JA JobSpark Educator Newsletter* May 2021
SAVE THE DATE!
The 6th Annual JA JobSpark will be held virtually on September 21 & September 22, 2021.

Thank You!
Thank you for your continued commitment to the 10,000+ students who will join us this September to utilize our virtual platform. Because of you and your commitment to the JA JobSpark program, these students will experience career pathways for jobs in demand and the skills needed to have those jobs. Without the support of all the businesses, education and community leaders, JA JobSpark would not be possible!
JA JobSpark Long-Term Survey
In 2016 and 2017, Indianapolis eighth graders participated in the first and second years of JA JobSpark, a hands-on career expo educating students about future in-demand careers. These students that participated in 2016 and 2017 are now juniors and graduating seniors!!
 
We have reached out to the high schools in the districts that participated in the JA JobSpark initiative to help in tracking the long term impact that JA JobSpark may have had on students education and career decisions over the years and their post-secondary plans. 
 
We have received some amazing responses and are looking forward to sharing them all with you when we create our report. Stay tuned!
JA JobSpark Virtual Platform Updates
The JA and Ignition teams are continuing to work on updating & improving the JA JobSpark Virtual Platform for September 2021 & beyond. Here are a few things you can look forward to seeing:

  • Virtual content focused on future careers in demand​
  • Modeled after Indiana State Fairgrounds venue​
  • Each school will access virtual platform with unique school code​
  • Accessible via classroom setting or 1:1 device​
  • 8 clickable industry clusters​
  • Video-game feel navigation​
  • Pre-recorded videos​
  • Live sessions (Zoom, one-way interaction, students ask questions through Q&A feature)​
  • 3D tours​
  • Panels​
  • Additional resource materials for students and teachers


To access the site and view content from JA JobSpark 2020:

  1. Visit www.jajobspark.org/curriculum
  2. Click on the orange button that says "Click Here to Enter JA JobSpark Virtual Platform"
  3. Use your school's access code to view the platform.*

*Please email Molly at molly@jaindy.org if you need your school's access code.
JA JobSpark Cluster Meetings & New Companies
Our 8 clusters are hard at work preparing for another virtual year at JA JobSpark! They are reviewing, updating and adding exciting materials & content for your students. We also have some companies providing content for multiple clusters, as well as new organizations joining us for the 2021 year.

New Companies:
Shiel Sexton​
NHRA​
Broad Ripple Animal Clinic​
American Senior Communities​
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful​
Marion County Sheriff's Office​
Indiana Office of Technology
JA EduSpark - Teacher Externship
-Learn about in-demand careers!
-Connect academics to the real world of work!
-Earn Professional Growth Points!

Educators! We hope you'll join us for our upcoming JA EduSpark Teacher Externship that will take place during the week of June 28- July 2. The JA EduSpark Teacher Externship is way to inform educators about careers in-demand and provide them with a first-hand look into local companies so they can share their experiences with students and help connect academics to the real world of work. Stay tuned for more information, coming soon!

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email molly@jaindy.org and we will make sure you get the registration link when it becomes available.
Virtual JA Biztown Summer Camp!
Do you have a special person in your life who might want to attend our virtual JA BizTown Summer Camp!? 
  
Our camp will be offered virtually, at no cost, for five separate weeks focusing on financial fitness, physical fitness, and STEM. All you need to do is register here! Please share this opportunity with your co-workers, friends, and family.
Thank you for helping your students ignite the spark!
Why JA? Because helping kids make the connection between what they learn in the classroom and future success is what we do.
For more information on JA JobSpark, please visit www.jajobspark.org
or contact Molly (Grooms) Baines at molly@jaindy.org.