JA CareerIgnite event connects 3,000 Carmel High School students with over 90 company representatives

This week, over 3,000 Carmel High School students explored future career opportunities at the annual JA CareerIgnite event.

Hosted by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (JA), Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), and Carmel High School (CHS), the event featured more than 90 professionals from a wide range of industries, providing students with real-world insights and direct interaction with professionals.

CHS Assistant Principal Brad Sever highlighted the impact of the event.

“Carmel High School has been a proud partner with Carmel Education Foundation and Junior Achievement for the last two years on the CareerIgnite event,” Sever said. “This event has allowed thousands of our students to interact with professionals from an array of career fields. It helps some students solidify their career interests, while allowing others to discover new opportunities. We are grateful for this partnership!”

One notable employer, Raytheon Technologies, has not only engaged with students during the event for both years but has also connected with teachers, meeting with multiple classes over the past year to provide insights into their field of work and facilitate more personalized conversations. This ongoing relationship exemplifies the value of direct industry engagement in education.

In addition to industry representatives, the event featured CHS Work-Based Learning programs, including a student panel. The panel showcased students who have benefited from hands-on learning in the medical and construction industries, illustrating the impact of career preparation programs offered at CHS.

CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix emphasized how events like JA CareerIgnite prepare students for the future.

“JA CareerIgnite is at the core of our mission – equipping students for real-world readiness by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities,” Penix said. “Beyond career exploration, students actively learn how to communicate, engage, and interact with professionals, preparing them to become leaders in their communities, no matter their future role. We deeply appreciate our community partners who make this opportunity possible for our students.”

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of community partners, including Duke Energy, Carmel High School PTO, and others who are dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders.

Call to action

CEF invites businesses and community members to partner in supporting K-12 education. By getting involved, you can help bring unique and impactful experiences, like JA CareerIgnite, to students across Carmel Clay Schools. This partnership will prepare students not just for the workforce but for leadership in local communities.

For more information on future events or how to get involved, please contact Carmel Education Foundation at foundation@ccs.k12.in.us.

About Carmel Education Foundation
Carmel Education Foundation supports the students and teachers of Carmel Clay Schools by funding educational grants, scholarships, and programs aimed at enhancing classroom, and career readiness.

About Junior Achievement of Central Indiana
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana empowers young people to own their future economic success by providing hands-on experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Photos provided