S P E C I A L E D I T I O N
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS O F H E L P I N G S T U D E N T S A C H I E V E A C A D E M I C , C A R E E R , S O C I A L , A N D P E R S O N A L S U C C E S S !
1 9 7 8 - 2 0 1 8 MEET OUR BOARD
Mike Ratchford, Chair W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc. Ed Capodanno, Vice Chair Associated Builders and Contractors Rachel Anderson Delaware Technical & Community College Steve Baccino Pepco Holdings, Inc. Dusty Blakey, Ed.D. Colonial School District Michael Boyle J.P. Morgan Chase Bob Chadwick New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Heath Chasanov Woodbridge School District James DeChene Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Joseph Divis AT&T Services Inc. Betsy Gibb Bank of America Denise Seastone Kraft, Esq. DLA Piper Sean Montgomery Integrity Staffing Solutions Inc. Nello Paoli Preferred Electic, Inc. Nicole Poore Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc. Cathy Rossi, APR AAA Mid-Atlantic David Sheppard, Esq. Thurgood Marshall College Fund Dr. Kenneth Silverstein Christiana Care Health System Pedro Viera PNC Bank
A Note From our President:
It truly is an honor to lead Jobs for Delaware Graduates into our 40th year of providing critical services to at-risk students throughout Delaware. In celebration of this achievement, we honor the team members who, over the years, have shaped the organization into what it is today. We have had and continue to have staff that is focused on the needs of our students and dedicated to working as a team to move the needle throughout Delaware. We celebrate the relationships we have built with our partners in the community and above all, we celebrate the past, current, and future students enrolled in our programs. We are honored to be part of their success and wish them a bright future.
Nicole Poore, President JOBS FOR DELAWARE GRADUATES, INC. (JDG)
HEADQUARTERS 381 W. North Street Dover, DE 19904 Phone: (302) 734-9341 Fax: (302) 734-4912
WILMINGTON OFFICE Community Service Building 100 W 10th Street| #106 Wilmington, DE 19801
www.jobsdegrads.org
CELEBRATING40 YEARS OF HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE SUCCESS
About JDG TABLE OF CONTENTS Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) was designed in 1978 by five working groups in Delaware, drawn from business, 4 Program Information education, workforce, labor union, and community leadership. The purpose of the organization was to 8 Outcomes simultaneously address Delaware’s unemployment and dropout rates by preparing high school seniors with 9 Curriculum significant barriers, to transition from school to work. 10 Partners Four decades later, more than 65,000 young people have participated in JDG programs throughout the state, and 12 Milestones more than 250 employers rely on Jobs for Delaware Alumni Recognition Graduates for producing enthusiastic, well-prepared, and 14 effective employees. The Secret Ingredients to Program Success.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) According to the 2017-2018 data, our As our seniors prepare for is an approved Delaware student's top five barriers to success college, trade school or Department of Education Career include: employment, our 11th-grade Pathway. Our program served Lack of occupational skills students are engaged in entry- students in 23 high schools and 9 Low income level jobs, volunteerism, or middle schools throughout Absenteeism & misconduct internship opportunities where Delaware. Our programs offer a Low academic performance they can apply the job comprehensive curriculum, Disabilities readiness skills acquired in designed to help each participant grades 9 and 10. develop their individual skill set To ensure participants receive the and knowledge base. proper support, our staff develops During the 2017-2018 academic Individual Service Strategies (ISS) year, JDG instructed a total of HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS with students that enable them to set 2,389 high school students, Our mission is to enable students their personal, academic, and career covering topics from personal to achieve academic, career, goals. Using the ISS, our staff grooming and conflict personal and social success. JDG monitors each student's progress resolution to teamwork, works with at-risk youth who face towards achieving their goals and workplace math, money substantial barriers in an effort to provides an additional 12 months of management, increase their chances of follow-up services to all 12th-grade entrepreneurship, and graduation and employment. graduates. occupational preferences.
Page 4 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Our Middle School Program has a Students in Action Club, which is a student-run organization linked to the Jefferson Awards Foundation and focuses on recognizing leadership and implementing community service activities.
This year, JDG also hosted four College & Career Fairs (Caesar Rodney, McKean, Newark, and William Penn); brought 130 middle school students to Delaware Technical Community College for the Annual College & The Delaware Career Association MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS Career Conference; and attended (DCA) is a student-led association The primary mission of the Jobs Legislative Day, where the DCA designed to develop, practice and for Delaware Graduates Middle State Officers were greeted by refine critical skills delivered in the School Program is to help 6th to State Senators and classroom. Each high school 8th-grade students transition Representatives. program has a DCA chapter, which more successfully from middle elects officers to represent their grades to high school. Specialists school and coordinate development provide an array of counseling, and service activities with the skills development, career GOAL community. association, and practical learning experiences that will Our ultimate goal is During the fall, the DCA hosts an improve participating students’ for participants to Annual Leadership Conference in academic performance, school receive a high Dover, where more than 230 behavior, attendance, students unite for leadership confidence, participation, and school diploma, training and elect State Officers to self-esteem. This year, JDG secure a quality represent Jobs for Delaware served a total of 3,396 middle entry-level job in Graduates on the state and national school students state-wide. the workforce, level. pursue a As true advocates who are postsecondary In the spring, the DCA hosts the dedicated to improving the Annual Competitive Events which academic and employment education, enlist in gives high school participants a success rates of student the military, and/or platform to enhance and showcase participants, Jobs for Delaware seek career their job readiness skills. The top Graduates provides valuable advancement competitors are recognized at our experiential learning opportunities. Annual Awards Luncheon. opportunities for each student. Source: JAG 2016-2017 Annual Report Source: JAG
Page 5 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Students at Newark High School Students at Milford Central Academy being honored by Mayor Bryan Shupe learn about archiving through and the Jefferson Awards Foundation for their outstanding community service at the Colonial Swedes. service efforts.
STUDENTS W H O C A R E
JDG inspires participants to School, Delmar High School, become involved in the world Positive Outcomes Charter, Newark around them. Our community- High School, and all nine JDG based learning activities are middle school programs were designed to encourage honored by the Jefferson Awards involvement, citizenship and for their meaningful public service. 2017-2018 DCA State Historian responsibility through service Mayor Bryan Shupe (Milford), Mayor transporting goods for the Sunday learning projects, volunteerism, Robin Christiansen (Dover), Mayor Breakfast Mission. fundraising, job shadowing, and Mike Purzycki (City of Wilmington), other techniques. and City Council President Hanifa Shabazz' also recognized our Over the four years, JDG students students for their outstanding have completed more than community service efforts. 10, 500 hours of service at local parks, food banks, and non-profit organizations throughout the state. Our thriving partnership with the Jefferson Awards Foundation helps us to recognize and celebrate dynamic agents of change. Middle school students cleaning up Students from A. I. duPont High School at Brandywine State Park. Students at A. I. duPont High promoting their "Give Love, Get love" School, Casear Rodney High social awareness campaign.
