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Breaking the Cycle: My Journey to Opportunity by David Rodriguez, JAG California Participant
Prepared Speaking Winner, JAG California Career Development Conference 2026
If you had met me before JAG, you probably wouldn’t have expected me to be standing here today.
If I could thank Jobs for America’s Graduates for one thing, it would be opportunity, because JAG helped me see a future I didn’t think was possible for myself.
Before JAG, I wasn’t motivated to look into different jobs, and I wasn’t even sure I would finish high school. I grew up in a gang-affiliated area, and for a long time, it felt like I couldn’t escape that environment. My family was connected to it, and it was all I knew. Violence and underserved communities were my normal. I didn’t see a way out or a reason to try. I felt stuck.
Everything started to change when I joined JAG. Before the program, I didn’t even know where to begin with a resume, let alone believe I could be on track to earn my high school diploma. Through JAG, I now have an amazing job at Universal Studios, and I’m learning how to be financially responsible with my own income. I’ve been given opportunities I never imagined, like attending conferences such as this one. More than anything, JAG made me motivated and hungry to learn about what’s out there for my future. It pushed me to want more for myself.
After JAG, I know I’ll be able to move forward in all aspects of my life. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself and how to actually make a plan. Before JAG, I didn’t see myself as a leader. I stayed quiet, avoided speaking up, and wasn’t sure where I was headed. A lot of people saw me as just another kid waiting to fail and end up on the streets. The truth is, no one really shows you how to get out of that life.
JAG didn’t just give me opportunities, it showed me that I had to want more and be willing to work for it.
JAG didn’t just change my path, it changed how I see myself. I’m no longer someone stuck in an environment or labeled by a city. I’m someone with a plan, a purpose, and a future. And that’s why I’m thanking JAG today.
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JAG California is a state-based non-profit organization dedicated to keeping young people in school, who for a variety of reasons are at-risk for not graduating high school.
From Trauma to Triumph: Finding My Voice Through Resilience by Snow Feather, JAG California Participant
Good morning, my name is Snow. I am a 17-year-old senior from Alta Vista Innovation Apple Valley. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be here and take a few minutes of your time to share my story with you.
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From Fear to Purpose: A Father’s Journey Forward by Amari Guy, JAG California Participant
To begin, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Amari Guy, and I’m 21 years old. When I was just 14, I dropped out of high school because I became a parent at 15, during my freshman year. I was a kid raising a kid.
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Empowered to Lead: A Celebration of Student Success at JAG CA Career Development Conference 2026
On February 25, 2026, JAG students from across California gathered in Lancaster for the highly anticipated JAG CA Career Development Conference 2026. From the moment students arrived, the energy in the room was electric. Dressed professionally and ready to compete, present, and learn, students embraced the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and onto a larger stage. The conference was filled with anticipation, encouragement, and celebration as peers cheered one another on, Specialists offered last-minute words of support, and students demonstrated the skills they have worked all year to develop through their JAG programs at their schools.
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Leading on a National Stage: JAG California at NSLA
The National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) is the capstone leadership experience for JAG Career Association state officers and local chapter leaders. Designed by JAG National, NSLA provides students with immersive opportunities for experiential learning, civic engagement, workforce preparation, and professional networking in the heart of the nation’s capital.
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JAG California Celebrates Excellence at the 2025 Specialists Summit
The 2025 JAG California Specialists Summit brought together passionate educators and leaders from across the state to celebrate the remarkable achievements of JAG Specialists who continue to transform the lives of young people through connection, consistency, and care. Each year, the Specialists Summit serves as a platform to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in empowering students to overcome barriers, build employability skills, and prepare for success in school, work, and life. The 2024–2025 award recipients embody the JAG mission and exemplify excellence in program delivery, mentorship, and innovation.
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JAG California Specialists Honored at National Training Seminar 2025
We are proud to announce that four outstanding JAG California Specialists were nationally recognized at the 2025 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)National Training Seminar (NTS), held July 14–18 in Louisville, Kentucky. These exceptional individuals received prestigious awards for their leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to empowering youth across California.
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J4CG is Becoming JAG California!
We are thrilled to announce that, beginning July 1, 2025, Jobs for California Graduates (J4CG) will officially transition to JAG California! This exciting change represents more than just a new name and logo; it reflects our deepening partnership with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National and our commitment to providing the highest quality programming for students across the state.
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J4CG Makes History Again at the 2025 National Career Development Conference!
Indianapolis, IN – We are thrilled to announce that our Jobs for California Graduates (J4CG) team has once again earned national recognition at the 2025 National Career Development Conference (NCDC), the premier event for showcasing the leadership and employability skills of JAG youth from across the country. Hosted by JAG National, this year’s conference brought students and educators together for a week of competition, networking, and inspiration.
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California Career Development Conference (CA CDC) 2025
Jobs 4 California Graduates (J4CG) California Career Development Conference (CA CDC) represents so much more than a competitive event. It reflects a unified community where schools, JAG students, JAG Specialists, and volunteers have untied to make magic. It is with immense pride and excitement that we highlight the remarkable achievements of the JAG students who participated in the CA CDC. The conference was an opportunity to bring JAG students from across California together, to compete and engage in workshops and team building activities.
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J4CG Program and JAG Specialists Awarded at the NTS Event
The J4CG team attended the NTS event in Las Vegas, NV between July 8 and July 12, 2024. We are thrilled to announce that our J4CGteam received the “Disrupter Award” during this event for empowering our JAG network through Trauma-Resilient Educational Communities (TREC) and increased student engagement across the state.
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