This session, designed for new JAG Career Specialists, will explore how to effectively launch students’ career development journeys through strategic employer engagement. Participants will learn how to actively involve students in the process and explore proven best practices from across the JAG network. Attendees will also leave with a collection of practical resources to support employer engagement efforts throughout the year.
This dynamic session bridges the JAG Advantage with trauma-informed care to empower educators supporting students impacted by adversity. Presenter LaTonya Jackson—a Licensed Addictions Counselor, Career Advisor, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Facilitator—draws from both clinical knowledge and her lived experience of loss and healing. With a focus on student connection, emotional regulation, and resilience-building, LaTonya equips participants with trauma-informed language, motivational interviewing techniques, and practical strategies to foster safe and empowering classroom environments. Grounded in compassion, this workshop challenges educators to show up fully—for students and themselves—using trauma-responsive tools that align with the heart of the JAG mission.
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how song lyrics can be a powerful gateway to student engagement, reflection, and creativity. Led by Cearra Jones, Training Specialist with Empowered, this session models how to guide students in analyzing their music choices, connecting those choices to personal experiences, and recognizing how music influences their day-to-day interactions. Educators will walk away with ready-to-use strategies that tap into student interests, build stronger classroom connections, and amplify student voice in ways that are relevant, empowering, and unforgettable.
A closed-door, solutions-focused conversation between JAG’s national CEO and Affiliate leaders. This session offers a candid space to exchange insights, discuss shared challenges, and align on strategic priorities to strengthen impact across the JAG network. This event is only open to designated CSAs.
Janelle Duray has over fifteen years of experience in education and workforce development consulting and nonprofit management. In October 2023, she was named as the second President & CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates, a national nonprofit that has served 1.6 million youth since... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am EDT Willis
Unlock unparalleled opportunities for your JAG students by mastering the art of strategic networking! This captivating workshop will guide Specialists, old and new in leveraging their personal and professional networks to forge impactful collaborations. Discover how to identify existing connections to engage Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), community partners, and employers to provide opportunities for your students. Learn tailored strategies for outreach, cultivation, and creating enriching experiences for students, from competitive events and community service to job shadows and mentorships. Leave equipped with a personalized roadmap to expand your program's reach and impact through the power of your network.
Elevate your new hire experience with JAG University Onboarding: Integrating New Specialist & Manager Training in the JAG Hub, powered by Headrush Learning. This workshop introduces brand-new onboarding modules within the JAG University Training Suite.
Designed for Managers and CSAs, we'll provide a comprehensive walkthrough, highlighting content, structure, and key learning objectives. Crucially, you'll gain practical strategies for implementing these modules effectively in your state. We'll also cover dashboarding capabilities to track progress toward future National and State certifications.
Walk away ready to launch a robust, standardized, and trackable onboarding experience, setting your team up for success.
One of the three braids of the JAG Advantage Rope that ensures student success, Trauma Informed Care is at articulation of the principles that "students will care what you know when they know that you care," and student-centered education. In this immersive session, attendees will be informed on the perspectives and activities at the core of Cloverdale JAG's Trauma Informed Care intentionality!
Are your learners stuck in their old IOS ? (iphone operating system). Is their personal battery health declining - making them lethargic and complacent? Then, it is time for an upgrade! This workshop will equip specialists with the tools needed to make every learner eligible for an upgrade. Not only will this upgrade enhance student performance, but it will also fuel hope and success throughout your school campus. Workshop participants will walk away with tangible resources, door-prizes, and the super-charge upgrade needed to amplify their Chapter for the 25-26 school year.
Students struggle to articulate their own journeys, even in the modern age of social media. However, this skill is key to unlocking their potential on college, scholarship, and job applications. Former educator, college admissions consultant, and JAG National marketing professional Lane Faulkner will walk you through a simple process to help students tell their powerful stories - even if storytelling isn't in your wheelhouse. Come for the learning, stay for the takeaway resources to hit the ground running in your own classroom.
In this interactive session, experienced Specialists and Managers will dive into a curated selection of new Project-Based Learning (PBL) units from the growing PBL Library. Participants will explore, evaluate, and discuss these units collaboratively identifying strengths, surfacing gaps, and recommending improvements. With a focus on shaping the future of PBL at JAG, attendees will leave equipped to influence content development and ensure the PBL Library reflects classroom realities. Come ready to contribute your insights and help steer the evolution of high-impact PBL experiences for learners across the network.
In this workshop we will look at a new partnership and mentorship program that JAG WI launched this past year. Craftsman With Character is a mentorship program rooted in the manufacturing industry and is easily adapted to all trades. Attendees will learn how this collaboration bridged the gap between the classroom and the skilled trades workforce. This program emphasizes character development, accountability, and career readiness. Participants will gain practical guidance on replicating the partnership model with their state affiliates.
This interactive workshop will introduce the JAG Competency Framework within the context of Engine 2, JAG’s innovation strategy focused on evolving delivery models, employer integration, and future-ready skills. Participants will explore how the framework supports this vision and engage in guided discussions to surface early insights and shared understanding. The session will also feature key partners vital to the work, including Adam Good of PTKO and Antonia Rudenstine of reDesign, who are helping shape this next chapter of JAG’s approach. This session is designed to spark excitement and build momentum around the tangible competencies that will guide our path forward.
