Concordia's Keadan Kearn and Ryah Klima Qualify for JAG National Career Development Conference in Dallas

Two students from Concordia High School's Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) program have qualified for the National Career Development Conference in Dallas, Texas after they placed in the top three in the high school state Career Development Conference competitions on Tuesday, April 5th.

Ryah Klima placed 1st in the High School Prepared Speaking.  Klima, who serves as the 2021-2022 State Vice President, also finished 3rd in the High School T-Shirt Design competition.

Keadan Kearn placed 2nd overall in High School Employability Skills.

As a team, Concordia ended up in 2nd place.

The National Career Development Conference will be held May 5th through May 7th in Dallas, Texas.  The National Career Development Conference is the annual highlight providing an opportunity for all members to participate in general sessions, competitive events, educational workshops, leadership development training, and college and career exploration.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.  Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally accredited, evidence-based model.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 40 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, John Deere, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Stormont Vail Health, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation and Walmart.