Eastern Shore, MD — Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) is working on its 3rd annual JA Inspire event, which this year will be virtual.
JA Inspire is a one-of-a-kind career exploration event for students here on the Eastern Shore. Hundreds of local businesses, from across The Shore, will be ready to show students what a day in the life of someone with their job looks like, how students can get that job, and what students need to do for the duration of their school career to be successful in that job. JA Inspire will also feature Eastern Shore colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, trade schools, and internships so once a student is “inspired” they can gather the information they need on how to achieve their goals.
The event will take place over several weeks in March and April to allow students and local job seekers ample time to absorb all of the information. Lisa Thornton, JAES’s Development Director, states, “We are super excited about JA Inspire being virtual this year. Last year we were able to reach 3,000 8th grade students. With location not being a factor this year, even more students and businesses will be able to participate.”
In addition to 3,000 8th graders, another 3,000 high school students will also participate in JA Inspire this year. The JAES staff has worked closely with school districts in Accomack, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties to allow access to students across The Shore. The event is also going to be open to local job-seeking adults for the first time this year.
“We are using a virtual conferencing platform that actually looks like a convention center when students enter the simulation. Local businesses will have the ability to provide students with tons of information regarding their business and their industry, all while being safe at home.”
JAES also believes that more local businesses will be able to get in on the action this year. Thornton adds, “Those smaller businesses that may not have the personnel to send to a two-day event, or the ability to close down for two-days now have the opportunity to be a part of this event. Our staff is preparing and training to assist businesses in the preparation of their virtual booths. We are helping our local businesses as much as possible to ensure that the transition to this platform is as seamless as possible.”
Those interested in learning more or participating in JA Inspire can learn more on the JAES website here: https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-easternshore/ja-inspire
