Rizco Participates in the JAG NJ Career Development Conference
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation serves as the state affiliate of the New Jersey Chapter of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG NJ), a program built to help young people with great potential stay on track through high school, pursue higher education, and launch meaningful careers.
The results speak for themselves: JAG participants report improved attitudes toward education and greater optimism about their futures, with a graduation rate of approximately 93% compared to just 36% of their non-participating peers.1
Each May, JAG NJ hosts its annual Career Development Conference, bringing together high school students to showcase the professional skills they’ve honed throughout the academic year. The conference features a range of competitive events, including a Shark Tank-inspired pitch competition, public speaking, interviewing, and career display presentations, all designed to challenge students to navigate real-world professional environments with confidence.
This year, Rizco Project Manager Delia Latini participated as a judge in the Career Display competition, where two-person teams created a display and delivered 10-minute presentations on a career of their choosing. Fifteen teams competed, exploring fields as varied as law, medicine, the military, and cosmetology. Each presentation covered what the career entails and the steps required to enter the field.
Latini commented, “Each team showcased a superior level of expertise and understanding of the career field they chose. All presentations were well organized and demonstrated dedication and passion. The students answered questions with the poise and eagerness of young professionals excited about the next step in their career journey. It was inspiring to see, and I am thankful to have participated.”
The conference closed with an awards ceremony recognizing the top three finishers in each competition. Watching the students celebrate their achievements, surrounded by a room full of people genuinely invested in youth career development, was a powerful reminder of what this work is really about: giving young people the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Everyone left a little more inspired, with the sense that these students have the whole world ahead of them.
Opportunities like the JAG NJ Career Development Conference are a reminder of the importance of investing in and supporting the next generation of leaders, and creating positive change within our communities. Seeing students develop professional skills, explore career paths, and gain confidence in their abilities reinforces the value of mentorship, education, and community support in helping young people prepare for what’s next.
JAG NJ can only carry out its mission with the support of people dedicated to the growth and development of young people. To get involved, consider contributing: njchamberfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: JAG NJ
1 New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation
