Students pose for a photo alongside Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) mascots, gaining insights into the organization and exploring potential career pathways. PROVIDED

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida (JA) recently hosted its second annual in-person JA Inspire career expo at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Alico Arena. Previously hosted as a virtual event, this expo has proven successful with students, providing nearly 6,000 eighth- and tenth-grade students from Lee County with hands-on learning opportunities across various career paths in Southwest Florida. The primary objective was to spark enthusiasm in young minds and address the workforce demands of our rapidly expanding industries.

Students arrived early, ready to explore the diverse career paths presented to them and engage with 45 of the region’s prominent employers and business professionals. They gained valuable insights into potential future endeavors and envisioned their career options in Southwest Florida. After a structured curriculum taught in classrooms, students participated in the JA Inspire career expo, engaging in meaningful conversations with live Southwest Florida employers. This experience provided insights into earning credentials, gaining real-world work experience, and ultimately pursuing employment opportunities.

JA extends its heartfelt gratitude to valued partners whose contributions have been instrumental in making this program a resounding success and shaping a brighter future for students. Special thanks to Florida Gulf Coast University, the School District of Lee County, and the Lee County Industrial Development Authority. JA also appreciates the dedicated sponsors of the event, including Diamond sponsor Suncoast Credit Union, Platinum sponsor Beasley Media Group, LLC, and Gold sponsors Comcast, Entech, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Regions Bank, and Truly Nolan.

For more information about Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and its programs, please visit www.jaswfl.org.

About Junior Achievement

Students were allowed to interact with "Spot the Robot Dog" during a demonstration led by a Suffolk Construction representative, highlighting their cutting-edge STEM technology and engaging in discussions about diverse career opportunities within the construction industry. PROVIDED

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA learning experiences are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Junior Achievement is expanding its reach to 18-to-25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills, as well as to pre-K youth to ensure children get a solid head start. Today, JA reaches more than 4.4 million students per year in 102 markets across the United States as part of 12.5 million students served by operations in more than 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with classroom business volunteers during the 2022-2023 school year to provide 160,865 hours of instruction to 12,259 students throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590, or email info@jaswfl.org.

Students at the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida career expo event are seen enjoying the B103.9 photo booth hosted by Beasley Media Group, LLC. It provides a fun break as they learn about careers in technology and media. PROVIDED

Students interested in Health Services careers learn from local professionals and discuss pathways to career success at the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida career expo. PROVIDED

Thousands of students from local middle and high schools convene at Florida Gulf Coast University's Alico Arena for the second annual JA INSPIRE event, organized by Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, to explore diverse career opportunities. PROVIDED

Students explore optometry careers, learning about the OptoCheck Plus machine and its vital role in providing medical information. PROVIDED

A student experiences virtual reality to explore and learn about future opportunities in technology. PROVIDED

The Alva School Students manipulate "Spot the Robot Dog" during a STEM technology demonstration led by a Suffolk Construction representative. Students were able to discuss technology career opportunities within the construction industry. PROVIDED

Local middle and high school students gather at Florida Gulf Coast University's Alico Arena for the second annual JA INSPIRE event by Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. They explore various career opportunities, including health services, architecture, engineering, technology, business, finance, manufacturing, logistics, policing, and more. PROVIDED

A student observes plants and matter under a microscope during the career exploration event at Alico Arena hosted by Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. PROVIDED