FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, 605-773-7228, or Ruth Raveling, 605-773-2593

JAG-SD students to attend Career Development Conference

PIERRE, S.D. — An anticipated 150 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates-South Dakota (JAG-SD) will attend the 2023 JAG-SD Career Development Conference March 7 on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell.

Students from 11 JAG-SD programs will compete in six events: Employability Skills, Financial Literacy, Knowledge Bowl, Prepared Speaking, Project-Based Learning, and Middle School Career Exploration.

“These competitive events are designed to showcase the skills students learn throughout the JAG program,” said Beth Schneider, JAG-SD state director. “For example, students who compete in Employability Skills vie for a fictitious job using their real skills, like completing an application, preparing a cover letter and resume, and interviewing.”

In addition to the competition, students will tour the DWU campus, participate in small-group workshops highlighting campus programs, and hear from JAG-SD alumni.

Highlights of this year’s closing ceremony will include the announcement of the inaugural JAG-SD state officers, as well as an awards ceremony announcing competitive event winners, who will advance to the JAG National Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, April 20-22.

JAG-SD currently operates 11 programs across the state at Andes Central High School and Middle School, Lake Andes; Bennett County High School, Martin; Lyman High School, Presho; Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Washington high schools, Sioux Falls; Todd County High School, Mission; and Wagner High School and Middle School, Wagner.

JAG is a leadership development and career exploration program for middle and high school students, with more than 300 student members in South Dakota and 68,000 members nationally. To learn more about starting a JAG program for school year 2023-24, please contact JAG-SD State Director Beth Schneider by April 28. 

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