JVG Connection, April 2025

Starting next year, both Jobs for America's Graduates and Jobs for Virginia Graduates will increase their use of Headrush Learning, a platform that allows students and teachers to have a more project-based and collaborative learning environment. This website will allow our organization to better deliver resources and training to our specialists and to provide more engaging opportunities for our students.

The collaboration between the Headrush Learning platform and Jobs for America's Graduates will allow JVG to provide a space for specialists and students to collaborate with one another on project-based learning activities. It will also give our state staff the ability to post information about companies that are hiring in Virginia as well as contacts for local organizations that could partner with our schools. We are excited to begin preparing this space for our specialists and students!

For those who might be celebrating this weekend, the question is are we really going to dye eggs or have Easter egg hunts with the cost of eggs going through the roof? Maybe the Easter Bunny can do something to lower the price of eggs.

I wanted to share about an opportunity Courtney Clemons and I had to present at the first Virginia Workforce Symposium on April 15. There were over 250 workforce development professionals in attendance, and we engaged those who attended our workshop on everything JVG. This was a great opportunity to get the word out about what we do and the difference we’re making with students across the state. Participants saw value in partnering with us and viewed JVG as a strong resource for their organizations. Our presentation went a long way in helping us move away from being “the best kept secret” in Virginia. We’ll continue to seek out and engage all opportunities to help increase our visibility, impact, and success. If you would like a copy of our presentation, just let us know.

I'd like to also invite you to partner with us. You can visit a classroom, offer job shadowing and/or apprenticeships, have students visit your business on a field trip or become a sponsor. You can always reach me at antonio.rice@jobsforvagrads.org. Thank you.

Ashley is a 10th-grade student at Mountain View High School in Stafford County, and she is one of the original members of the Mountain View JVG program which started last year. Over the past two years Ashley has become a leader in the program and the school community. Ashley's JVG specialist says, "Ashley's positive attitude and commitment to the JVG program serve as a great example to our other JVG students, and we are very lucky to have her in our program."

In addition to JVG, Ashley is a very active member in Mountain View's Learn and Serve program where she volunteers her time to help various causes in Stafford County. In the past year she has been a part of river clean up efforts, assisted in food drives for the community, and planned events for students and staff, among many other great causes. JVG is glad to have Ashley as part of its program!

Mara Kennedy Pufko has been in education for over 30 years. Prior to becoming a JVG Specialist 6 years ago, she taught junior and senior English at the AP, remedial, co-taught, and college-bound levels. Currently Mara is the JVG Specialist and ISAEP/GED Coordinator at Burton Center for Arts and Technology in Roanoke County.

As JVG Specialist, Mara works with students in automotive, building trades, cosmetology, and welding trades programs helping them to develop the career skills needed to pursue professions in their industries. In addition to career skills programming and one-on-one/small group support, Mara has developed connections in the community that allow for students to put their skills into practice through Habitat for Humanity building projects; supported senior citizens through food drives benefitting League of Older Americans; partnered with RU Venture Lab and Junior Achievement to support networking opportunities for JVG students; and mentored students as they pursue CSA state officer positions and participate in JVG and JAG state and national competitions. “The best thing about being a JVG Specialist is witnessing the moments that the pieces all come together for students and they realize that they CAN. To be a part of helping them become self-aware, develop confidence, and put the puzzle pieces together is both satisfying and inspiring.”

April 24-27--JAG National Career Development Conference in Indianapolis

April 18--Barry Glenn Scholarship Application closes

April 30--2025-2026 Grant Applications close

July 14-18--JAG National Training Seminar in Louisville

We are currently building a database of organizations across Virginia as a placement resource for student job shadowing, volunteer service, and internship opportunities. Visit https://jobsforvagrads.org/partnerships/ for more information about how you can help!