest, there were some tasks that I was nervous about, but I told myself that if I encouraged a student or future recruit to do these things then I sure as heck better hold myself accountable as well.”

Seventeen JAG-K students from the 2023 graduating class are currently serving in the armed forces.

Bolen said that, in addition to knowing more about the process of becoming a Marine, she bolstered her connection to Marine recruiters across the state. She will be better able to connect those recruiters to Career Specialists who guide JAG-K programs across the state.

“Structure, character building, service, sacrifice, career and education development opportunities, there are so many benefits to joining the military that could set someone up to be successful in life,” Bolen said. “Based on my experience at the Marine Corps Educator’s Workshop, I would encourage students to consider the Marines as an option following graduation.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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News Release: Former JAG-K Student Now a Certified Agricultural Education Teacher

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:25:00 GMT

One of the ways Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) prepares students for successful futures is by helping them consider various careers and how to attain them.

JAG-K helped one former student discover his passion for teaching.

Luke Alpers, a 2017 graduate of the JAG-K program at Stafford High School, is now doing his part to prepare students for success in agriculture related careers. He is completing his first year teaching Animal Science, Welding, Ag Leadership and Eighth Grade Agriculture at Kiowa County Public Schools in Greensburg.

“JAG-K helped prepare me for success after high school by providing me with some opportunities to be a leader and work with other leaders in my community,” Alpers said.

Alpers earned his teaching certificate at Kansas State University. He credits his Career Specialist, Patrick Dake, with helping him apply for scholarships and prepare for the challenges of college. He said one of the biggest obstacles was acclimating to a major university.

“The culture shock of going from a high school of 80 students to K-State was intense,” Alpers said. “Nothing can prepare a kid for that.”

Alpers was happy to make Kiowa County his first teaching position. He said he wants to help young people like himself pursue their interests in agriculture-related careers. He understands the importance of agriculture to Kansas’ economy. He also recognizes he can have an important impact on students who do not wind up working in agriculture.

“Everyone is a consumer. Everyone consumes agricultural products,” Alpers said. “I’m an ag teacher to create more informed consumers who make decisions based on facts and truth rather than propaganda.”

Alpers said to become a school teacher, he had to overcome some obstacles. He now wants to pass those experiences on to his students.

“Do not be afraid to fail. Failure is an excellent teacher if you are willing to learn,” Alpers said. “Be present and aware of the world around you.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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Three high school students receive scholarships from Kansas Department of Insurance

Fri, 10 May 2024 20:23:00 GMT

WIBW, May 9, 2024 – click to view originial article

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Three high school students received scholarships for a financial literacy essay contest from the Kansas Department of Insurance.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced on Thursday, May 9, the overall winner of the financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.

According to the Kansas Department of Insurance , earlier this year, the Department granted $10,000 each to three organizations for a financial literacy essay contest. Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas (JAG-K), Junior Achievement of Kansas and the Kansas Council for Economic Education each entered a selection of essays from Kansas students who participated in their financial literacy programs offered in over 200 high schools across Kansas. The students with the top three essays from each organization were awarded a share of $10,000 in scholarships. The first-place essay from each organization then advanced to compete for an overall contest winner and a share of an additional $10,000.

The contest finalists and their awards are:

1st Place: $5000 – Morgan Allen, (Kansas Council for Economic Education), Centralia High School
2nd Place: $3000 – Maggie Lesmeister, (Junior Achievement of Kansas), Seaman High School
3rd Place: $2,000 – Steven Nguyen, (Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas), Wichita Southeast High School

“This year’s winners demonstrated the ability to make an investment plan that builds upon their personal goals while evaluating risk and the threat of fraud,” said Schmidt. “Congratulations to all the winners this year, and I encourage them to apply their financial knowledge as they further their education.”

Kansas Department of Insurance said the winning students receive their scholarships in addition to the $5,000 scholarship they won in the first round of the contest. The students receive the award money in the form of a 529 savings account to use for the advancement of their education.