Page 6 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Specialist Cathy Kemp being recognized by the Caesar Rodney School Specialist Brandon Furrowh as Red Board for being chosen as the Delaware Career Association (DCA) Advisor Clay School District's New Teacher of the Year and Jobs for America’s Graduates Outstanding Specialist. of the Month for November 2017.
TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE
JDG Specialists work tirelessly to Our team of dedicated Career help students realize their value Placement Advisors (CPAs) acts and ability to do amazing things. as an additional layer of support Our certified Classroom for youth as they prepare to Specialists provide individual and transition into adulthood. group instruction through competency-based curriculum CPAs visit our high school that prepares students in more programs to offer insight into Specialist Patricia Selby being than 37 employability areas. different career fields, provide recognized by the Jefferson Awards mentoring; assistance with Foundation as SIA Advisor of the Year! Our Classroom Specialists are employment or education committed to helping students applications, leads on internships secure career advancing and job shadowing employment and/or post- opportunities, and a menu of secondary education. When supportive services to help needed, they provide individual students mitigate barriers along attention to help students the way. More importantly, our overcome barriers that may CPAs complete a minimum of 12 prevent them from taking months of follow-up services with advantage of their education, graduates post-high school. They completing school requirements, are an extended resource for securing employment and/or students that increases their rate Specialist Jim Schulte receiving the pursuing post-secondary of success. "High Performer Award" from Jobs education. for America's Graduates.
Page 7 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Jobs for Delaware Graduates Performance Outcomes
JDG programs are student-focused and data-driven. Through Jobs for America's Graduates' Electronic National Data Management System (e-NDMS), we are able to track our impact and identify strategies that will lead to future success.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates' performance outcomes for classes 2015-2018.
UPWARD & ONWARD
Students who participate in Jobs for Delaware Graduates receive the support they need to help them succeed beyond high school. During the 2017-2018 academic school year, JDG participants reported more than 1 million dollars in scholarships offered. The list includes:
Scholarship Foundations Institutional Awards Bill Taylor Memorial Curry College Brandon Wingo Memorial Delaware State University Diana Leitch Memorial Frostburg State University $1,207,177$1,207,177 Culinary Arts Goldey Beacom College Donald L. Gillis Pittsburgh Technical College OFFERED IN SCHOLARSHIPS Howard High School Alumni Rutgers University TO THE CLASS OF 2017-2018 Association University of Delaware Inspire Wesley College Ryan K. Bradford Scholarship S.E.E.D. Scholarship $1,207,177 Page 8 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Career Pathway JDG IS RECOGNIZED AS AN APPROVED CAREER PATHWAY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
G R A D E 7 G R A D E 8 G R A D E 9 Communication Dreamwork Study Skills Organizational Skills Lifestyles Goal Planning Study Skills Budgeting Personal Grooming Decision Making Negotiations Decision Making Team Building Career-based Learning Career Pathways Character Leadership Coping with Change Development Development Image Assessment Self-Understanding High School Transition Life Skills Math Healthy Choices Career Builders Conflict Resolution Independent Living Independent Living Group Dynamics Leadership Healthy Choices Entrepreneurship I Study Skills
G R A D E 1 0 G R A D E 1 1 G R A D E 1 2 Problem Solving Career Vocabulary Organization Career Goals Sources of Jobs Time Management Delaware Scholarship Critical Thinking Career Attire Programs Listening Skills Cover Letters & Letters Courtesy & Respect Telephone Skills of Resignation Teamwork Personal Budgeting Job Survival Workplace Math Verbal Presentations Business Etiquette Leadership Career Spotlight Resumes & References Money Management Constructive Criticism Employment Job Applications Professional Ethics Interviews Customer Service Stress Management Performance Workplace Diversity Entrepreneurship III Evaluations Insurance Delaware Scholarship Pay & Benefits Entrepreneurship II Programs Employee Rights Financial Planning Entrepreneurship IV
Page 9 | 2017-2018 Annual Report PARTNERS WHO BELIEVE Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc. thrives on the support of our partners to increase exposure, access, and opportunities for student participants. We are grateful for the relationships we've built over the years and look forward to reaching new milestones with some of Delaware's finest businesses and institutions:
AT&T Through our partnership with AT&T and the Aspire Program, students have the opportunity to learn about career pathways and how life in the classroom translates to life with a career. Students get to visit local AT&T stores to meet with employees and try new technology.
BLOOM ENERGY Bloom Energy welcomes JDG participants and staff to tour their state-of-the-art facility and expose students to careers in manufacturing. In development, we are working towards an internship program for 2019.
CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM DELAWARE TECHNICAL Our partners at Christiana Care Health System have been & COMMUNITY COLLEGE essential in helping JDG to develop an effective model Our thriving relationship with Delaware that supports internships and co-op opportunities for Technical Community College has allowed JDG high school students. With help from Christiana Care, we to introduce college in an exciting way for have provided training for a number of students in middle school students. Each year, our middle Culinary Arts and are expanding to offer three school programs visit a DTCC campus for hands- consecutive 8-week internships in various areas on experiential learning that highlights the throughout the Christiana Health Care System. benefits of higher education.
Page 10 | 2017-2018 Annual Report GOODWILL, INDUSTRIES
Our partners at the Goodwill play a critical role providing paid student internships for JDG participants. The Goodwill has also been a host for our growing internship program.
INTEGRITY STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC. As a partner in job placement, Integrity Staffing provides JDG with classroom supplies and welcomes JDG students for internship opportunities at their Newark location.
JEFFERSON AWARDS FOUNDATION Our partnership with the Jefferson Awards Foundation creates a solid platform for students to become involved and celebrated for their citizenship. Each year, JDG strives to reach new heights in giving and making a difference in our local community.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT Junior Achievement welcomes JDG participants to their campus for experiential learning activities around entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness.
WELLS FARGO Our partners at Wells Fargo visit classrooms to discuss and provide training to our staff on financial literacy. They also regularly attend our College & Career Fairs to speak with students on careers in the banking world. DEL-ONE CREDIT UNION Del One Credit Union works with JDG to improve classroom content around WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY financial literacy, banking, and more. Our collaboration with Wilmington University will allow Del-One also provides professional JDG high school students to complete courses that offer development opportunities for our staff. certification and/or college credits upon completion.
Page 11 | 2017-2018 Annual Report JOBS FOR DELAWARE GRADUATES MILESTONES
Jobs for Delaware Graduates was created, under 1978 the leadership of Governor Pete du Pont, to prepare highly at-risk high school seniors to transition from school to work.
Jobs for America's Graduates was established to 1980 serve at-risk seniors and provide one year of follow up services.
School personnel and the Delaware Private 1989 Industry Council encouraged JDG to expand the program to include students in grades 9 - 11.
