Job Spark Program Uses Two-Day Program To Get 8th Graders Interested In Future Careers

Junior Achievement of Central Indiana wrapped up their annual two-day career fair Wednesday in Indianapolis. More than 10,000 students from across central Indiana schools attended to learn about careers.

The Job Spark career fair had everything from fire trucks and military Humvees to screech owls and robotic surgery equipment at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. More than 150 businesses and trade groups set up booths to get eighth graders excited about future careers.

Lisa Peckham is a teacher from Stonybrook Middle School. She says this is the third year she's attended and every year the various demonstrations help bring industries to life for her students.

"And it's hard to explain life sciences or architectural engineering, but when they see it, they know what they want to do," she says.

The Job Spark program has received funding from the Lilly Endowment, which also provides funding for Indiana Public Broadcasting News.

Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.