J4CG Makes History Again at the 2025 National Career Development Conference!
J4CG Makes History Again at the 2025 National Career Development Conference!
Indianapolis, IN – We are thrilled to announce that our Jobs for California Graduates (J4CG) team has once again earned national recognition at the 2025 National Career Development Conference (NCDC), the premier event for showcasing the leadership and employability skills of JAG youth from across the country.
Hosted by JAG National, this year’s conference brought students and educators together for a week of competition, networking, and inspiration.
An Unforgettable Experience
From reconnecting with Frida Medrano Ibarra, JAG National Career Association President, to exploring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and enjoying the local Zoo, the trip was packed with personal and professional growth opportunities for our students.
Why These Competitions Matter
The JAG National Career Association (JAG NCA) Competitive Events Program offers more than medals; it cultivates leadership, job readiness, and self-confidence by encouraging participants to:
• Demonstrate their skills learned through the J4CG program
• Compete in a market-driven setting
• Prepare for real-world careers
• Be recognized for their excellence
• Build lasting confidence
Award-Winning Performances
Alta Vista Innovation High School (AVIHS)
Specialist: Jazmin Calderon
• Jasmin Bello – 3rd Place, Career Preparation
Alta Vista Innovation High School (AVIHS)
Specialist: Carlos Narez
• Aleena Garcia – 2nd Place, Prepared Speaking
• Darren Larson – 3rd Place, Employability Skills
Assurance Learning Academy (ALA)
Specialist: Nancy Esqueda
• Benjamin Calderon – 2nd Place, Employability Skills
• Sariah Johnson – 4th Place, Employability Skills
San Diego Workforce Innovation High School (SDWIHS)
Specialist: Michael Cruz
• Natalia Jimenez – 1st Place, Career Preparation
• Keiyana Harris – 2nd Place, Career Preparation
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
• All JAG Specialists, for their tireless mentoring, leadership, and unwavering commitment to guiding our students to success.
• Craig Beswick, Vice President, for championing the California Career Development Conference (CA CDC) an essential steppingstone that allows our students to shine on the national stage.
• The Workforce Pathways, Department of Labor, for nearly four years of generous funding, which has made it possible for J4CG to participate in life-changing events at both the state and national level.
We’ve Done It Again
Once was amazing, but twice is legendary. Our students have once again proven that with passion, purpose, and preparation, there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Congratulations to all of our JAG Specialists, JAG students, and the entire J4CG family on another history-making moment!
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Jobs 4 California Graduates (J4CG) is a state-based non-profit organization dedicated to keeping young people in school, who for a variety of reasons are at-risk for not graduating high school.
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