News Release: JAG-K Travels to NSLA

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.  

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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