1992 Jobs for Delaware Graduates piloted a five-year program for students in grades 9 through 12 that included a year of work placement and training after graduation.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates partnered with the 2005 Department of Labor for an out-of-school youth program in Kent & Sussex counties.
MIDDLE SCHOOL Jobs for Delaware Graduates piloted a program PROGRAMS 2010 for middle schools to provided leadership skills for students in grade 7 and 8.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates expanded to 2015 provide services in Vocational Technical High School.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates celebrates 40 years 2018 of helping student achieve academic, career, personal, and social success.
Page 12 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Celebrating Forty years of helping students achieve success!
We are excited to celebrate 40 years of helping students achieve academic, career, personal, and social success. We are proud of the impact JDG has had on thousands of students throughout Delaware since 1978.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc. (JDG) began as part of a pilot program to provide at-risk youth with the support, resources,40 and access they needed to transition from classrooms to careers. Forty years later, the JDG model has been duplicated in over 34 states to assist youth and their families across the nation. JDG continues its commitment to delivering quality programming, drop-out prevention, and career readiness solutions to each participant.
We are dedicating this issue to the students who have brought meaning to our mission. JDG ALUMNI RECOGNITION JDG 40 IN 40
From dynamic students to passionate professionals, Jobs for Delaware Graduates is proud to celebrate forty students who have brought meaning to our mission.
Kyla Bibbins I was so proud that I got in front of a group of my peers and Class of 2009 persuaded them to vote for me, Smyrna High School and it worked! After participating in What is your current several public profession? I'm currently a Radio What is a valuable lesson you speaking events Personality at WZEB-FM Power learned through Jobs for during my years in 101.7. Delaware Graduates? While in JDG I realized that I JDG, I learned that sometimes the actually enjoyed What drew you to your career? only way to progress, grow or What do you enjoy most about change is to step out side of your public speaking. what you do? After participating comfort zone and try something in several public speaking events new. For example, while in high during my years in JDG I realized school I was shy but I had to get that I actually enjoyed public over being shy in order to speaking. I used to be nervous to accomplish my goal of being a speak in front of large groups but professional radio personality. I'm after getting over my nerves I thankful that I was exposed to this Daniel Walker realized that I loved using my important life lesson as a high Class of 2010 voice to connect with people. school student while I was in Jobs Dover High School for Delaware Graduates. Daniel was born and raised in What is a proud Delaware and currently lives in the accomplishment you’d like to city of Wilmington. His passion for share? I'm a proud college education and community graduate and I'm proud of my engagement comes from his professional accomplishments. I experience and childhood, which included a high-quality education will never forget the first time I system that allowed him to be the won State Secretary when I was in first person in his family to JDG as a junior. graduate from college.
Page 14 | 2017-2018 Annual Report David Yonker Class of 1989 Smyrna High School
A Letter from Mr. Yonker:
I have had many experiences since graduating from High School , some good and some bad but at the end of the day, each experience was a lesson learned and another milestone which guided me to where I am today. Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG), is a program in which I Daniel Walker, Class of 2010, enjoys a career as the State Outreach Manager participated during my senior for DelawareCAN: The Delaware Campaign for Achievement Now. year of high school and is a program which I believe in What drew you to your career? What is a proud because it helps students who What do you enjoy most about accomplishment you’d like to are not sure of which direction what you do? share? they are going to take, build a Representation. After seeing Graduating college. I was the first foundation on which to grow. the nation vote in our first one in my immediate family to person of color as President I get a college degree, but it did To students getting ready to knew I could do more than not stop there. I went on to join the work force, I would become a corporate litigator. I pursue a masters in public like to advise them that any wanted to make an impact in administration degree from job is a good job and to never the communities where I grew Wilmington University. be ashamed to work at a place up. That is why I love my job. I that is " below you," you may have the unique opportunity to What is a valuable lesson you not like working in a fast food assist others in utilizing their learned through Jobs for place or might even feel a little voice to transform the Delaware Graduates? embarrassed because of how education system into one that Preparation is key. Jobs for fast food employees are serves ALL students. I am able to Delaware Graduates' stereotyped and stigmatized bring my passion for education commitment to but that very job and the reform, public policy, and professionalism and training experience which you acquire community engagement to the outline the enormous amount of will help you in the long run forefront. I value the work that goes into navigating because it will establish a opportunity to help others the job arena and excelling solid and consistent work create conditions of success. professionally. (continued on page 17)
Page 15 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Diana Wilson Class of 2014 Smyrna High School Former Chapter Officer
What is your current profession or if you are in school, program of study? I am the founder of Yielding Accomplished African Women (Yaa W.): Ghana’s first finance and technology talent accelerator for women. Also, I am an incoming Associate Product Marketing What is a proud and fellowships before the boot Manager at Google. I recently accomplishment you’d like to camp was even over. This small graduated from the University of share? I went to Ghana on a study investment I have helped to Virginia with a dual degree in abroad through my university. establish is my greatest Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies The purpose of our studies was to accomplishment because it takes and Sociology. learn how business works in me beyond myself. With this Ghana. We ventured to some of amazing opportunity I have been the top international and local able to enlighten a few that will What drew you to your Ghanaian firms in finance, inevitably impact the lives of career/program? What do you technology, social impact, etc. many. enjoy most about what you do? I chose my interdisciplinary major of Soon after, I received the vision of What is a valuable lesson you Sociology and Women Gender what "Yaa W." is today. Without learned through Jobs for Studies because it combined all of even being a year old we have Delaware Graduates? my interests. It allows me to been featured by MTV, Google, I learned so much from JDG and develop a strong intellectual Blavity, Center for American specifically from my Specialist. I preparation in critical thinking and Progress, Tech.Co, University of learned to always be prepared. I analytical skills while exploring Virginia, and so much more. We have utilized this mentality some of life’s most interesting have been able to partner with throughout my life. I realized questions. I am equipped with the the likes of Bank of America and that doing my research on a intellectual discipline to operate Microsoft. We have just company or organization and under the context of reality through graduated 10 Ghanaian women, understanding how to align sound premises based upon who represent 4 premier myself with their wants is an observed facts. Coupling my liberal universities in Ghana, through our invaluable skill. I gained this arts background with internships at 7 week intensive boot camp. mindset in JDG and it has really top financial firms, propelled me to Among our inaugural cohort, 30% taken me far. develop a varied skill set. of them have received internships
Page 16 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Renee Johnson What is a proud (David continued) Class of 2015 accomplishment you’d like to history so that someday you Concord High School share? I moved to Florida two years ago, moved into my own will get the job you desire and What is your current ? home and I’m working so hard get where you want to be in profession? I am currently thousands of miles away from life. Not everyone is made for working as a Patient care my family. Which has taken a college and there is nothing technician/Medication technician toll on me a little but not wrong with learning a trade. In at the villas of Casa Celeste enough for me to stop doing my life, whenever I go nursing home In Seminole Florida. what I have to do to prove to somewhere, I will show a people that you can have a very janitor the same respect as I bad up coming and go through would a Doctor or Lawyer. With so many different challenges in that being said, I wish each and life , but that doesn’t make you everyone of you the best and who you are ! It’s what you do remember, the only one who with your life after you're given can ever stop you is ...you. these struggles. I’m proud of the person I’ve become and Sincerely, wouldn’t change it for the world. David (1989)
What is a valuable lesson you learned through Jobs for Delaware Graduates? sure of everything I was saying. What drew you to your career? I will never forget the 11th [My specialist] believed in me I have always been interested in grade when we were taught and taught me to believe in the field and I’ve always had an about listening skills , personal myself with my writing and my interest in helping others around ethics and verbal presentation. voice. She told me I could make me when they weren’t able to Before taking this class, certain a different with my voice and help themselves. The residents things did not make sense to took all of her help, constructive give me joy. They appreciate me me. Job interviews were criticism and love and I won the and what I do for them . And there difficult. Speaking correctly 2015 verbal presentation award are so many different and answering questions were for the JDG competitive events. opportunities to grow in the even more difficult. And going From then on I knew that my medical field that even if you start through the 11th grade voice would make a difference off as a CNA or PCT like me , if you curriculum made a lot of the and I’ve landed great job continue working hard and go things that I deemed to be opportunities with my back to school and believe in impossible, possible . confidence in my voice and just yourself you will move up and be Especially after going through not being afraid to speak loud that nurse , or be that doctor that verbal presentation. I’ve always and proud with what I’ve you wish to be. And that’s what I loved writing and talking, but I learned. JDG and [my specialist] love about my job. have never felt confident to from Concord high school made speak in a crowd and feel so that happen for me.
