JAG-K Visits Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

One of the many highlights of being a Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) student is the opportunity to visit workplaces and get an inside look at different industries across Kansas.

Staff from Southern Star welcome students to the event

One example of an opportunity like this comes from Fueling Futures, an event that was recently hosted by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline. 



The event, hosted on September 24th, was created with the goal of showcasing the growing natural gas industry. Students who attended got to learn about natural gas and its role in energy, explore different careers and opportunities in the industry, and experience hands on demonstrations of the work that is done around the plant. 

“One of the highlights for many of my students was having direct access to employees who could answer their questions and provide immediate feedback,” said Dede Trumble, JAG-K Career Specialist at Newton High School (NHS) in Newton, Kansas. “This opportunity to engage with industry professionals gave students a better understanding of the career and what it is like to work in the field.” 

Events like this may introduce students to an industry they had never considered before. Even if a student doesn’t pursue a career in the industry, they are able to develop a new appreciation for something they may not have understood before. “I had heard about it,” said Sophia Schmitt, a Junior in NHS JAG-K. “But not really in depth. My favorite part was the welding and learning about their facility.” 

Schmitt was also able to recall a few of the different things that she learned at the event. “We learned how to send a pig through the pipes,” She explained. In natural gas, sending a pig through the pipes isn’t what you think it is – no animals are involved. It’s actually a part of the process that helps clean the pipeline and checks it for any damage that needs repaired. “We also learned what different valves are called, why you should open them in a certain order, and what will happen if you don't.” 

Students participate in a hands-on demonstration

“My favorite part of the day was seeing how engaged every one of my students was throughout the day. Many of my students told me that it was the best field trip they had ever taken. Even more exciting, several students asked how they could apply for a job shadow and/or summer internship,” Trumble added when explaining her favorite part of the event. “Seeing their enthusiasm and having them begin to think seriously about future career opportunities was the highlight of the entire experience for me.” 

JAG-K and its students are lucky to have so many valuable employer partners that help provide opportunities and insights like this one. Employer engagement is a beneficial opportunity for employers and students alike.  

"Investing in young people means investing in the future of our industry, our communities, and the workforce of tomorrow," says Southern Star Community Engagement representative Corina Snyder. "By introducing students to rewarding careers in energy, we're helping inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals who will keep our communities thriving for years to come." 

JAG-K is thankful for all the opportunities and engagements that our students get to experience with our employer partners! If you would like to learn more about engagement opportunities with our students, contact us.

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.