JAG Indiana Students Participate in National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, DC
Students Meet with Local Members of Congress.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development sent student leaders from its Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Indiana program to Washington, DC this week to represent the state at the annual JAG National Student Leadership Academy.
The schedule of activities in Washington includes leadership training, visits with members of Congress, and participation in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Among the highlights for the JAG Indiana students was a meeting with local officials and Governor-elect Mike Braun, who currently serves as U.S. Senator.
The National Student Leadership Academy is a capstone leadership experience for JAG Career Association state officers and local chapter leaders. It provides students with unique opportunities for experiential learning, real-world applications, and networking. During the event, JAG student leaders applied their mission in focused discussions with members of Congress around workforce matters.
“The experience JAG Indiana students have at the National Student Leadership Conference is one of the highlights of their high school years,” said Director of JAG Indiana Brianna Morse. “Seeing that JAG is much larger than their school or even our state really puts the opportunities they have through JAG into perspective and helps them make friends from across the country.”
“From a workforce perspective, the annual event gives our students a broader understanding of how local efforts impact the national landscape,” said Chief Workforce Officer Katie Rounds. “Most often, the students walk away with a lot of excitement and a renewed commitment to their leadership positions within JAG. We see a positive correlation between active JAG members to capable jobseekers.”
“We’re pleased JAG Indiana students have the opportunity to experience Washington, DC through the National Student Leadership Academy,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “The access to sitting officials and historic locations around the district can be incredibly inspiring. It’s also the chance to learn more about the government process and the challenges and opportunities facing workforce programs.”
JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization established more than 40 years ago. The resiliency-building workforce program is geared toward helping students who face significant barriers to graduation learn in-demand employability skills while in school. Participants receive adult mentoring and career exploration opportunities before completing high school along with one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. Currently, JAG Indiana aims to establish 250 programs across the state by 2025. For more information on Indiana’s JAG program, visit https://www.in.gov/dwd/jag/.
