
Meet JAg CA
JAG California (JAG CA)
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Who We Are
JAG California (JAG CA) is the state of California’s JAG program. JAG CA is affiliated with and has oversight by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), which is a nationwide non-profit that is active in over 36 states, serving 79,228 students in 1,528 programs. JAG has been changing lives for 43 years and helped more than 1.7 million students.
JAG CA is unique, as it uses an exceptional resiliency building, school-to-work and college transition model that addresses trauma and is a TREC accredited social service agency. In support of TREC outreach, JAG CA works closely with JAG National and has helped to infuse curricula with TREC disciplines, has educated and trained JAG National Instructors on trauma and resiliency practices and provided JAG Specialists/Teachers with Professional Development workshops focused on addressing trauma and helping students to build resiliency.
In addition, JAG CA works in partnership with like-minded schools, businesses, community leaders and organizations throughout the state of California that are dedicated to preventing at-promise high school students with barriers from dropping out of school and transitioning them successfully into their “next steps” after graduation.
Leadership & Staff


Craig Beswick
Vice President


Claudia Blidaru
JAG CA Coordinator


Heidi Crowder
JAG CA Project Manager


Nevin Newell
Director of Workforce Programs


Carlos Narez
JAG Specialist - Alta Vista Innovation High School


Carolina Pinto
JAG Specialist - Alta Vista Innovation High School

Chloe Sauls
JAG Specialist - Diego Valley East Public Charter School


Diana Castro
JAG Specialist - Vista Norte Public Charter School


Jazmin Calderon
JAG Specialist - Vista Norte Public Charter School

John Woodcock
JAG Specialist – Alta Vista Innovation High School


Lisa Harrison
JAG Specialist - Assurance Learning Academy


Luis Gomez
JAG Specialist - San Diego Workforce Innovation High School


MaryLen Williams
JAG Specialist – San Diego Workforce Innovation High School


Mayra Perez Herrera
JAG Specialist - Assurance Learning Academy


Michael Cruz
JAG Specialist – San Diego Workforce Innovation High School

Nancy Esqueda
JAG Specialist - Assurance Learning Academy

Nicole Vega
JAG Specialists – San Gorgonio High School


Zenaida Alcantar
JAG Specialist – Mission Academy
Be a Difference Maker
Join us in our mission of helping young people stay in school and acquire the academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they need to be successful upon graduation.Get Involved