Unlock unparalleled opportunities for your JAG students by mastering the art of strategic networking! This captivating workshop will guide Specialists, old and new in leveraging their personal and professional networks to forge impactful collaborations. Discover how to identify existing connections to engage Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), community partners, and employers to provide opportunities for your students. Learn tailored strategies for outreach, cultivation, and creating enriching experiences for students, from competitive events and community service to job shadows and mentorships. Leave equipped with a personalized roadmap to expand your program's reach and impact through the power of your network.
This engaging and informative workshop will introduce JAG Specialists and State Affiliate leadership to the exciting new JAG Career Association (CA) Alumni Network. Discover how this vital initiative will connect former JAG students, foster ongoing support, and create a powerful resource for current and future program participants. We'll explore the network's primary purpose: to cultivate a thriving community of JAG alumni who can offer mentorship, career guidance, and advocacy, ultimately strengthening the JAG mission.
This introductory workshop provides a high-level overview of the JAG Hub, powered by Headrush Learning, and its immense value as a centralized resource. Designed specifically for specialists and managers, this session will outline the key features and benefits of the JAG Hub.
In addition, we'll offer a tour of the Warehouse, highlighting its structure and key categories. This comprehensive review ensures you're equipped with the knowledge to efficiently find and utilize essential resources, helping you maximize your impact. You'll walk away from understanding how the JAG Hub can become your go-to platform for learning, collaboration, information sharing, and support."
Director of Programs /National Faculty Trainer, Jobs for Arizona's Graduates
Hi JAG FAM! My name is Trinetta Lipsey. I'm excited to be here today to navigate the learning and growth of the JAG managers. My JAG journey has been extensive. I've worn many hats, serving as a specialist, manager, and CSA for JAG in two states. I'm honored to contribute as a JAG... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Stopher
In this hands-on workshop, participants will dive into the Empowered platform to explore how experiential learning, AI technology, and real-world relevance come together to support powerful instruction. Led by the Empowered Training Team, this session will guide educators through how to access and apply our resource library, generate classroom-ready content using our custom AI tool, and design learning experiences that elevate student voice and ownership. Whether you're new to Empowered or ready to level up your practice, this session will leave you equipped and inspired to create engaging, student-centered classrooms.
After more than 20 years in the classroom, Jason now provides fellow educators with the encouragement, resources, and support needed to transform their classrooms and help their students find how they can create value in the real world. He is a firm believer in giving teachers ample... Read More →
Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on simulation that brings market concepts and Empowered Principles to life! In this session, you won’t just talk about trade—you’ll experience the real emotional and economic forces that drive it.
Through a series of engaging trading rounds, you’ll explore what happens when people are free to exchange, how value is created through cooperation, and why choice matters. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, deep insights, and a classroom-ready tool that gets students talking, thinking, and owning their learning.
JAG created a powerful set of competencies in the 1970’s, leading the way for workforce preparation. As JAG’s competencies turn 60 it’s a new moment to lead the way, updating the competencies to ensure the young people we serve are ready for our rapidly changing career landscape. This workshop will explore the current terrain of work, and the competencies that employers are asking us to help young people develop.
Discover how RiseUp Workshops empower specialists to transform student outcomes. Designed to celebrate their role, these workshops equip participants to create engaging, student-centered classrooms where learners take ownership and uncover their unique talents. State leaders will learn how RiseUp positions specialists as guides, enhancing both student impact and professional fulfillment. Our workshops are designed to explore our no-cost classroom resources and support, experience hands-on activities, and build stronger connections with fellow specialists. Hear firsthand from leaders and specialists who have participated in these transformative, in-person workshops and gain insight into how reimagining the classroom can drive lasting, positive change.
After more than 20 years in the classroom, Jason now provides fellow educators with the encouragement, resources, and support needed to transform their classrooms and help their students find how they can create value in the real world. He is a firm believer in giving teachers ample... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Carroll Fords
This engaging, hands-on session challenges the belief that leadership is only for a select few. “Lead Who? Lead YOU!” empowers participants to help students recognize and activate the leader within themselves. Through interactive role play, collaboration, and real-world leadership scenarios, attendees will gain tools to build student confidence, resolve conflict, and take initiative. The workshop highlights 21st-century workplace expectations and features replicable best practices from high-performing JAG programs. Participants will leave with cost-effective strategies, creative leadership activities, and handouts to support continued growth in and beyond the classroom. Walk away with renewed belief that every student—yes, even YOU—has leadership potential.
Community Relations Officer, Midwest, and North Carolina, Regions Bank
Nancy Barnes-Ault joined Regions in 2013 and heads community relations for the Midwest and North Carolina markets.Prior to joining Regions, Nancy was the Marketing Director for First Bank overseeing Missouri, Illinois, Florida, and California markets.Nancy has a passion for empowering... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Breathitt
