May 5, 2026 | By E’Lyric Christopher, Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Every year, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) hosts the National Career Development Conference (NCDC), one of the most prestigious youth career development events in the country.

The annual event is built around three core pillars — Confidence, Competencies, and Connections. The NCDC brings together student members from across the nation to compete in professional events, participate in leadership workshops, explore college and career pathways, and network with peers, executives, and industry leaders.

The 2026 conference took place April 30 – May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This year, three of our Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) students earned their place on that national stage:

Glenville High School — Melina (Financial Literacy)
John Marshall School of Civic & Business Leadership — Enock (Employability Skills), Nevaeh (Prepared Speaking)
Accompanied by: Senior Career Specialist Instructors Vanessa Ackley and Yolanda Veasey

To compete at NCDC, our students first placed at the Youth Career Olympics in March. Select winners were given the opportunity to compete at the national level. The goal is to perform at the highest level and use competition as fuel for becoming the best version of themselves. Our three students embraced that challenge.

"I'm most looking forward to being changed by this trip," said Melina, a junior at Glenville High School.

That statement set the tone for everything that followed.

Before the Trip — What Were They Looking Forward To?

Before departing, the students were asked what they were most looking forward to. Their responses revealed both intention and authenticity.

One student entered the experience with a growth-oriented perspective:

“Whether it's by the people I meet, the challenges I face, or career opportunities later down the line, I see it all as an opportunity to grow regardless of the outcome,” Melina said.

This mindset reflects exactly what JAG aims to cultivate.

The students mentioned looking forward to the food, excitement about meeting new people and making connections, and also "some chicken to eat on the way."

Together, these perspectives highlight the full experience, both meaningful and human. Growth and joy, ambition and simplicity, all in one.

The Village Behind Y.O.U. — Who Showed Up for Our Students?

Behind every student who competes at the national level is a strong support system. When asked who supported them most, the answers reflected the power of community.

"I can't rule out any single individual because a mass amount of people at my high school, Glenville students and teachers, have been by my side,” Melina added. “They tell me to do my best, stay consistent and make the most of the opportunity, you are capable of so much. They tell me to do well because they genuinely wish it for me.”

Enock, a senior at John Marshall School of Civic & Business Leadership, mentioned his JOG Career Specialist Instructor, Ms. Ackley.

"She supported me throughout the whole way, giving me guidance on having a professional attitude and being respectful of everyone we meet. And to GNAP," Enock added. JOG students are taught GNAP when meeting someone, which stands for Greeting, Name, Association and Purpose.

These reflections reinforce a simple truth: success is not achieved alone, it is supported, encouraged, and sustained by a collective effort.

What It Means — Representing Cleveland on the National Stage

We asked our students what it meant to represent their schools and community on a national stage. Each response carried a unique sense of purpose.

"It means being a force able to help better unfortunate circumstances. Representing at these levels means I have the chance to influence anyone at schools, in the communities, in the states, or in nations," Melina commented. Melina especially represented her state as she was also a member of the Ohio delegate for the conference.

This perspective reflects a deep understanding of leadership and impact.

For another student, the meaning was more personal:

"It means my hard work was seen and now it can be seen by all, everyone can hear my story and understand me truly," said Nevaeh, a senior at John Marshall School of Civic & Business Leadership.

This highlights the importance of visibility, not just competing, but being seen and understood.

For Enock, the opportunity “means almost everything.” Representing home was both an honor and a responsibility, and one that was met with pride.

At the Conference — The Real Experience

Walking into a national conference for the first time can be overwhelming. The scale is larger, the competition is stronger, and the expectations are higher.

One student described the atmosphere as “high-energy.” While initially intimidating, they chose to channel that energy into focus and performance. Others shared similar experiences:

"I got to know many people and network with others. I met many nice people, and the atmosphere was very professional," Nevaeh said.

“The atmosphere was friendly, felt like family. Every student was a new connection and a new leader I was talking to," Enock added.

CEO of JAG Janelle Duray and JOG student Enock

Each student faced the same environment, the same nerves, and made the same choice — to lean into the experience.

A standout moment for Enock came when he met the CEO of JAG, Janelle Duray.

"She gave great advice."

That interaction led to a deeper realization:

"I felt proud because I met leaders and CEOs who were doing the same thing as me in fields of AI."

Moments like these, where students see themselves reflected in leadership are transformative and lasting.

Challenges, Growth, and Resilience

Not every moment went as planned, and that became part of the learning experience.

One student encountered test anxiety for the first time. Rather than disengage, they worked through the challenge, focusing on what they knew and pushing forward.

Another student shared a more emotional moment:

"To be honest, I cried after I knew I had messed up." said Nevaeh.

However, she did not remain in that moment. She sought support, processed her emotions, and continued. That is not failure it is resilience in real time.

"With or without placing how I want to, I did me and that makes me happier than getting first place could ever do." commented Melina.

Beyond the Competition

For one student, this experience marked their first time traveling out of state. What stood out most was not just the destination, but the people.

"It's the people that make a place amazing to be." said Melina.

The relationships formed, the conversations shared, and the exposure to new environments created a lasting impact.

Another student described the experience as their first true business trip an opportunity to hold themselves to a higher professional standard and grow from it.

Advice for Future Students

When asked what advice they would give to future participants, their message was clear — participate with confidence.

"Make the most of the opportunity in front of you. If you have an idea or a thought, put it into action. Fully understand the weight and life-changing effects this opportunity can bring," said Melina.

This experience extended far beyond competition. It was about growth, exposure, resilience, and stepping into new environments with confidence.

Our students represented JOG with authenticity, determination, and purpose and returned with something far more valuable than recognition.

They returned transformed.

Beyond Cleveland: Our Students Take on Nationals