The JA Inspire program consists of three segments:
1) In-class sessions facilitated by the classroom teacher
2) The interactive JA Inspire Career Exploration Fair
3) An in-class debrief to help students reflect on the experience
During the JA Inspire Career Exploration Fair, students participate in hands-on activities, often using equipment or tools used on a job. The experience is configurable to align with local industry, education, and career opportunities.
Please join JAENC staff to learn about accessing and implementing the JA Inspire curriculum for the 2025-2026 school year! Please contact us to schedule an educator orientation appointment.
Session One: Careers and Personality - Students understand the importance of career planning and take a career interest inventory to discover what jobs suit their interests.
Session Two: Exploring Careers - Students learn to recognize career clusters and explore the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for their careers of interest.
Session Three: Preparing for the Future - Students learn about soft skills and how self-awareness can guide them toward a meaningful, enjoyable, and successful career.
Session Four: Learn about Local Businesses - Students visit the local Chamber of Commerce's website to look for common themes and career clusters. Students also research JA Inspire exhibitors and identify companies they want to visit during the JA Inspire event.
Session Five: Prepare for the JA Inspire Event - Students review the event day logistics and get ready to represent themselves well when interacting with business representatives.
Session Six: JA Inspire Career Exploration Fair - Students engage with industry volunteers to learn about career pathways in their fields. Students participate in hands-on activities, often using actual equipment or tools the businesses’ employees use on the job.
Session Seven: Personal Reflection - Students reflect on what they have learned and identify next steps to further define their academic choices and career paths.
Space is limited for our second annual in-person career exploration fair, and registration fills up quickly. Please reserve the program for your students today by completing the request form.
Students should complete JA Inspire curriculum components prior to attending the hands-on learning experience on March 11, 2026. JAENC staff will host virtual training sessions to aid educators as they lead students through the JA Inspire curriculum. Please contact us to arrange a training session.