The second annual JA Inspire Program took place today, April 11, 2019, at the Osceola Heritage Park where more than 3,500 Osceola County 8th graders gathered to collect valuable information that will help them decide their future career goals. 
 
Students were given 60 minutes to meet with more than 50 businesses and educational programs and had the chance to participate in interactive activities. They were given a passport and encouraged to walk around to visit all of the interactive booths that were set up. The JA Inspire program is organized by Central Florida’s CTE and postsecondary education programs available to help students achieve their career goals one course, one certificate, or one degree at a time.

The Junior Achievement of Central Florida is here to partner and support the School District of Osceola County to help empower 8th graders to make strong career and academic decisions as they enter high school so they can make strong long term economic decisions for themselves in the future. 

Melissa Bradley

Vice President of Education, Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc.

Launched in 2018, Junior Achievement of Central Florida has partnered with the School District of Osceola County to impact the education and career goals of more than 7,000 8th graders through the JA Inspire Program.
 
For the past 58 years, Junior Achievement of Central Florida has served our community as a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to take advantage of the abundant opportunities within America’s free enterprise system. JA empowers young people to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.
 
This year the JA Inspire Program provided students with insights into careers in industries including
  • Advance Manufacturing 
  • Business and Professional Services
  • Construction and Engineering
  • Hospitality, Arts, and Entertainment
  • Healthcare
  • Trade and Logistics

Junior Achievement of Central Florida recognizes the need for young adults to develop an education and career plan for high school that helps them get one step closer to achieving their goals after graduation. Middle School students are the specific focus for this ambitious program. Too often, students do not complete the necessary high school level math, science or even career-tech electives they need to begin postsecondary training, certification programs, apprenticeships or even 2 or 4-year degree programs. In order for students to achieve the financial success they desire, they must learn the expectations of the current workforce, so they can obtain the education and training necessary to enter such careers in the near future.

Thank you to the Junior Achievement of Central Florida and everyone involved in the 2019 Inspire Program for making a positive difference in the lives of these students.