The JA JobSpark experience in Indianapolis, now in its 10th year, has become a rite of passage for eighth-grade students at Hamilton Heights Middle School. Each year students travel to the State Fairgrounds to participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to spark interest in potential careers. (Photos provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation)
Posted By: The Reporter October 1, 2025
Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Last week, 132 eighth-grade students from Hamilton Heights Middle School (HHMS) traveled to the Indiana State Fairgrounds to participate in JA JobSpark, a hands-on career exploration event presented by Junior Achievement.
Designed to ignite curiosity and broaden career awareness, JA JobSpark opens doors to future possibilities by connecting students with real-world professionals and immersive learning experiences.
This year’s event featured regional and local companies who offered interactive activities, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths. Students visited interactive demonstrations, learned about, and met with professionals who work in the following career areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Logistics, Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Government, Law & Public Service; Health & Life Sciences; and Hospitality & Tourism.
“It is impossible to quantify how meaningful this day was for so many of our students,” said Connor James, Business Teacher and Reaching New Heights Coordinator at HHMS. “Many of them were exposed to careers they did not even know existed.”
James plays a key role in organizing this annual experience which continues to be a highlight for the eighth-grade class.
Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
According to the students who attended, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. A post event survey yielded the following results:
- 100 percent of students said future eighth graders should attend this event.
- 93 percent reported being exposed to careers they never knew about.
- 94 percent rated the event 7 or higher on a 10-point scale.
Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
About JA JobSpark
JA JobSpark is a multi-day, hands-on career expo impacting over 10,000 Indianapolis eighth graders. JA JobSpark is part of the JA Work and Career Readiness Pathway and is intended for middle school students (grades 6-8). This volunteer- and educator-led program can be classroom-based, remote live, or after-school. The JA JobSpark initiative includes in-class or remote curriculum and activities prior to and after attending the event. JA JobSpark is meant to “spark” an interest in students and get them excited for their future. Students will learn about skills needed for jobs that will be in demand when they graduate and will learn about the equipment that is used on those jobs daily. The expos help students gain a better understanding of the courses they will need to take in high school, a track for post-secondary and a clear career pathway for what they find they are interested in.
