CareerSpark Engages Middle School Students in Career Exploration

Image caption: Students learn about careers in agriculture from Heartland Community College

Olympia Middle School buzzed with excitement on March 4 as 255 sixth- and seventh-grade students participated in CareerSpark, an engaging career‑readiness experience designed to open students’ eyes to future opportunities. The event brought together an outstanding group of community exhibitors who showcased career paths across healthcare, skilled trades, finance, public service, technology, education, agriculture, and more.

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive stations where they asked questions, tried hands-on activities, and learned directly from professionals who bring essential skills and services to our region. From medical tools and safety equipment to financial literacy resources and creative arts demonstrations, students had the chance to explore career fields they may pursue in the years ahead.

Thank You, Exhibitors!

Olympia Middle School and Junior Achievement extend heartfelt gratitude to the organizations and professionals who generously shared their time, expertise, and enthusiasm:

• Accenture
• Allin Township Fire Dept
• Bloomington Public Library
• Breezy Bluff Riding Academy
• Carle Health – Endoscopy
• Carle Health – Surgery
• CEFCU
• Commerce Bank
• Eaton
• Heartland Community College – Agriculture
• Heartland Community College – CTE
• Hopedale Medical Complex
• Illinois Art Station
• Illinois State Credit Union
• McLean County Sheriff’s Office
• Mid-America Carpenters Training Center
• OSF Radiology
• State Farm Insurance
• WGLT
• Zeller Electric

Your participation made this experience meaningful, memorable, and deeply impactful for our students.

CareerSpark at Olympia Middle School is a collaborative effort between Junior Achievement of Central Illinois and Olympia Middle School.

Junior Achievement’s support of CareerSpark experiences in McLean and Logan Counties is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. Their commitment to youth development helps ensure students across Central Illinois gain early exposure to career pathways, workplace skills, and real-world learning experiences.