Page 17 | 2017-2018 Annual Report What drew you to your career? What is a proud After my cousin was murdered in accomplishment you’d like to 2002, I started to write down my share? In 2017, I was awarded feelings as poetry. After a while I with the “Hero Award” by the put a beat behind my words and NAACP. Also, in 2017, I was [My specialist] music became an outlet for my awarded with the “Outstanding believed in me feelings. Whether it’s bringing Youth Leadership” award from and taught me to awareness or personal feelings, the Healing Justice Alliance, music is therapeutic for me. I which allowed me to travel to believe in myself. enjoy music because people can Milwaukee to receive my relate and that’s a joyful feeling. certificate. In 2016, I received From then on, I Plus, the traveling and meeting “Delaware Fashion Week People’s knew that my new people from different states Choice Artist” award. voice would make and countries that love my music brings a smile to my face. As for What is a valuable lesson you a difference... motivational speaking, I love learned through Jobs for getting to help someone get on Delaware Graduates? JDG JDG and the right path. They tend to listen helped me plan for what I wanted [my specialist] more closely to my story because to do in life, but life itself had a from Concord I look like them. When I tell my different plan for me. story, they are always glued High School made and amazed at what I am saying. that happen for I enjoy the fact that they actually me. listen.
Rodrick "El Rod" Buckworth Class of 2013 Newark High School
What is your current ? profession? I currently do a lot of motivational speaking on gun violence in middle schools and high schools. In 2014 I was a victim of gun violence, so I am trying to reach the youth before it’s too late. I am also a world wide known hip hop artist.
Page 18 | 2017-2018 Annual Report JDG values the experience of our alumni and welcome their support in preparing today's participants for success in any of the following ways:
Share your story. Our students would love to hear about your profession and how you achieved success! Visit our classrooms to offer valuable insight and information to our students.
Nafessa Jones skills everyday to achieve Class of 2013 greatness. Host a tour at Newark High School your place of business. What is a proud Give students a closer view of What is your current profession accomplishment you’d like to daily operations within your or if you are in school, program share? I graduated from my first profession. of study? college last year with my I work at Sprint , and I currently associates. study at Criminal Justice at Goldey Beacom College. I graduated from What is a valuable lesson you Attend a JDG Delaware Technical Community learned through Jobs for College & Career Fair. College with my Associates Degree Delaware Graduates? Help us connect students to in 2017. Valuable lesson I learned is to not employers and post-secondary give up , and just keep striving opportunities throughout What drew you to your for your dreams. Delaware. career/program? What do you enjoy most about what you do? It was a chance for me to learn about the different opportunities Volunteer at a JDG event. and skills I can accomplish. I We invite you to share your time enjoyed the most about meeting and talents to help with our new people and learning new annual JDG events.
Page 19 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Shannon Webber Class of 2014 Laurel High School
A Letter from Shannon:
Since graduating from the JDG Program I’ve been enrolled in college at Harrisburg Area Community College. While in school I picked up a job as a Marketing Research Analysts where I collect data and Lynsey Richardson love with helping people and organize it into a spread sheet Class of 2014 that is how I became an account to create a visual hand out for Positive Outcomes executive because through my employer. I have a job Charter people skills and marketing interview to be a teachers aid knowledge I have direct impact for Kutztown School District in What is your current profession on lives. I enjoy the relationships Kutztown, PA. My degree is in or if you are in school, program I get to build with my job. Education and I graduate in of study? 2019. JDG has helped prepare I graduated from Sacred Heart What is a proud me for not only the academic University in May of 2018 with a accomplishment you’d like to world but also the professional bachelor’s degree in health share? At Sacred Heart world. Without the resume science and a minor in University I had the pleasure of building and job interview skills Psychology. I am currently a serving on Student Government I learned in this program I Digital Account Executive at as the Community Service Chair, would not be where I am today. Treehouse Internet Group but I am proud to say that during my Thank you JDG! going to Grad school to get my senior year I created and Master’s in Occupational implemented the hunger project Therapy. where I was able to package over 50,000 meals for needy What drew you to your families in Bridgeport and career/program? What do you around the United States. enjoy most about what you do? In high school I had an What is a valuable lesson you internship at Jungle Gym Rehab learned through Jobs for center for children, in love with Delaware Graduates? A occupational therapy there. valuable lesson I was able to Throughout college I also fell in take away from JDG was that
Page 20 | 2017-2018 Annual Report confidence, kindness and hard and don’t let anything get in work go a really long way. JDG your way. You may hear “no” a taught me all the necessary skills thousand times before you get I have now to succeed at the “yes” you’ve been looking everything I do in life. I am for but never get discouraged. successful because I had an amazing JDG Specialist. What is a valuable lesson you learned through Jobs for Delaware Graduates? The color blue in the emblem, which represents the sky and the vast opportunities. This A valuable lesson I world is full of opportunity I was able to take took the all the skills I learned away from JDG was in JDG and utilized them in that confidence, everyday life as a stepping kindness and hard stone for my future. You may work go a really take for granted some of the long way. things the classroom teaches you such as phone, table and What drew you to your career? I am successful professional etiquette. These What do you enjoy most about because I had an are life lessons that I find what you do? I have a Bachelors amazing JDG myself using all the time as an in Accounting which lead me to adult. Without JDG instilling Specialist. work for a bank. I work with Bank these skills in me I would’ve of America’s wealthiest clientele to been lost in the business ensure that their accounts are safe world. from fraud. I enjoy the interactions with clients and learning what they do and monitoring how they Natasha Pendleton spend their money. Without JDG Class of 2014 What is a proud accomplishment instilling these Caesar Rodney you’d like to share? Last year I skills in me I High School received a big promotion to a would’ve been lost What is your current leadership role within the in the business profession? I am a Senior company. Hard work and world. Operations Analyst for Bank of dedication definitely pays off if you America dealing with their put your best foot forward wealthiest clients.
