Junior Achievement of North Florida Reaches Record 22,853 Students Through Career Fairs During 2024/25 School Year

This milestone marks the largest number of high school students attending these career exploration events in the organization’s history, thanks to JA’s partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, and educators. High school students from 17 schools across Northeast Florida engaged with professionals in industries ranging from logistics and education to public safety and hospitality, gaining insight and inspiration for their futures.

The JA Career Exploration Fairs are designed to:

Provide exposure to career pathways that align with students’ interests and the demands of a local job market, especially for those without access to career information.
Bridge the gap between high school coursework and post-secondary opportunities, enhancing students' understanding of educational relevance.
Support college and career readiness by exposing students to a wide range of industries, including high-growth sectors in Northeast Florida.
Promote informed decision-making by offering direct interaction with professionals to explore qualifications, certifications, and skills needed for various occupations.
Encourage equitable access to opportunity, particularly for students from low- to moderate-income backgrounds.
Activate the community with civic and corporate engagement by providing employers with a meaningful channel to invest in future talent.

These fairs are often delivered in partnership with Communities In Schools Jacksonville and Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), reinforcing a shared commitment to preparing students for life after high school—whether that path leads to college, technical training, or immediate entry into the workforce.

"Thank you, JA, for the opportunity to connect students with pathways to their future careers,” said Susan Forholt, Admission Manager at Aveda Institute. “We have made many connections with students who have expressed interest and have successfully completed the program and licensed. This partnership with Junior Achievement has been a success, and we are looking forward to the 2025-2026 school year."

This year’s efforts extended beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering immersive, career-connected learning experiences. As a result, several students secured job interviews and offers, demonstrating the direct impact of JA’s mission.

“This was a monumental year for our students and our mission,” said Shannon Italia, President of Junior Achievement of North Florida. “The impact of our community partners, who generously gave their time, shared their stories, and opened doors for young people—can’t be overstated.”

Junior Achievement’s programs are built to inspire and prepare young people for success, equipping them with the tools to manage money, explore careers, and develop the skills employers value most.