INDIANAPOLIS, IN – February 17, 2023 – Yesterday, over 100 Indianapolis high school juniors and seniors met at Martin University for the regional Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Career Development Conference. Each student utilized the employability skills they have learned in their JAG classrooms over the course of the past year, competing in challenges such as chapter marketing campaigns, launching entrepreneurship plans, providing creative solutions, demonstrating critical thinking and employability skills, and more.

JAG is preparing students for the workforce by introducing them to not only employability skills, but by introducing them to different industries, employers, and work experiences. 

“We are so proud of all the hard work our students have put into preparing for this day,” said Erika Cheney, Vice President of K-12 at EmployIndy. “JAG teaches students important career readiness skills that will help them succeed in the future.”

The Regional JAG Career Development Conference is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, with the top individual from each competition qualifying to attend the State JAG Career Development Conference taking place on March 17th at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center. In addition to recognizing these students’ successes, four individuals were nominated by their JAG Specialist as outstanding senior candidates, an award recognizing select high school seniors who have gone above and beyond in community involvement and are viewed as leaders among their peers. 

“I will continue and further motivate others to join JAG and pursue their dreams and goals for their time in high school and moving forward,” said Michaela Ingram, outstanding senior from Decatur Central High School. Ingram was named Region 12’s JAG Outstanding Senior for 2023 and will compete for the top honor against the other eleven workforce development regions in the State. 

This year’s keynote speaker, Marian University history professor and diversity and inclusion consultant, Evan Casey told students, “Don’t just accept what you have been told at face value. Dig, examine, investigate, challenge. That is what is at the heart of who we are historically as a nation and that is part of what JAG is trying to instill in you.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett inspired the young crowd with his remarks and took the time to greet students and congratulated every winner at this year’s award ceremony.

Special recognition to our Gold Level Sponsors, B&W Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains and PNC Bank. Thank you for your generous contribution and support of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program.