Page 21 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Tonekkia Showell Class of 2000 Sussex Central High School
A note from Tonekkia:
Since graduating from high school in 2000, I went on to Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia and majored in Psychology and Special Education. I graduated from there in May 2006. After graduation I went to work with Alexis Vattilana I love the fact I can give Children & Families First for students my knowledge and Class of 2013 their adoption & foster care life skills I have learned. That is Newark High School Program and their residential something no one else can give treatment center. In January What is your current profession? or teach them. 2013, I decided to return back My current profession is an to school to start my Master's. I Instructional Paraprofessional at What is a proud have been employed with Newark High School! I'm also accomplishment you’d like to Wicomico & Somerset County enrolled with Grand Canyon share? Some of my proudest Public Schools. In August 2014, University's online program. I'm accomplishments that I would I joined BLUE JAY NATION. I am working towards my Bachelors of like to share are all thanks to so happy to be apart of the Arts in History. JDG. I was very involved in transformation of the nest clubs and volunteering during here in Seaford. What drew you to your career? my high school career. I was What do you enjoy most about president of Best Buddies I have dedicated my life to what you do? Newark Chapter, Vice giving back. I have been trying I was inspired to become a President of the DCA, Junior to impact and inspire my teacher when I started working as Ambassador of the Blue Gold students to be active and a preschool teacher at a local games, and also presented successful adults in their local daycare my senior year of high Spread the Word to End the communities. school. I continued teaching the Word a Newark High School. In little ones their ABC's and 123's addition, I earned the for four years. Then I decided to Chairman's Award and become involved with older kids Presidential Award through and pursue a career as a JDG. I graduated with a 3.5 Paraprofessional. GPA. I'm also proud that I
Page 22 | 2017-2018 Annual Report earned a permanent position What is your current What do you enjoy most with Christina School District at profession? I am a Clinical about what you do? I enjoy Newark High School this past Psychology with a sub-specialty talking with and help people year. in Forensics and Sport who are experiencing Psychology. I currently work at psychological crises and/or What is a valuable lesson you Delaware State University as the psychiatric emergencies. learned through Jobs for Department Chair in Psychology Delaware Graduates? and Assistant Dean in the College What is a proud The most valuable lesson JDG of Health and Behavioral accomplishment you’d like taught me is the importance of Sciences. to share? I am very proud of being a leader. More specifically, becoming a doctorate-level a strong leader. I wouldn't have What drew you to your clinical psychologist while been successful in my high career? I was always interested overcoming a hurdle of school career if I didn't take JDG in understanding people and why personal obstacles. In all four years. My former JDG we are very different in our addition, I am proud to be the teacher, Mr. Schulte, did an personality styles. In addition, I mother of two beautiful excellent job demonstrating think the human brain is daughters, who are Lake what it takes to be a substantial fascinating. Forest Alumnae. leader in his classroom. What is a valuable lesson you learned through Jobs for Delaware Graduates? I have learned that hard work equals Dr. Gwendolyn success and that one should Scott-Jones have great work ethic that Class of 1991 represents their character on Lake Forest High School the job.
About Dr. Scott-Jones: Dr. Gwendolyn Scott-Jones is employed at Delaware State University as an Associate Professor and Department Chair in Psychology. Dr. Scott-Jones provides psychological consults at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department in Seaford, Delaware on a part-time basis. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from Delaware State University and later received a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Scott-Jones is a clinical psychologist with sub-specialties in forensics and sports psychology. Prior to becoming an educator, Dr. Scott-Jones has many years of experience working at various psychiatric and correctional facilities across the State of Delaware. She was a clinical supervisor at Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Crisis Intervention Services for approximately 14 years.
Page 23 | 2017-2018 Annual Report What is a proud Shatiya West accomplishment you’d like to Class of 2014 share? I’m proud that I have a Laurel High School good paying job a loving family and a great life. I’m currently What is your current getting my degree, I have 2 profession? children, and I’m working full I am currently a Direct Service time. I am an accomplished mom Professional and an and wife. Independent Makeup Artist.
What is a valuable lesson you What drew you to your learned through Jobs for career? What do you enjoy Delaware Graduates? most about what you do? I I learned how to turn a job into a enjoy helping others, I career. JDG helped me get my planned be a nurse so I first job. I made my first resume Sierra Miller wanted to go into a field that with my Specialist. I learned a Class of 2017 required me to help people lot being in the organization and straight out of high school to Dover High School I was hoping to connect again ensure this is the route I with JDG because they are What is your current wanted to take . profession? I currently work at helping a lot of teenagers. JDG teaches students how to prepare Bank of America as a Fraud What is a proud when it’s time to find a job, even Analyst but I am in college trying accomplishment you’d like as a teenager, and helps to become a Police Officer. to share? I’m proud of the students learn responsibility. fact that I’m able to land a job What drew you to your career? and stay there for years . What do you enjoy most about what you do? What is a valuable lesson I started my careers about a year you learned through Jobs ago. I eventually want to become for Delaware Graduates? a Police Officer but I have to get I learned that you never want myself in shape and get through I’m proud that I to quit a job without giving college first. So for now, I work in have a good them a proper notice . There an office setting answering may be an reason you need to paying job a questions about fraud, doing return to that job so always claims, and assisting customers. loving family and leave on good graces. I enjoy answering questions for a great life. the customers and assisting with Jobs for Delaware their needs. Most of the time Graduates, Inc. is they are easy to talk to and it’s proud to have served fun to come into an environment where all my colleagues are more than 65,000 amazing. students since 1978.
Page 24 | 2017-2018 Annual Report What is a proud Gerald Miller Tyreka Burton accomplishment you’d like to Class of 2011 Class of 1988 share? Being able to retire from Brandywine High Sussex Central High the Air Force after 22 years. School School What is a valuable lesson you A Note from Tyreka: What is your current learned through Jobs for profession? I currently teach Delaware Graduates? I am currently in school AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Always dress for the job you pursuing criminal justice Reserve Officer Training Corps) want. Always be prepared for and working full-time as a at William Penn High School. everything. 'If you're early, substitute teacher for New you're on time; if you're on time Castle County Detention What drew you to your you're late; and if you're late Center. After graduation, I career? I wanted to stay don't bother coming.' plan on becoming a involved in the military once I probation officer. In the retired from the Air Force. I fall, I will be graduating have always been the type of from Delaware Technical person who wanted to help Always dress for the Community College and our youth prepare and job you want. transferring to Wilmington succeed in life after high University. school.
