Kayla Patrick from the A.K. Smith Career Center and Justin Reynolds from Knox High School were recognized at the 2014 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Career Development Conference, the final state competition that challenges participants to demonstrate employability skills that took place on Friday, March 14, at Ivy Tech’s main campus near downtown Indianapolis.
Students competing in the state finals earned their spot by placing in one of the twelve regional competitions. The top students from regional conference competitions advanced to the state finals. There were nine competitions at the state finals with nine to 16 students competing in each contest. The competitions included job interviews, writing skills, creative thinking, career presentations, public speaking and creative solutions.
Kayla Patrick, AK Smith Career Center, First Place, Critical Thinking.
Justin Reynolds, Knox High School, First Place, Financial Literacy.
JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to reconnecting at risk students academically by helping them overcome barriers to graduation. Since 2006, the Indiana JAG program has helped more than 9,000 Hoosier students to stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.
Currently, more than 4,500 students participate in JAG through 105 programs located within 100 schools throughout Indiana. Students are taught up to 88 competencies, such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills that will increase their marketability to employers.
JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. Indiana’s program graduates more than 91 percent of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school. The JAG program is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
If you would like to learn more about the Indiana JAG program visit http://www.in.gov/dwd/2446.htm.