JobWorks JAG specialists win National Jobs For America’s Graduates Award
The 39th Annual National Training Seminar is the most extensive professional development experience for the JAG National Network. More than 600 colleagues gather to gain inspiration, deeper skill sets, and more robust professional networks with the best JAG Specialists, managers, trainers, and administrators from across the United States.
Kylie Betzner (center), JAG Specialist at Kokomo High School receiving the award of 2022 Outstanding JAG Specialist for Indiana during the 2022 JAG National Training Seminar. The award was presented by Ken Smith, President and CEO, Jobs for America’s Graduates and Janelle Duray, Executive Vice President and COO, Jobs for America’s Graduates.
Sonya Johnson (right), JAG Specialist at Gary Calumet New Tech High School was unable to attend the 2022 National JAG Conference. She is receiving her award from Region 1 JAG Manager Danetta Jones (left).
The 39th Annual National Training Seminar is the most extensive professional development experience for the JAG National Network. More than 600 colleagues gather to gain inspiration, deeper skill sets, and more robust professional networks with the best JAG Specialists, managers, trainers, and administrators from across the United States.
After five days of NTS, JAG Specialists, Managers, and state staff will have the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, actionable plans, and toolkits for a winning 2022-2023 school year! During the event, State Affiliates, Outstanding Specialists, High Performers, and Peak Performers are also recognized. Among those recognized this year were two JobWorks JAG Specialist mentors; Kylie Betzner – Indiana Region 4 and Sonya Johnson- Indiana Region 1.
Knight presents at JAG National Training Seminar
Recently, one of our region 1 specialists, Allison Knight, was selected to present at JAG National Training Seminar. She submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of approximately 15 selected to present!
Recently, one of our region 1 specialists, Allison Knight, was selected to present at JAG National Training Seminar. She submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of approximately 15 selected to present!
Allison’s presentation was entitled, “Choose A Job You Love.” She spoke regarding applying the Highland Code (R.I.A.S.E.C.) career matching assessment to the career exploration process for high school students. This provides an expansion of student learning about available workforce options, congruent with their individualized career interests.
Allison directed the focus of the workshop on how it can be a resource, a lesson, and/or a PBL to facilitate learning covering employer engagement competencies as well as how one’s individual growth can be motivated.
The workshop demonstrated how RIASEC can help students identify a career path and the ability to begin creating post-high school plans for work or school. This shared resource included how high school students can use this career exploration tool to identify their career path, additionally adding how the JAG specialist can apply it to lesson plans.
JobWorks JAG mentors recognized as ‘Outstanding’ IN Indiana
Recently, several dedicated JobWorks JAG mentors received state and national recognition for outstanding work during the past year. Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based, national organization.
(pictured left): Indiana Outstanding New JAG Specialist: Taylor Tracy representing River Forest High School, Region 1. (pictured right): Indiana Outstanding JAG Specialists: Allison Knight representing Hammond Morton High School, Region 1.
Indiana Outstanding JAG Student of the Year: Parry Hooks, Kokomo High School with the Kokomo JAG Specialist mentor, Kylie Betzner from Region 4.
Indiana Outstanding JAG Coordinator: Sherri Montgomery, Region 11
Recently, several dedicated JobWorks JAG mentors received state and national recognition for outstanding work during the past year.
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based, national organization. JAG focuses on workforce preparation that helps students learn in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to post-secondary education, employment and career advancement opportunities. JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. The JAG program is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
Serving under that job title of JAG Specialists these student mentors work with students, school personnel and community members throughout many Indiana Workforce Region. JobWorks JAG Mentors currently serve Indiana Region 1- Northwest Indiana, Indiana Region 4 West Central Indiana and Indiana Region 11 Southwest Indiana.
Recognition received included:
Indiana Outstanding JAG Specialists: Allison Knight- Hammond Morton High School, Region 1
Indiana Outstanding New JAG Specialist: Taylor Tracy- River Forest High School, Region 1
Indiana Outstanding JAG Coordinator: Sherri Montgomery, Region 11
Indiana Outstanding JAG Student of the Year: Parry Hooks, Kokomo High School with the Kokomo JAG Specialist mentor, Kylie Betzner from Region 4.