Gerti Wilson Colored Conventions Project, a Gerti is very passionate about Class of 2007 digital humanities project the intersection of social focused on the political activism justice, foreign policy, and Smyrna High School of African Americans in the 19th law. Inspired by her Ghanaian century. Wilson was formerly an heritage, Gerti has intern in the Washington, D.C., demonstrated her office of Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). commitment to serving the Additionally, she conducted people of Africa and the qualitative research on women’s African diaspora in the United political leadership in Ghana. States both through her During her college tenure, Wilson professional career and was actively involved with the personal endeavors projects. administration at the University of Delaware to not only increase Her research experience diversity, but to create an includes the Colored inclusive campus community. Conventions digital About Gerti Wilson: Wilson graduated with a B.A. with humanities project. Gerti Wilson is a legal assistant at distinction in political American Progress. She served as science from the University of a research assistant for the Delaware.
Page 25 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Gerti was also granted the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship sponsored by the State Department to study in South Africa. During her time in South Africa, she conducted field research on gender based violence, resulting in her interest in returning to Ghana to empower young women and girls through education.
Eric Brown Class of 2009 Lake Forest High School
What is your current profession or if you are in school, program of study? Cloud Technologist: Technology professional empowering organizations to achieve more with software. yet can easily set you apart What is a proud from most. What drew you to your accomplishment you’d like to career/program? What do you share? "Every enjoy most about what you accomplishment starts with do? I have a passion for people the decision to try"- Gail and a love for technology. I come Devers. I'm proud of the alive when I can use technology decision I made to live an Every to help an individual or intentional life. I strive to add organization solve a problem. value to people , and leave a accomplishment Early on I had no idea what legacy that will make a positive starts with the career I wanted to pursue. impact on my family tree. decision to try. However, when I look back I've always been a What is a valuable lesson you computer nerd at heart. I enjoy learned through Jobs for - Gail Devers learning and tinkering with the Delaware Graduates? latest and greatest In JDG, I learned to handwrite technology. But ultimately, I thank you notes after enjoy using my skills to help an interview. This personal and others create what's next. thoughtful gesture is simple,
Page 26 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Lamar Meekins Class of 2010 Seaford High School
Pictured below is Lamar Meekins speaking to JDG students at his alma mater about his high school, college and work experiences. He also shared details about his position at Day & Zimmerman Construction Company in Lancaster, PA.
Crystal Ragin What is a proud Class of 2016 accomplishment you’d like Concord High School to share? After speaking at the JDG Breakfast and What is your current profession networking with some of the or if you are in school, program guests I was able to intern for of study? I am a junior at both Governor John Carney Delaware State University double as well as Senator Chris majoring in accounting and Coons. english with a concentration of law studies. What is a valuable lesson you learned through Jobs What drew you to your for Delaware Graduates? program? What do you enjoy Through Jobs for Delaware most about what you do? I Graduates I learned the anticipate becoming a corporate importance of lawyer and was first introduced to professionalism. this career path from participating in the Delaware Career Each year, JDG helps Association’s state officer more than 3,000 program where I served as the students with vice president. I enjoy being in a significant barriers role where I where I can help to achieve academic facilitate changes for the and employability betterment of my community. success.
Page 27 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Dakota K. Clayville Class of 2017 Milford High School Former DCA State Officer
What is your current profession or if you are in school, program of study? My current program of study is Elementary Education at Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown.
What drew you to your program? What do you enjoy most about what you do? A lot of teachers influencing me and making an impact on my education has drawn me to my program of study. What I enjoy most is going into classrooms for 10 hour classroom observations to take notes and observe what a teacher goes through during the school day.
What is a proud accomplishment you’d like to share? A proud accomplishment I’d like to share is receiving the, “Robert Leitheiser Service Award” for outstanding service to my school.
What is a valuable lesson you learned through Jobs for Delaware Graduates? A valuable lesson that I learned through Jobs for Delaware Graduate is to always work hard towards your goals and persevering through all of the obstacles in order to reach the finish line.
Page 28 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Logan Jenkins Class of 2009 Concord High School
What is your current profession and what do you enjoy most about your career? Working with the alumni youth has always been a passion of mine. I currently work for Colonial School District as a Paraeducator. I also have started a local talk show '81 '08 '13 in Delaware called "Late Night at the Studio with Logan Jenkins."
'04 '15
What is a proud accomplishment 3 you’d like to share? I'm proud of a lot of moments in my life - joining the military and winning numerous '17 awards due to my work, but the most '81 rewarding is watching kids graduate. Tanjala Jackson Garcia '15 Abby Gord I currently am enrolled in school Dover High School Howard Vocational & Technical High School online with Colorado Technical '08 Casee Wanamaker University and will soon walk across Mt. Pleasant High School Lynnette Shannon the stage. Class Unknown '13 William Justice Dover High School What is a valuable lesson you Newark High School learned through Jobs for Delaware '17 Katelynn Skipper Graduates? Thanks to JDG, I've '04 Juan Fosque Seaford High School learned to adapt and overcome any Sussex Central High School and all challenges in life.
Page 29 | 2017-2018 Annual Report What is a valuable lesson you I am currently working towards learned through Jobs for my bachelor’s Degree in Delaware Graduates? behavioral science at While at JDG I learned that I have Wilmington University. to develop a strong work ethic. People will know me by the What drew you to your quality of work I produce even if career/program? What do you they do not know my name. So enjoy most about what you that can be a positive or do? I recently began working on negative depending on the a mental health project, before quality of work I put. JDG was a that I believed I had no purpose, positive experience I am grateful no talents, and no vision. I truly Daleita Mears to have had at a time when I was felt worthless yet appeared to Class of 1992 unsure about who or what I have it all together. I moved Dover High School wanted to become in life. back to my hometown in Baltimore hoping to give back to What is your current my community but all it did was profession? I am currently a leave me more confused. I then treatment supervisor with the Jete` Riddick moved back to Delaware with Division of Family Services. Class of 2014 my family. While here I began Newark High School writing again, researching, What drew you to your career? jotting down ideas and then it What do you enjoy most about hit me. I’ve always enjoyed what you do? listening to people vent and give I enjoy working with children and them words of encouragement families. I have a strong desire to no matter how un-together I was see children and families being myself. So, I figured why not successful and my job gives me help people I can relate to and the opportunity to assist in that care about. First, I had to learn process. more about people and I decided to go to school for What is an accomplishment behavioral science. you’d like to share? A proud accomplishment is that I What is a proud completed my first accomplishment you’d like to Master’s degree in 2009 and share? I’m most proud of currently working on my second What is your current profession beginning my project. It has so Master’s and will be or if you are in school, program much potential but just completed in May 2019. I was of study? dreaming and planning wasn’t promoted to supervisor of I’m currently a server at The getting me far. It wasn’t until I this agency within 3 years and Cheesecake Factory. I received an began building and networking that is also a great Associate Degree from the that it seemed like a tangible accomplishment. University of Delaware goal.
