NOTTINGHAM, MD—More than 8,000 middle school students from Baltimore County Public Schools will have the opportunity to explore high-growth careers with 65+ area employers and educational institutions, including Aerotek, Stanley Black & Decker, Lifebridge Health, and the University System of Maryland, at the annual Junior Achievement Inspire event and Parent Night.

The event will be held at the following dates and times:

Parent Night – Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 6 – 8 p.m.
JA Inspire – Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Thursday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.

Students will connect with professionals, discover career opportunities, and participate in hands-on activities. The aim of JA Inspire is for students to learn necessary skills for in-demand jobs and match post-secondary education opportunities to strengthen their coursework for high school and beyond.

Parents of BCPS students in Grades 4-12 also are invited to attend a special Parent Night event, “Preparing for Success after BCPS,” on the eve of the two-day Inspire program.

On the Parent Night, parents will hear career advice from area companies and organizations and meet with representatives from BCPS and the Community College of Baltimore County to learn about career pathways, Career and Technical Education programs, financial literacy, planning with school counselors, and more.

The event will be held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds – Cow Palace, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, 21093.

SPECIAL GUESTS/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Wednesday, Nov. 13, only from 8 – 9:30 a.m.

• Dr. Darryl L. Williams, Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools
• John Olszewski Jr., Baltimore County Executive
• Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce
• Dr. Robert Caret, Chancellor, University System of Maryland

The Parent Night event is open to all BCPS families, but parents and caregivers who are planning to attend are requested to RSVP for the event at Eventbrite or to call the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 443-809-4171.

A recent report by Junior Achievement of Central Maryland and Ernst & Young revealed 88% of students, aged 13 to 17, know what job they want after graduation, but their career interests in growing fields, like STEM, are declining. To expose youth to Maryland’s in-demand career opportunities, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland Inc. (JA) will host an interactive career development experience, JA Inspire.

JA Inspire is where Maryland’s top talent meets the future talent pipeline all in one building.