
Area students engaged with local businesses during the JA Inspire event, exploring career opportunities and building connections for their future.
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), in collaboration with Muskingum County Ohio Means Jobs and the Zanesville Muskingum Chamber of Commerce, hosted the highly anticipated Junior Achievement Inspire Event, aimed at fostering career awareness for students in local schools. Held at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds, the event brought together over 60 local businesses and more than 1,500 students from 13 area schools to engage in a hands-on job fair, providing students a unique opportunity to explore various career pathways.
The JA Inspire program is designed to empower students by exposing them to real-world careers, helping them to better understand the job market and the skills needed to succeed. Through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and conversations with professionals from diverse industries, students were able to gain invaluable insights into potential future career options.
“We’re thrilled to bring the JA Inspire event to our local schools,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent at MVESC. “This program offers our students an unparalleled opportunity to explore different career paths and engage with local businesses that are vital to our community. It’s our goal to equip these students with the knowledge and inspiration they need to build successful futures right in their local community,” Snyder-Lowe added.
Dana Matz, President of the Zanesville Muskingum Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of connecting students with local employers, stating that the event “demonstrates the importance of bridging the gap between education and the workforce.” Matz explained, “It not only opens doors for students to discover career options, but also gives businesses the chance to engage with the next generation of talent. We’re proud to be a part of an initiative that fosters growth in our community.”
The success of this year’s JA Inspire event marks another significant milestone in MVESC’s ongoing efforts to promote career readiness among local students. By bringing together businesses, educators, and students, the event highlights the critical role of workforce development in shaping the future of the region.