Page 30 | 2017-2018 Annual Report (Jete` continued) Latoria Ellis with a bachelors degree in Nursing (BSN). Class of 2004 What is a valuable lesson you Milford High School learned through Jobs for What drew you to your Delaware Graduates? JDG Former DCA State Officer program? What do you taught me SO much. I landed in enjoy about your field? In an interview with JDG, Latoria the class by accident and never Always found joy in helping shared her sentiments about JDG: regretted one day of it. I was one people. My career gives me of those kids that didn’t the satisfaction of making a understand why they didn’t teach difference in someone else’s the real-life experiences in life. I enjoy getting to know school. So, when I discovered everyone’s story and seeing JDG I didn’t understand why him or her get better. more people didn’t take it, why it wasn’t a required class. If I had to pick one lesson, it would be, that What is a proud moment or life after high school is simpler accomplishment you’d like to when you begin preparing for it at share? I'd like to share that a young age. despite all odds, I passed my NCLEX exam in a month after graduating. "The skills attained from my JDG experience continue to Jemika Leroy enhance my life to this day." Class of 2013 What is a valuable lesson you Seaford High School learned through Jobs for "The entire experience gave Delaware Graduates? me a different perspective on What is your current profession The importance of mock life. Afterwards, I made a vow or if you are in school, program interviews and building that despite the obstacles I of study? I studied at University resumes. may face in life, I would of Delaware and graduated always strive for more and never become content with my current circumstances."
"Shortly after receiving my Bachelor’s Degree, I started my own business."
To uncover the full story about Latorie Ellis, visit www.jobsdegrads.org/ testimonials.
Page 31 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Quishawn Green Sean Finney Class of 2007 Class of 2016 Dover High School Positive Outcomes Charter What is your current profession? About Sean: I am currently a special I am a sophomore and a full- education teacher working as time student at SUNY a reading teacher with low Oswego, New York, as a incidence high school zoology major and chemistry students. I am going into my minor. Last year I was on the 4th year of teaching working Hall Council as a treasurer, with students who are autistic, and have since been intellectually disabled, have promoted to Resident ADHD and other disabilities. Assistant of my floor. As an RA I deal with any problems or What is a valuable lesson you What drew you to your conflicts my residents go learned through Jobs for career? What do you enjoy through, ranging from minor Delaware Graduates? most about what you do? things like lockouts and fire My most valuable lesson I I became interested in my drills to serious concerns like learned while going through career while working with domestic abuse. I also Jobs for Delaware Graduates elementary students as a tutor organize weekly community was, learning how to create a during my undergraduate enrichment activities that are resume and how to conduct years at Hampton University in designed to entertain and myself in an interview. Virginia. Under my previous educate others about position working as a co- professional skills. teacher, I enjoyed reading literary texts with students and My history as a JDG student Yvonne Henry-Whaley being able to have meaningful helped me immensely in my conversations regarding the Class of 1987 qualification to make these texts and content material. Smyrna High School events. I occasionally tutor and I am doing very well in What is your current profession? What is a proud my classes. I am still active in I am currently in banking/finance accomplishment you’d like community service and an with Barclays Financial Services. to share? avid member of several clubs. My proudest accomplishment I I am currently applying for What drew you to your career? would like to share so far was research opportunities and What do you enjoy most about joining the New York City networking with several Teaching Fellows in 2015 and what you do? I was drawn to my prominent zoologists to obtaining my Master's Degree career for the stability of a Monday assist with my graduate in May 2017 with a scholarship thru Friday work schedule, the school and career search and earning a 3.9 GPA. benefits, and salary. several years from now. (continued on page 33)
Page 32 | 2017-2018 Annual Report I still have mementos from my time with JDG, such as photos and certificates, hanging on my dorm wall and am frequently asked about the program. My two-year run as State President means that I have personally experienced many sides and aspects of JDG and am able to talk at length about what JDG does and my feelings about it. I Yvonne Henry-Whaley strongly believe that the skills it from the class of 1987. Did You Know? taught, along with my elected Quick Facts About JDG. position, helped me obtain my RA job and increase my What I enjoy most about what I professional skills. do it the challenge of figuring More than out what happens with a payment and why it hasn’t been applied correctly. I also enjoy 65,000 interacting with other students served since 1978. departments within the United States and overseas.
What is a proud accomplishment you’d like to share? I was able to obtain my Bachelor’s degree while 23 9 working full time and taking care high school middle school of my family. programs programs
I am now making plans to begin to pursue my Master’s degree.
What is a valuable lesson you 123 learned through Jobs for 69 Delaware Graduates? experiential learning professionals who spoke with JDG Everyone can make a difference. activities. students about their careers. Small gestures of goodwill, a kind word, a good work ethic could change someone’s day or $204,338 someone’s view of the world. in financial impact as reported by the Jefferson Awards Foundation for 2017-2018.
Page 33 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Specialists When Students Become Teachers Former JDG participants now working as Specialists for Jobs for Delaware Graduates.
Derek Savage benefits of the program that The moment when all of the would, and still do help me to Class of 2004 kicking and screaming turns this day. Because of that, I into "thank you" and "I get it Cape Henlopen always wanted to find a way to now". High School get back into the JDG program as a specialist/teacher to help What is a proud What is your current instill the same principles and accomplishment you’d like to profession? JDG Specialist at provide the same opportunities share? Earlier this year, I was Lake Forest High School. that I was able to take inducted into my college's advantage of in my adult life. basketball Hall of Fame. To me, What drew you to your this was a culmination of all of career/program? What do you The thing that I enjoy the most the hard work that I put in enjoy most about what you about what I do is that moment on the court and in the do? I, myself, was a JDG when it "clicks" in my students classroom. student at Cape Henlopen High minds and you can see all of School from my sophomore to the different elements of JDG senior year. The experience coming together for them at opened my mind to the many once.
