JAGNewJersey

🏆 NJCDC 2026 Competitive Events Winners: Part 1 of 3 🏆

The New Jersey Career Development Conference brought together talented students from across the state to showcase their skills, creativity, and leadership through a variety of competitive events.

Today, we're proud to recognize the winners of:
📸 Photo Contest
🎤 Presentation Contest
🎬 Video Contest
🎨 Chapter Banner

Congratulations to each Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist for their hard work and outstanding achievements. Your dedication and professionalism continue to demonstrate what it means to be Workforce Ready.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible students and their schools!

Be sure to follow along as we release Parts 2 and 3, highlighting additional NJCDC 2026 competition winners.

🍎 Celebrating excellence in education!

Congratulations to JAG NJ Specialist Juan Izaguirre on being named Passaic High School Teacher of the Year, recognized as a 2025–2026 Passaic County Teacher of the Year recipient, and receiving the Golden Apple Award for going above and beyond for students, staff, and the entire school community.

Your dedication to empowering young people and creating opportunities for success does not go unnoticed. We are proud to have you as part of the JAG NJ family! 👏

🎶 From Plainfield to the national stage!

Shane S. R., a proud three-year JAG student from Plainfield, NJ, was selected as 1 of only 6 students in the entire country to collaborate with Emmy-nominated artist Alexander Star to write, record, and produce a brand-new national anthem for Jobs for America’s Graduates.

During the National Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City, Shane helped bring this song to life in just two days—an anthem that will now be featured by JAG programs across the nation.

A true creative force, Shane’s talents span music production, fashion design, styling, and video editing. After high school, he plans to study marketing while continuing to grow his music brand and help companies through creative marketing and production.

The future is bright, Shane—we can’t wait to see what’s next! 🌟

This summer is full of goals, opportunities, and exciting experiences for Wendy Mays! ☀️

From taking ASP health science courses for college and working, to volunteering, traveling with family, and saving money, Wendy is balancing preparation for the future with making lasting memories along the way.

JAG students across New Jersey continue to demonstrate dedication, ambition, and a commitment to personal growth both inside and outside the classroom.

We are excited to spotlight another outstanding JAG student and the meaningful work he will be doing this summer! 👏

“My Summer plans are to continue working at the Weequahic Golf Course as a youth coach, work for the City of Newark Summer Youth Employment Program, and prepare for college and campus life at Princeton University.”

JAG students continue to lead through service, mentorship, and career development opportunities while preparing for success in college and beyond.

We are proud to celebrate this JAG student from Shabazz High School and the exciting opportunities ahead this summer! 👏

“My Summer plans are to continue my studies at Stanford University and play football as a wide receiver and running back.”

JAG students are proving that dedication, hard work, and determination can open doors to incredible academic and athletic opportunities.

JAG students are continuing to grow their skills beyond the classroom this summer! 👏

“This summer, I will complete an internship with S.O.A.R Hospitality and Travel, where I’ll showcase the skills I’ve developed over the past 12 weeks.”

Through hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities, students are preparing for bright futures and building confidence in professional environments. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and next steps!

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we are celebrating the incredible JAG New Jersey Specialists who go above and beyond every day to support, mentor, and inspire our students. 🍎✨

Through their dedication, guidance, and belief in every student’s potential, our Specialists help empower young people to build confidence, develop career readiness skills, and create pathways toward successful futures.

Thank you for the lasting impact you make in classrooms, schools, and communities across New Jersey. Your commitment changes lives. ❤️

During AAPI Heritage Month, JAG New Jersey recognizes the achievements, influence, and cultural impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across our nation and beyond.

This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the important role AAPI individuals have played in shaping our communities, industries, and future generations. We remain committed to fostering environments where all students feel supported, respected, and empowered to pursue success.

We are proud to stand alongside and honor the many voices and stories that continue to make a difference every day.

As part of our Gold Sponsor Spotlight Series, we are proud to highlight the PSEG Foundation.

Their commitment to investing in communities and developing tomorrow’s workforce makes a meaningful impact across New Jersey. Through their partnership with JAG New Jersey, students are gaining the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in their future careers.

We are grateful for their continued support and shared commitment to student success.