Area students gathered in Raintree Hall auditorium at Indiana University Northwest (IUN) in Gary, early Friday morning to represent their school and compete for a chance at earning first place to move on to the state competition. Anticipation filled the room as the students took their seats waiting patiently for further instruction on where to go for their competitions.
Approximately 100 local high school students competed in the Regional JAG Career Development Competition (CDC) on Friday, January 27, 2017. JAG stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates, a national initiative dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. This year marks the 10 year anniversary of JAG in Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board was instrumental in bringing JAG to Northwest Indiana as part of their youth strategy and the program has had a presence in the region since 2006. Over 1000 youth having participated in the program and transitioned to post-secondary education and training, military, or employment.
Dr. Rominger, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at IUN, gave a brief welcome. Excitement exploded in the auditorium as Rominger gave students the chance to represent their schools by cheering as loud as they could when called upon. Following Rominger’s address, the students were instructed to their assigned chapter event rooms as competitions were about to begin.
The day consisted of competitive events that included Career Presentation, Creative Solutions, Critical Thinking, Employability Skills, Financial Literacy, Public Speaking, Writing Skills, and Entrepreneurship Planning. There were also three events where students were judged on entries that required a more artistic and technical side—producing a JAG Chapter commercial, a marketing brochure, and the cover design for the CDC Program.
A pre-event interview and judging was done for the Outstanding Senior category. This award recognizes a senior, who through the JAG program demonstrates leadership, drive, scholastic achievement, and is involved in community service.
While the events were taking place in assigned rooms, back in the auditorium, 11 students gave prepared speeches on “How will JAG help me change my world.” Nervous, each student stepped up to the podium to tell the judges and audience their personal stories of hardships and success; one student that spoke of verbal and physical abuse at home, skipping class, and stealing, described how JAG became his second home, a place where he received support and assistance in creating a brighter path to success. Another student began JAG not wanting to go to college, but now aspires to be a Registered Nurse. Some talked of the JAG program providing them with life lessons, job opportunities, leadership and social skills, scholarships, and support. Each student expressed their appreciation of JAG for helping them prepare and continue to strive for success now and in their future endeavors.
After lunch students regathered in the auditorium for a game of Jeopardy where they were able demonstrate their knowledge on college preparation and process. Following the excitement of the game, it was the moment they had all been waiting for, the announcement of first, second, and third place event awards. Dr. Vernon Smith, State Representative, attended the conference to congratulate each student and hand them their awards.
Sponsors of the CDC were the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 531 in La Porte, Indiana University Northwest, Ivy Tech Community College, and Center of Workforce Innovations.
This year’s first place winners who will be heading to Indianapolis for the JAG State competition are:
- Career Presentation - Gregory Sher, East Chicago Central High School
- Creative Solutions - Kayli Caudill, AK Smith Area Career Center
- Critical Thinking - Terion Collins, East Chicago Central High School
- Employability Skills - Mikayla Frederick, Knox High School
- Financial Literacy - Miya Bailey, Wirt/Emerson Visual & Performing Arts High School
- Public Speaking - Kenshay Lee, East Chicago Central High School
- Writing Skills - Joseph Lowery, Calumet New Tech High School
- Entrepreneurship Planning - Maya Ward and Alyssa Sullivan, Knox High School
- Outstanding Senior - Alexis Ford, East Chicago Central High School
- Chapter Commercial - East Chicago Central High School
- Chapter Marketing Brochure - East Chicago Central High School
- Cover Design - Gregory Sher, East Chicago Central High School
For further information, contact Barb Grimsgard, Communications Manager at the Center of Workforce Innovations at 219-462-2940, ext. 28 or bgrimsgard@innovativeworkforce.com.