These tracks offer focused training sessions tailored for specific roles and areas of interest within JAG, ensuring participants gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to their work. 

Track 1: New Specialist  

Designed for professionals beginning their JAG journey, the New Specialist Track is a live extension of the foundational coursework available through JAG University. While the online modules provide the core knowledge asynchronously, this in-person experience brings the learning to life through collaboration, discussion, and hands-on application. Over six fast-paced hours together, participants will engage in interactive activities, scenario-based learning, and practical strategies designed to prepare them for the first 90 days on JAG and beyond. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to connect on a human level with peers, trainers, and leaders across the JAG network as you begin building your EDGE. 

Track 2: New Manager 

The New Manager Track expands upon the online JAG University manager coursework with a dynamic, in-person learning experience focused on leadership, coaching, systems management, and culture-building. This session is designed to help new managers move from understanding the framework to confidently leading within it. Participants will spend six highly interactive hours collaborating with fellow leaders, engaging in real-world problem-solving activities, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that come with managing JAG programs. Together, we will strengthen relationships, sharpen leadership practices, and build momentum for long-term success across the network. 

Track 3: JAG Advantage  

The JAG Advantage Track is built for experienced Specialists and Managers ready to dive deeper into the full JAG Advantage framework and Career Association implementation. Expanding on the asynchronous learning available through JAG University, this live experience explores all three pillars of the JAG Advantage while positioning Career Association as the connective tissue that drives meaningful student outcomes. Through collaborative discussions, practical application activities, and strategy-sharing across affiliates, participants will strengthen their understanding of how the JAG Advantage comes alive in high-quality programs. This six-hour session is designed to move beyond theory and into implementation, innovation, and impact. 

Track 4: JAG Technologies  

Split into two focused three-hour sessions, the JAG Technology Track is designed for experienced Specialists and Managers looking to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness with JAGForce and the JAG Hub. Building upon existing JAG University technology trainings, participants will explore advanced workflows, best practices, time-saving strategies, and new platform updates directly with National staff and peers from across the country. This hands-on experience creates space for troubleshooting, collaboration, and experimentation in a fast-paced learning environment. Whether refining daily systems or discovering new features, attendees will leave with practical tools to elevate their programs immediately. 

Track 5: Franklin Covey’s Leader In Me Certification 

This official Franklin Covey Leader in Me certification experience is designed for experienced Specialists, Managers, and administrative leaders within JAG programs. Throughout the day, participants will engage in leadership-focused activities and professional learning centered on building strong educational cultures, empowering teams, and strengthening student leadership development.  By the end of Monday’s session, attendees will have completed an official Franklin  Covey education leadership certification while connecting with fellow leaders from across the network. This immersive experience combines nationally recognized leadership training with the collaborative spirit and mission-driven energy of the JAG community. 

Track 6: JAG Leadership  

The JAG Leadership Track is an opportunity for affiliate leaders, administrators, and national partners to reconnect, collaborate, and strengthen the future of the JAG network together. While much of our professional learning happens asynchronously throughout the year, this dedicated in-person time allows us to deepen relationships, share best practices, and engage in meaningful conversations about innovation across the organization. Participants will hear directly from JAG National leadership on updates, emerging initiatives, and works in progress while contributing ideas from their own affiliate experiences. Together, we will celebrate successes, tackle challenges, and continue building the future of JAG at the EDGE. 

Track 1: New Specialists 

Track 2: New Managers 

Track 3: JAG Advantage 

Track 4: JAG Technologies 

Track 5: Franklin Covey’s Leader In Me Certification 

Track 6: JAG Leadership  

The JAG First Philosophy 

Honoring Roots, Igniting the Future 

For decades, the National Training Seminar brought our network together to recognize the dedication and impact of JAG Specialists and leaders. As we transition to EDGE, that tradition carries forward with renewed energy. 

JAG First places recognition at the very start of our time together. By opening EDGE with awards, we begin by celebrating the people and programs that make this work possible. Excellence is not something we acknowledge at the end; it is how we begin. 

Evening Program  

The Awards reception will include:  

• Networking reception with cash bar 

• Welcome and opening remarks 

• • State recognition for 6 of 6 and 5 of 5 awardees 

• • High Performer Awards 

• • JAG Cornerstone Award 

• • State Innovation & Recognition Award 

• Closing remarks 

• Social hour with photos, light appetizers, and cash bar 

Cocktail attire suggested.  

Collect the tools, partners, pathways, and ideas that unlock access and opportunity  for young people. 

Re-igniting the passion for student accountability and excellence.

Keynote: Coach Ken Carter

Workshops – Fast, practical skill-builders led by practitioners. Walk out with tools, frameworks, and strategies you can use Monday morning.  

Labs – Expert-facilitated think tanks tackling the toughest questions in education-to-employment. Collaborate and contribute to published insights. 

Sandbox – Open, hands-on spaces to test tools, platforms, and assessments. Try. Test. Tinker.  

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox 

• Workshops  
• Labs 
• Sandbox 
• Immersion – Join us for a hands-on experience at the LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER for the STEAM Workforce Immersion: Try the Job, Then Teach It In partnership with Legends Global. 

  A working venue becomes a hands-on workforce simulation. Small groups rotate through three live zones — Workforce Pathways, Operations in Motion, and Live Production — trying real tasks alongside the pros who do them every day. 

Lean into the SoCal spirit with food trucks, music, games, and laid-back creative connections inspired by the energy of Long Beach. 

Collect the tools, partners, pathways, and ideas that unlock access and opportunity  for young people. 

The Future of Work, Navigating Generational Gaps in the Workforce  

Keynote: Professor Fernando Garibay, The Garibay Institute 

The Vision: Moving beyond the technicalities of AI to explore the “Human Spirit in the Digital Age.” We will challenge the next generation to bridge the gap between technical trades, academia, and the future of work. Featuring panelists Leigh Anne Taylor Knight (DeBruce Foundation), Denise Yap (Synchrony Foundation), and Janelle Duray (Jobs for America’s Graduates). 

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox 

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox 

• Immersion Activity

  Documentary Screening La Lucha: Getting Schooled in America  

  Five students fight to graduate against the odds in this nine-time award-winning documentary. Featuring Danny Trejo, Tony Cárdenas, and Dr. Drew Pinsky; directed by Rand Courtney. Watch it with a room full of practitioners who live this work. 

Get a head start on your day with coffee and networking in the Main Ballroom

Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., U.S. Virgin Islands

featuring Keynote Speaker Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., U.S. Virgin Islands

• Workshops
• Labs
• Sandbox 

JAG leadership closes out the conference with reflections, calls to action, a three-minute clip from Multiple Choice — The Film, and a look ahead.