New Britain Mayor Visits NBHSSCA JAG

Mayor Erin Stewart, who has gained supporters from all parties with her informative social media presence and a picture she took of herself with President Obama, visited the NBHSSCA JAG last week, offering tips on education, career planning – and the best way to take a selfie.

She also fielded questions about education, her work day, jobs for teenagers, and moving ahead in your career.

“I went to New Britain Schools and CCSU, and worked the whole way through and did a lot of internships,” she said. “I had a job at the Capitol that I quit to run for Mayor. There was no guarantee I would win, but I felt that strongly about it.

“Sometimes you have to take chances,” she added. “No one will do it fr you.”

For years she worked waitressing, which, she said, taught her how to deal with all kinds of people and with difficult people.

Now, she works 13 hour days, she added. “It’s not just a job. It’s a calling.”

She also encouraged students to register to vote and get involved.

At 27, Stewart is the youngest Mayor in the country. After advising students about professional appearance, the importance of volunteering, and career opportunities with the town, she took a series of selfies and pictures with students. “Hold the camera up here,” she advised. “It makes the ladies look slimmer.”

A final picture was with JAG Specialist Ron Cannada (left) and NBHSSCA Principal Mike Foran, who was also Mayor Stewart’s principal when she was in middle school. 

 

JAG at Work at MHS!

Rossana Bustamante, a senior at Manchester High, works with classmates to define the qualities and action that make a leader. JAG is working with students at MHS and five other schools to help define their career interests and develop a plan for postsecondary education and workplace success. Rosanna’s interests include social work and psychology and she’s working with her JAG Specialist, Justine Meyer, to explore educational options. JAG began at MHS this January.

JAG CT Launches in Six Schools

Jobs for America’s Graduates, Connecticut is pleased to launch the Spring 2015 semester, serving six schools in four towns.

JAG Specialists have started classes at East Hartford High School, New Britain High School and the NBHS Satellite Career Academy, New Horizons and Hillhouse High in New Haven, and Manchester High School.

Each Specialist will serve between 25-45 students with a one-credit JAG curriculum, offering professional skills development, as well as career counseling and help developing a plan for post-secondary education. Each school will also take part in a student-led Career Association.

JAG’s new Specialists took part in a three-day course with JAG’s national trainer, Jean McLaurine, and they have been spending time in their schools, getting to know staff and students before starting classes. Partners from schools and the community also took part in the JAG training.

Standing, from left, are Courtney Sak, who will be located at New Horizons, and Dean Cornelio, who will be at Hillhouse High; Justine Meyer, who will be at Manchester High, and Ron Cannada, who is at the NBHS Satellite Career Academy. Seated at left is Patty Damiani of East Hartford High and Lauren Hebert of New Britain High School. JAG’s classes at the NBHSSCA began in November.

Welcome everyone!