Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, Chair of Jobs for Virginia (JVG), with Barry Glenn, Executive Director of JVG Graduates and the newly elected JVG President and Vice President. Photo contributed
Last Wednesday, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) served as the keynote speaker at the Jobs for Virginia Graduates' Student Leadership Conference in Richmond. She currently serves as chair of the organization.
Jobs for Virginia Graduates (JVG) currently works with over 1,250 high school students in the Commonwealth per year. The program seeks to work with at-risk and disadvantaged youth to graduate from high school and then obtain and keep quality jobs. It is affiliated with the Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) program. Using JAG’s model, JVG acts as one of the state’s initiatives for decreasing the dropout rate and improving the transition from school to work. JVG works through Virginia’s public school system, and together with state employment programs.
In her remarks to the students, Del. Filler-Corn first spoke about her journey to elected office and then addressed the importance of improving the world, finding commitments beyond careers and college, and the values of perseverance and resilience.
“What does it mean to improve the world?” asked Filler-Corn. “Some argue that it means building an ethical society. We improve our world by treating people how they want to be treated and encouraging others to do the same…others argue that improving the world should be a call to action. It’s a responsibility. People cannot only focus on creating this model society within their own communities, but they are responsible for the welfare of a greater world at large. I truly take this to heart.
“As the Chair of JVG, it was wonderful to meet many smart and promising students who have already overcome tremendous challenges in their young lives and remain positive and hopeful for achieving a bright future.” said Filler-Corn after her remarks.