JAG-K Students Participate in Unique Volunteer Opportunity

For many students, Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) opens doors to new and exciting experiences they may not encounter elsewhere.

Students discuss the plan with the on-site coordinator and Shelby Ross before taking their stations at the gate.

 For students in the Seaman High School JAG-K program in Topeka, one of those experiences comes through a unique volunteer opportunity.

All students participating in JAG-K programs across Kansas complete at least 10 hours of volunteer work or service learning each year. One opportunity available to Seaman High School students allows them to volunteer at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The opportunity was introduced by Shelby Ross, JAG-K Career Specialist at Seaman High School.

"I enjoy watching students step outside their comfort zones and discover what they can do," Ross said. "Experiences like this give them a chance to meet new people, take on responsibilities, and see how their contributions matter. It's rewarding to watch their confidence grow."

While volunteering at the stadium, students work in a fast-paced environment that helps them develop adaptability and problem-solving skills. Their responsibilities include assisting at stadium entry points, helping attendees scan tickets, and verifying admission through the venue's ticketing technology.

"Students practice communication, teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving," Ross explained. "They learn to follow directions, manage their time, adapt when things change, and remain professional in a busy environment. These are skills they can carry into school and future careers."

"It feels good to be helping people and supporting the Chiefs organization," said Kaitlynn Frye, a senior at Seaman High School. "We also get to learn a lot."

Students assist with ticket scanning before the game begins.

Another exciting aspect of the experience comes after students complete their volunteer shift. As a reward for their service, they have the opportunity to grab a meal and enjoy the game from the stands.

"I think it's really special, to be honest," said Noah Keyes, a sophomore at Seaman High School. "I've rarely been to Chiefs games, so it's really cool that I can come here, earn volunteer hours, and then watch the game."

For many students, volunteer experiences provide an opportunity to explore professional environments and develop valuable workplace skills before entering the workforce. They also offer meaningful ways to become more engaged in their communities.

"Service helps students understand community needs and recognize that their time and effort can make a difference in both volunteer and workplace settings," Ross added. "Along the way, they build relationships, gain experience, and develop a stronger sense of responsibility."

Through opportunities like this, JAG-K students gain more than volunteer hours. They develop confidence, strengthen employability skills, and discover new possibilities for their future. JAG-K is proud of the students who participated and looks forward to seeing where their next experiences take them.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,700 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. 

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include but are not limited to; AT&T, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart. 

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.