Page 34 | 2017-2018 Annual Report What is a valuable lesson Diogenin Matos you learned through Jobs Class of 2010 for Delaware Graduates? Woodbridge The importance of first High School impressions at interviews, using professional A Letter from Diogenin: terminology and cover letters. After attending and graduating from Woodbridge High School, I Melesha Moss attended Delaware State University, where I majored Class of 2011 in World Language William Penn Education and Food and High School Nutritional Sciences. I was What is a proud able to afford college by What is your current accomplishment you’d like simultaneously attending profession? Currently my life to share? I am proud to say at school full-time and working cycling itself and I have made 25 I am able to teach and part-time in the job my JDG a profession as the JDG impact the youth. That is my instructor helped me find my junior year of high school. I Teacher at Appoquinimink greatest accomplishment to graduated about a year ago High School. date. with a bachelor’s degree in World Language Education What drew you to your with a concentration in career/program? What do What is a valuable lesson Spanish Education k-12 and you enjoy most about what you learned through Jobs a minor in Food and you do? What drew me to my for Delaware Graduates? A Nutritional Sciences. Since current position as a JDG valuable lesson I learned then, I have been serving as specialist is my love and through JDG is the power of an AmeriCorps member at motivation to sculpt the making a lasting impression. City Year Providence. I serve youth. I love having the That skill alone has gotten in one of the largest middle opportunity to shape and me through so many doors. I schools in Providence, Rhode Island, where I facilitate teach young adults who look am currently involved in JDG specialized instruction to 22 to me to prepare them for and want to be as immersed students in English their professional lives. in it as I possibly can. Language Arts, Attendance counseling, and Behavioral management. (continued on page 37)
Page 35 | 2017-2018 Annual Report FROM '88 Gerald Miller '08 Jessica Donovan Sussex Central Sussex THE High School Central High School CLASS After high school went to college for a year, then Currently enjoying a careers joined the Air Force (active as a Rural Letter Carrier for the OF duty) in 1990. Switched to United States Postal Service. the Delaware Air National Guard. Retired in 2013, and became in AFJROTC Celeste Brown Tanjala Jackson Garcia '09 '81 Instructor. McKean High School Dover High School I am enjoying my time as a Tanjala was a part of the first food service worker with JDG class at Dover High Aramark. My current job is School. She is currently a David Yonker '89 at a college, union- Certified Nursing Assistant for Smyrna High School guaranteed 40 hours, with the State of Delaware. I am currently a Correctional benefits. I am also off Corporal for the Delaware during summer and winter Department of Corrections. session. '83 Michael Clendaniel Dover High School I am currently the Staff Denise Royster Lieutenant (security '89 '10 Carmon Henry superintendent) at Morris Christiana High Concord High Community Corrections School School Center in Dover Delaware. I I currently work for Delaware I have been doing nothing supervise the 3 shift 2-1-1 as an Information & but great things for the commanders who run the Referral Specialist. I can never youth in my community. day to day operations at a forget my experience with Everyday, I look for a new busy level 4 correctional JDG! It was one of my favorite way to impact the lives of center. classes and I learned so much. our inner city youth. I am employed as a behavioral specialist and also an Javaughn Ways '86 Jerra Donaway '06 assistant coordinator for Delmar Junior & Seaford High School the before and after care I am currently a student at the program. Senior High School University of Pennsylvania and I am currently a surgical I am working to get into technologist. Medical School.
Page 36 | 2017-2018 Annual Report Joseph Clark Akiah Gordon (Diogenin continued) '13 '13 I also collaborate with the Smyrna High School Mount Pleasant partner teacher to provide I’m an actor on television High School whole classroom support. networks and work as a I've been working two These include but are not personal assistant for jobs trying to provide limited to, whole classroom radio personality Justina for two children. I also management and Valentine. am trying to start my organization, differentiated own clothing line instruction, behavior business. management, and attendance Alexander Kane check-ins. I create short and '13 long-term goals with my Newark High School specialized group of students I have been working for '14 May'Jaliyah Hardwick and schedule weekly one-on- Diamond State Port McKean High School one or group sessions. I also Corporation as a I love my job as a Toddler make daily calls home to Network Administrator Teacher for ABC parent or guardians for a for 3.5 years and in Learning Station. different array of reasons 2017, I started my own including, attendance calls, business. positive reinforcement, '14 Shatiya West homework reminders or Laurel High School community events they can participate in. In addition to Sierra Luckett I enjoy helping others. I '13 my academic support, I am currently work as a Direct Dover High School also the coordinator for I am currently a Fraud Service Professional and a community engagement in Analyst for Bank of Makeup Artist. I planned the school and my task is to America. I am back in to be a nurse so I wanted create school events that school with 2 kids and I am to go into a field that integrate both the school happily married. required me to help culture and surrounding people straight out of community. As the high school to ensure this coordinator, I reach out to Crystal Rodriguez is the route I wanted to '13 many community Alexis I DuPont take. I’m proud of the fact organizations for support and that I’m able to land a job High School donations and use these and stay there for years. I I work for Best Buy as a donations to fund school run learned that you never initiatives that benefit the Canon Expert. I recently want to quit a job without school, students, teachers, started my own giving them proper and staff. Without the support photography business, notice. There may be a from JDG, my dreams and moved out, got reason you need to return aspirations of helping others promoted to a position to that job one day, so would not have been that I love and let’s me always leave on good accomplished. do what I love. graces.
Page 37 | 2017-2018 Annual Report 2017-2018 Guerdine Louis Berton Gartell '14 '16 PARTICIPATING Milford High Positive Outcomes SCHOOLS School Charter I recently graduated When I graduated High from Delaware State School, I enlisted in the A.I. duPont High School University with a Marines and left for Appoquinimink High School degree in Movement Parris Island, SC July of Brandywine High School Science and looking to 2016. Since then, I've Caesar Rodney High School pursue my masters in been in the infantry Cape Henlopen High School Occupational doing a lot of combat Christiana High School Therapy. training for my next Concord High School deployment. Delmar High School John Dickinson High School Dover High School '14 Henry Miller Glasgow High School Lake Forest Howard High School of Technology High School Lake Forest High School Now working as a Lab Thomas McKean High School Worker for Envirocorp, Middletown High School Inc. Great company, Milford High School made a year in August! Mount Pleasant High School Newark High School Positive Outcomes Charter Seaford High School Smyrna High School William Penn High School Woodbridge High School
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROGRAMS This issue is dedicated to A.I. duPont Middle School our past, our present, and our future. Central Middle School George Read Middle School Jobs for Delaware Graduates looks forward to another H.B. duPont Middle School decade of helping Delaware's youth achieve academic, Milford Central Academy Positive Outcomes Middle Charter career, personal, and social success. Skyline Middle School Stanton Middle School W.T. Chipman Middle School
Page 38 | 2017-2018 Annual Report
MY JDG SPECIALIST SAW SO MUCH IN ME.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates found me at a place called Grace Cottage. I made some bad choices and was in danger of not passing my senior year. [My JDG Specialist] helped me to graduate with my high school diploma. He saw so much in me and worked with us. I remember a song he would always play "...always look on the bright side of life." I learned so much going there because it pushed me to where I am today. I always knew I wanted to be in health care but as a teenager, I lost focus. But I thank God for being in Grace Cottage and meeting [my JDG Specialist].
Ruth Spruance, graduating from Wilmington University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Class of 2005 | Grace Cottage
Jobs for Delaware Graduates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer/program with auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. JDG is funded, in part, by Delaware Workforce Development Board and Department of Labor.