Pictured above: JAG-K students and staff are recognized on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives during JAG-K Day at the Capitol on Feb. 8.

Events in Topeka Introduce Students to Government, College and Business Opportunties

Throughout the history of JAG-K, one of the highlights of each year has been JAG-K Day at the Capitol, which allows elected student officers from our programs across the state to learn about government and dialogue with elected officials. This year, more than 400 students and staff visited the Statehouse on Feb. 8 as part of this event.

Later in February, more than 170 seniors in JAG-K programs from 37 schools across Kansas participated in the first-ever Senior Days in Topeka, which not only brought them to the Statehouse, but also to Washburn University and to several Topeka-area businesses.

Civic awareness and leadership development are important aspects of the evidence-based JAG model. Thus, visits to the Capitol and introduction to government officials and the governing process are key experiences. Of course, career exploration is a primary element of the JAG-K program. Tours of a college like Washburn University increase students' awareness of a degree-granting institution. Industry visits also highlight some of the many opportunities available to students after high school. JAG-K wants our students to get a full view of their post-secondary options, whether they require a degree, certification, or on-the-job training.

For these reasons, the events of February were particularly exciting. Please read about both of these events by clicking the links to the stories below.

Chuck Knapp

JAG-K President and CEO

Gov. Kelly Receives JAG-K Champion Award

Gov. Laura Kelly was recently presented the JAG-K Champion award for her outstanding support of the program during her tenure in the Kansas Senate and as governor. For the past several years, Kelly has served as a member of the JAG National Board of Directors and has helped direct the growth of the program across Kansas.

Career Development Competitions Are Underway

Over the 10 years of the program, JAG-K students have achieved significant success in national competitions that test their career-readiness skills.

Those competitions are the culmination of a series of local competitions held across Kansas every February and March. These local competitions are designed to get as many students involved as possible in the competitions that include public speaking, financial literacy, a project-based learning showcase, and demonstration of ‘Employability Skills.’ Live presentations and projects are great simulations of real-world application. 

Winners of those school competitions are entered into regional competitions. Next up is a statewide competition, which will take place at McPherson College on March 22. And finally, those state winners will be rewarded with trip to National CDC in Orlando, Fla. in late April.

Watch for announcements of regional, state and national competitions in the coming months. 

Plumber Pat Grogan Featured on Espresso Yourself with Chuck

JAG-K Thanks Featured Sponsors for March