Junior Achievement Launches New Career Platform

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland Inc. (JA) has launched JA Career Pathfinder, a career exploration platform at www.japathfinder.com that will help middle and high school students prepare for in-demand careers in the Baltimore region. The interactive, web portal was developed with funding support from Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions headquartered in Maryland.

Nearly 3,000 8th grade students from Baltimore County Public Schools will pilot the platform in their classrooms as a debrief activity following JA Inspire, a hands-on career exploration experience held Oct. 18 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. JA Inspire featured displays from more than 40 Central Maryland employers, including Aerotek, GM, T. Rowe Price, and many more.

JA Career Pathfinder can be used in conjunction with JA’s suite of workforce development programming, or as a stand-alone career exploration activity. The platform offers students an intuitive, interactive experience that allows them to select what they want in a career – the salary, the interests, the education level – and see the careers that match their ambitions and how their choices affect their education pathways and career options.

“To fuel the workforce pipeline in Central Maryland, we need to start early and expose youth to the exciting career opportunities that exist in our region,” said Jennifer Bodensiek, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. “Through JA Career Pathfinder and our other career readiness experiences, we are connecting youth to businesses, role models, hands-on activities and information that motivates and enables students to plan for their futures.”

JA Career Pathfinder includes information about the most in-demand, high-growth careers available in Central Maryland. The careers included in the pilot phase are representative of a variety of education levels, industries and average salaries. The portal is programmed, in part, with local data provided by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and Towson University.

“Allegis Group is pleased to support Junior Achievement and the launch of the JA Career Pathfinder, a valuable initiative that will enhance our region’s early workforce development efforts and ensure that young people are aware of in-demand careers that exist right here in their own community,” said Rachel Russell, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy for Allegis Group, and JA of Central Maryland Board Member. “We’re excited to see initiatives like these, and others we support worldwide, extend our passion for serving others and provide the building blocks for youth to reach their full potential.”