3 Minutes With: Michele Merkel on JA Inspire

Last year, at Junior Achievement’s JA Inspire College, Career and Trades conference at the Eastwood Mall, more than 3,000 students showed up to learn about the career paths they could take. This year, that number is expected to be more than tripled as the pandemic pushes the event online.

“All these wonderful jobs that we have, opportunities here in the Mahoning Valley, we have to share it with our youth,” says Michele Merkel, president of JA Mahoning Valley. “They have to be aware of what is here and available for them in the Mahoning Valley.”

The Nov. 19 event will be a full day, showing high school students a wide range of speakers and topics, including information on college financial aid, work readiness and soft skills, and giving them a chance to connect with employers.

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