JAG CDC 2022

Evansville, IN – Students from nine high schools recently participated in the Region 11 Career Development Conference. The students are part of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program and compete each year locally with winners advancing to the State competition. 

JAG students compete in 12 different categories either as a class or individually. Competitions are judged by local business representatives and community leaders. Class competitions include Chapter Brochure, Chapter Commercial, and Entrepreneurship Plan. Individual competitions include Cover Design, Career Presentation, Creative Solutions, Critical Thinking, Employability Skills, Financial Literacy, Public Speaking, Writing Skills, and Outstanding Senior. 

Students advancing to the State competition on March 18, 2022, at the Ivy Tech Campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, include: 

Chapter Brochure: Lincoln High School 

Chapter Commercial: Tell City High School 

Entrepreneurship Plan: Emma Curtis, Pike Central High School 

Cover Design: Keenan Clegg, Lincoln High School 

Career Presentation: Max DeJarnett, Lincoln High School 

Creative Solutions: Adan Sanchez, Pike Central High School 

Critical Thinking: Keegan Carrico, Jasper High School 

Employability Skills: Sydney Loveless, Pike Central High School 

Financial Literacy: Jordan Diefenbach, Mount Vernon High School 

Public Speaking: Kaidance Madison, Lincoln High School 

Writing Skills: Madaya Lucas, Lincoln High School 

Outstanding Senior: Olivia Lopez, South Ridge High School 

The JAG program provides services to young adults to help them get a high school diploma or equivalent, secure a quality entry-level job or pursue post-secondary education that leads to advancement in their career field. 

JAG is a state-based, national non-profit organization within the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). In DWD’s Region 11, including Vanderburgh, Posey, Pike, Perry, Gibson, Knox, Warrick, Spencer, and Dubois counties, the program is administered within the WorkOne system and directed by the region’s Workforce Development Board. 

In Region 11, the JAG program started in the 2007-2008 school year at Lincoln High School. It is now offered in nine high schools – Evansville Bosse, Mount Vernon, Southridge, Lincoln, Pike Central, Tell City, Jasper, Princeton Community, and Gibson Southern. 

A JAG specialist in each school leads, guides, and encourages the students as they participate throughout the school year in several classroom activities and projects, including career presentations, creative solutions, critical thinking, public speaking, writing, and financial literacy. In addition to structured activities, the JAG specialists provide counseling, understanding, and encouragement. 

Olivia Lopez, Outstanding Senior & Sara Worstell, Executive Director, Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce 

Picture provided by Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce