JA Inspire brings together 2,900 students with 100-plus area businesses
Apr. 1—PLAINS TWP. — Peyton Spall and Chayse Roche, both sophomores at Carbondale Area High School, on Tuesday said the "JA Inspire Career Exploration Experience" exceeded their expectations, offering invaluable information that will help decide their career paths.
Junior Achievement NEPA president Susan Magnotta said JA Inspire is a "one-of-a-kind career exploration experience" that brought together more than 2,900 students from 40 regional schools with 100-plus area businesses and entrepreneurs to help introduce students to a world of future work options right here in NEPA.
"This has been more than I expected," Spall said. "There is so much information here that will help students decide what they want to study in college, or what trade they might want to get training for."
Spall said she is planning on going to college to seek a degree in business management
Roche said he is undecided on what career path he may take, but he said he gathered a lot of information at the JA Inspire event.
"This really helps a lot," Roche said. "It's very well organized and there are so many employers here to talk to."
All those comments were like music to Magnotta's ears. She said the event, in its third year, has grown by leaps and bounds.
"It's really amazing to see all these students interacting with the employers," Magnotta said. "It's great to have an interactive event that opens the eyes of the students to so many opportunities to help them make informed decisions on their futures."
Junior Achievement of NEPA called JA Inspire "a one-of-a-kind career exploration event" that engages high school students in hands-on, interactive exhibits with local companies and business professionals, exposing them to career opportunities, creating connections, and inspiring them toward a pathway for future success.
"JA Inspire provides students with the opportunity to learn about careers in a variety of industries and sectors," Magnotta said. "We also want to thank our presenting sponsor, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services & Discover NEPA."
A sampling of interactive activities at JA Inspire 2025 included virtual reality tools and demos, welding activities, construction equipment and tools, electric excavator, 3D printer, personality test, ultrasound technology, dental hygiene demo, augmented reality health science glass demo, robotics demo, HVAC tool demo, electrical line worker tools, drone technology, night vision goggles, basaltic gear, HAZMAT identifiers, sensory activities and more.
JA Inspire was held at Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Students who participated in the JA Inspire event:
—Connected with hundreds of professionals from NEPA's most prominent employers.
—Explored career pathways and learn about the skills needed for in-demand jobs.
—Recognized career clusters that match their skills and interests.
—Identified job and internship opportunities.
—Spoke to colleges and universities about majors that fit their career needs.
—Received help with resume building and interview skills.
A sampling of results from the 2024 event showed that:
—97% of students said that JA Inspire helped them to determine their future career path.
—60% of students said that the event helped them to eliminate a career they were considering.
—86% of students said they found a new career that they want to learn more about.
Industry clusters represented
—Architecture, engineering, construction, technology and trades.
—Hospitality, media and marketing.
—Banking and finance.
—Business, insurance, sales and service.
—Health services.
—Education and training.
—Energy, utilities and environment.
—Government and public safety.
—Manufacturing and transportation.
—Entrepreneurship.
—Nonprofit.
Schools in attendance
—Benton Area High School.
—Carbondale Area High School.
—CareerLink.
—Crestwood High School.
—Dallas High School.
—Dunmore High School.
—Greater Nanticoke Area High School.
—Hanover Area High School.
—Hazleton Area High School.
—Holy Cross High School.
—Holy Redeemer High School.
—Keystone Job Corps.
—Lackawanna Trail High School.
—Lake-Lehman High School.
—MMI Prep.
—North Pocono High School.
—Northwest Area High School.
—Old Forge High School.
—PA CareerLink.
—Pittston Area High School.
—Riverside High School.
—Scranton High School.
—Scranton STEMM Academy.
—Valley View High School.
—Wallenpaupack Area High School.
—Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
—Wilkes-Barre Homeschool Group.
—West Scranton High School.
—West Side CTC.
—Wyoming Area High School.
—Wyoming Valley West High School.
—Wyoming Valley Homeschool Group.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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