JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GREATER FAIRFIELD COUNTY (JAGFC) LAUNCHES JA INSPIRE VIRTUAL CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR ON MAY 4, 2021

Bridgeport, CONN. (April 12, 2021) – Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) announces its first virtual career exploration program, providing over 5,000 local middle school and high school students the opportunity to learn about local high-growth, high-demand jobs and the education and training required for these jobs.

JA Inspire Virtual offers real insight from industry professionals and allows unlimited access to students, parents, and jobseekers from May 4 to August 4, 2021. Students will take a career interest assessment and have opportunities to explore local careers suited to their own talents and values. Participants will also gain an understanding of high school options, post-secondary tracks, and career pathways based on their strength and interests.

Over 50 local businesses and community partners have joined JAGFC for this virtual event to advance workforce development in our area, providing insightful company information and career advice in the virtual platform. Participants will also be given access to a digital career book, with more information about real jobs in Connecticut.

“We recognize the need to build skills and knowledge in our K-12 students to prepare them to enter the workforce.” said Bernadine Venditto, President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County. “With JA Inspire Virtual, we are able to create meaningful pathways from school to employment and economic mobility. We can help students develop a plan that will enable their future financial and professional success.”

“As a local employer, we are proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of JA Inspire Virtual,” said Cosmo Alberico, Chief Operating Officer & CFO at Odyssey Logistics & Technology. “This career exploration program supports workforce development in our region, and JA is very well-positioned to provide the link from education to careers.”

Odyssey Logistics & Technology is the Presenting Sponsor for JA Inspire Virtual, and Impact Sponsors include Aquarion Water Company, Santa Energy, and Webster Bank, NA.

To learn more about the program, please visit: https://jagfc.org/event/ja-inspire-virtual/.

About Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. JAGFC’s vision is to ensure that every young person in greater Fairfield County is sufficiently prepared to pursue their career of choice and manage their personal finances. JA programs, focusing on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship, provide essential business and life skills, which empower students to build their future financial and professional success and help to close the opportunity gap. Programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and offer relevant, hands-on experiences for students in kindergarten through high school.