Kansas Department of Insurance previously announced winners from each participating organization can be found online at insurance.kansas.gov/news . For more information about the Kansas Insurance Department or to learn more about making smart investment decisions, visit insurance.kansas.gov and SmartInvestKS.com .

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News Release: JAG-K Teams with KBA to Promote Financial Literacy, Banking Career Options

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:36:00 GMT

The partnership has evolved over three years to become “JAG-K Month with the KBA.” JAG-K programs throughout the state collaborated with banks in their respective areas to plan educational opportunities for students. Throughout April, employees of participating banks visited local JAG-K classes in person or virtually or hosted groups for visits to their facilities.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. One of the responsibilities of JAG-K is the instruction of sound financial management to its participants, 75 percent of whom qualify for free or subsidized lunches.

April is recognized nationally as both Community Banking Month and Financial Literacy month. Through JAG-K Month with the KBA, students were introduced to the tools made available to them by financial institutions.

“The Kansas Bankers Association focuses on promoting financial literacy among students because it is vital for a stable and healthy economic future,” said Alex Orel, Senior Vice President – Government Relations at the KBA. “By equipping students with essential financial knowledge and skills, the banking industry can help them make informed decisions about their finances, contributing to personal growth and community development.”

JAG-K programs across the state visited banking institutions or met in their classrooms with representatives of banks. The program at Royal Valley High School hosted Trevor Bausch, Vice-President of Denison State Bank.

“It’s important that we understand how to take care of our finances when we get out into the real world,” said Royal Valley High School junior Tristan Thorton. “Hearing from Mr. Bausch was helpful because we are young kids, and we need to learn how to take care of our money for when we get older.”

Representatives of their local banks emphasized the need to develop future employees in the field of banking. Through interactions with banking professionals, students learned about the many career opportunities in the financial industry.

“Growing a new generation of Kansans to work in local banking is vital for maintaining the continuity of community-focused services, integrating innovative banking technologies, and supporting local economic development,” Orel said. “When local youths are employed in banking, they bring a personal understanding of community needs, which can lead to more effective and personalized financial services.”

Orel said Kansas banks have a significant need in the areas of information technology and cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, public relations, and marketing among others.

Orel said young Kansans looking to enter the banking sector might start in roles such as bank tellers or customer service representatives, which typically require minimal experience.

“These positions offer foundational experiences in financial services, allowing individuals to learn and grow within the industry,” Orel said. “Over time, with experience and further education, young employees can advance into higher roles or specialized positions within the industry. This progression and diverse job opportunities not only enhances their careers but also strengthens the local banking sector’s capacity to serve its community effectively.”

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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Basehor-Linwood High School Senior Receives National JAG Scholarship

Wed, 08 May 2024 16:28:00 GMT

Mycah Benton, a senior at Basehor-Linwood High School, was announced recently by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) as one of 35 Kenneth M. Smith Scholars nationwide who will receive $2,000 toward their college education.

The scholarship program honors the extraordinary leadership of Kenneth M. Smith, who resigned last October after 43 years as president and CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc.

Benton plans to attend Johnson County Community College, then Kansas State University upon graduation from high school. The senior, who aspires to work in the music or theater industry, was elated by the news.

“I learned I won the scholarship in the middle of Act I of our school play,” Benton said. “I couldn’t be on my phone because I’m backstage crew, but I saw the text during intermission.

“I texted (the JAG staff member) back asking if she was ‘April fools-ing’ me because I didn’t believe her. I felt like I won the lottery.”

A participant in the Basehor-Linwood High School Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program for three years, Benton currently serves as Career Association vice president for the JAG-K schools in her region.

Her selection for the scholarship came as a surprise to Benton, but it didn’t surprise Jesse Smallwood, JAG-K Career Specialist at Basehor-Linwood High School.

“Mycah is a very hard worker that challenges you as a teacher to make sure you are working as hard as she is,” Smallwood said. “She is very deserving of this scholarship, and I look forward to seeing what she will do in the next chapter of her life.”

As a JAG-K Career Specialist, Smallwood helps students like Benton overcome barriers and graduate high school on time by equipping them with the skills to succeed. Kansas’ 112 JAG programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org , ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

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