News Release: JAG-K Day at the Capitol Connects About 450 JAG-K Students, Staff to Policymakers
Approximately 450 Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students and staff visited the Kansas Statehouse as part of the JAG-K Day at the Capitol celebration on January 30.
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.
One of JAG-K’s emphasis each year is to encourage civic awareness and foster leadership potential in its members. Students from JAG-K programs across the state met with their legislators, informing them about the impact of the program and inviting them to visit their schools. Meeting with legislators helps JAG-K students understand how government works and connects the lawmakers to JAG-K at the local level. JAG-K elected officers were recognized on the floor of both the House and Senate.
“Civic awareness and leadership development are two important aspects of the JAG model, and JAG-K Day at the Capitol is the perfect teaching event for those two competencies,” JAG-K President/CEO Chuck Knapp said. “The Kansas Legislature and Governor (Laura) Kelly have been strong supporters of JAG-K, and this is an excellent opportunity for our students to thank them, encourage their continued involvement, and to learn about Kansas government at the same time.”
Students toured the Capitol building and observed both legislative bodies in session. For many, it was their first visit to the Statehouse.
Quindall Johnson, junior at Highland Park, was happy to share the story of JAG-K with legislators and to be part of the organization’s presence in the Statehouse.
“JAG-K is providing lots of opportunities which will lead to jobs,” said Johnson, who serves as president of the JAG-K Career Association at his school. “It impacts the future of the state because it builds a lot of people up and gives them places to go and direction after high school.”
Visiting the Statehouse and learning about state government helps JAG-K Career Specialists foster leadership abilities in their students.
Kevin Flanner, Career Specialist at Fort Scott High School, said being in the Capitol building itself inspired his students and fostered dialogue about history and politics.
“They loved looking at the building,” Flanner said,” The conversations we’ve had, about how we might not always agree with everything that’s happened, but we agree that it’s history and it’s important. We got to meet our legislator, Rep. Chuck Smith, and it was great that he took time to come and talk with us. Anytime we can get (state leaders) involved with us is pretty awesome.”
Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,200 students in 48 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 ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, 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 Kaw Valley, 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, X and LinkedIn.