Among the more than 400 Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) participants who visited the Kansas Statehouse as part of the JAG-K Day at the Capitol celebration on February 7th, there were three students from Garden City High School who participated.
Students from JAG-K programs across the state met with their local 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.
Students toured the Capitol building and observed both legislative bodies in session. For many, it was their first visit to the Statehouse.
“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 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.”
The Garden City High School JAG-K group had the pleasure to meet with Senator John Doll and Representative Dr. William Clifford. Our students enjoyed the time our legislators took to share their lives with our JAG-K students. Each program was able to take four students. The three that attended from Garden City were Yaritza Alvarado, Mia Terrazas-Juarez (Vice President), and Asia Unruh (President).
Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Last year more than 900 JAG-K participants graduated from high schools across the state.