Program delivers tailored mentorship and enrichment activities to support student success

University of Phoenix is proud to share its ongoing commitment to supporting Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) by sponsoring their annual educational trip to Washington, D.C. The sponsored trip, organized by JAG, offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the nation's capital, fostering civic engagement, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of government operations. The Washington, D.C. trip is one component of the University-sponsored mentoring program, JAG LEADS, which has been providing guidance and support to high school students since 2016.

A student from the mentoring program, Jenna Flores, shared her experience, stating, "The mentoring program has been instrumental in my personal and academic growth. The support I've received over the years has been invaluable, opening my eyes to new possibilities and giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for this opportunity."

The JAG LEADS mentoring program, a longstanding collaboration between the University and Jobs for Arizona Graduates, connects University of Phoenix mentors with high school students enrolled in the program, providing monthly workshops to the students, 1:1 mentorship on academic and career development. Mentors help guide, encourage, and support the students as they prepare to transition from high school and pursue their educational and career goals.

University of Phoenix Vice President of Prospect Experiences and JAG program mentor, Vikki Nowak, says her experience in the program has been inspiring and motivational. “I had the opportunity to attend a JAG moving-up ceremony yesterday, where my mentee, Trevion Turman, led the event as the President-Elect for JAG Leads. Student speakers shared their transformative JAG experiences, with Tre orchestrating the hour-long event in front of over 200 participants. Each mentoring session with my mentee leaves me not only impressed but also inspired to improve myself.”

Leadership at Jobs for Arizona Graduates also expressed their appreciation for the enduring partnership with University of Phoenix. Marjorie DeRubeis, JAG President and CEO, remarked, "We are grateful for the continuing commitment that University of Phoenix has shown to the future success of our students. This ongoing collaboration continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers."

The University of Phoenix-sponsored mentoring program is a natural extension of the University’s deep-rooted commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This commitment is evident through philanthropic efforts and community-focused initiatives that prioritize education, advocate for social justice, and champion philanthropy with a career support focus. This ethos forms an integral part of the University's dedication to fostering a culture of community involvement, empowering faculty and staff to volunteer with organizations such as the Arizona Foundation for Women, Jobs for the Future, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Give an Hour, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. These partnerships underscore the university's commitment to uplifting underserved communities and fostering equitable conditions.

About Jobs for Arizona Graduates

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) is a leader in education and workforce development, boasting over 40 years of empowering Arizona's youth. With a mission to increase high school graduation rates and postsecondary engagement for low-income and first-generation youth, JAG has achieved an impressive 99% high school graduation rate. Additionally, their post-secondary enrollment rate of 65% surpasses the state average, actively contributing to Arizona's Achieve60 post-secondary education goal. As a proud affiliate of Jobs for America's Graduates, JAG is part of a national organization serving 78,000 students annually and is committed to fostering a skilled workforce for the growth and stability of Arizona's economy.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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