On February 11th, Lilliana Mendoza stood on stage in front of over 110 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students from 15 local high schools and 3 local middle schools as she was named JAG Indy’s Outstanding Senior at the 2025 Regional Career Development Conference (CDC), an annual career development competition where students can demonstrate the employability skills they have learned in their JAG classrooms over the course of the past year.  

For Mendoza, a senior at Arsenal Technical High School, caring for those in her community and prioritizing her education have been important values, instilled in her by her parents, that have helped her be an active leader in her JAG program. Nominated by her peers to serve as JAG student president, Mendoza logged 160 hours of volunteer work with Meals on Wheels during summer breaks.  

“JAG gives you a place to be your best,” said Mendoza when asked what made the program special. In addition to offering students career-connected learning experiences and opportunities to build their leadership and employability skills, JAG Indy utilizes “Specialists”, who are located full-time in participating schools, to support students with ongoing career guidance. 

After having doubts about which path to take after graduation, Mendoza sat down with her JAG Specialist at Arsenal Tech, Dejanae King, to identify her skills and interests that could lead to a rewarding career. Having cared for animals from a young age, they explored related career pathways, with Mendoza ultimately applying for and being accepted into Purdue University’s Pre-veterinary Medicine program.  

In addition to the support that JAG students receive from their Specialist while in high school, they also receive regular follow-ups after graduation. “My JAG Specialist is very supportive, and I think the check-ins will help keep me accountable as I pursue my degree,” said Mendoza.  

Being named the Outstanding Senior for region 12, Mendoza will move on to compete for the top honor against the other eleven workforce development regions at the JAG State Career Development Conference in March.  

JAG Indy is a state-affiliated program, based on a national model, that aims to keep young people in school through graduation and provide career-connected learning experiences that will lead to career advancement opportunities, or enrollment in a postsecondary institution that leads to a rewarding career. Having recently expanded with new programs at two Marion County high schools and six Marion County middle schools in 2024, JAG Indy programs boasted a 98% graduation rate as well as a 75% full-time positive outcome rate, with the latter highlighting the percentage of students that entered full-time employment and/or further education. 

Click here to check out the full list of winners from this year’s JAG Indy Regional Career Development Conference.