“JA Inspire to Hire” Event Connects Wyoming Valley West Students with Career Opportunities and Industry Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025

Contact: Susan Magnotta 570-650-3071

“JA Inspire to Hire” Event Connects Wyoming Valley West Students with Career Opportunities and Industry Leaders

Wilkes-Barre, PA – Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania (JA NEPA) launched their “JA Inspire to Hire” event last week, a dynamic career exploration experience designed to empower high school juniors and seniors as they take their first steps toward a successful future. On Wednesday, September 24th at Wyoming Valley West High School, this event brought together 300 juniors and seniors, educators, and professionals from a wide range of industries for a day of inspiration, networking, and hands-on career discovery.

“JA Inspire to Hire” is a workforce initiative that connects local youth to potential career opportunities in our region. “JA Inspire to Hire” stems from Junior Achievement’s signature 2-day Inspire Career Exploration Experience which introduces 2,200 high school students from nearly 30 schools to more than 85 hands-on, interactive exhibitors each year in April at Mohegan Pennsylvania Hotel & Convention Center.

Students met with local employers and heard directly from professionals in various career clusters such as Hospitality & Media, Manufacturing, Banking & Finance, and Energy and Utilities. Students explored various entry level roles available at each company as well as job shadow and internship opportunities. Geisinger Health System introduced students to 10 departments including School of Phlebotomy, Respiratory Therapy, Human Resources, and Pharmacy. Students discovered emerging fields and learned what it takes to thrive in today’s workforce.

“JA Inspire to Hire is more than a career fair—it’s a launchpad,” said Susan Magnotta, President of Junior Achievement of NEPA. “We’re creating a space where students can envision their future, ask real questions, and build relationships that could shape their career paths.”

Geisinger introduced their Co-Op Program to the Wyoming Valley West high school students which is an educational and clinical work experience for high school seniors, providing hands-on exposure to various healthcare roles within Geisinger Health System. The Co-Op offers opportunities in fields like nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, and radiology.

Andy Capalong, System Director Workforce Development at Geisinger, stated “This was a fantastic opportunity for both the students and Geisinger. Students were able to interactively learn about careers within healthcare. It provided them insight into the profession and the

resources needed for success. These students are the future of healthcare within our local community.”

In addition, the PA CareerLink® Luzerne County provided participating students with registration on the PA CareerLink® website. "It's incredibly meaningful to support my students as they start planning for life after high school. This career fair was designed to show them that there are real, achievable opportunities in Luzerne County waiting for them — and that their future can start now," said Katie Finnegan, History/ Career Education Teacher at Wyoming Valley West.

Along with Educational Opportunity Centers, PA CareerLink® staff offered several workshops to prepare students to enter the workforce. Workshops include: Workplace 101: What no one tells you; Level Up: Skills Employers Actually Want; Ace the Interview, Own the Room; and Hot Jobs of Luzerne/Schuylkill Counties. Ms. Finnegan and Mr. Mahalak worked closely with their students to ensure they were prepared to ask questions and to identify the companies they’d like to connect with in conclusion of “JA Inspire to Hire.”

Wyoming Valley West alum, Kara Hart, Promotions Director at Cumulus Radio, was the guest speaker kicking off the event in the morning. Kara shared her local roots and provided real-world insight in the broadcasting industry with the audience. Kara explained to the students that she didn’t know what she wanted to be when she was sitting in the same auditorium seats not too long ago. Kara highlighted that students can build a career out of their current passions, but having persistence and dedication is important.

Whether students are college-bound or still exploring options, “JA Inspire to Hire” offered something for everyone. After attending “JA Inspire to Hire,” 91% of students surveyed said the event helped motivate them to take more steps towards their future career goals.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement offers career-connected learning experiences free to school districts across our region thanks to our generous community donors and partners who also provide volunteer role models to deliver the Junior Achievement activities. Junior Achievement’s hands-on learning experiences drive student engagement, which is a powerful indicator of long term career and financial success. Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 3.2 million students per year.

Pictured in front row from left to right: Jenelle Osborne, JA NEPA Business Development & Events Coordinator; Tesha Rushton, JA NEPA Director of Educational Experiences; Mike

McGinley, JA NEPA Board Chair; Susan Magnotta, JA NEPA President; Wyoming Valley West students Jaylene Perdomo, Nyree Taylor and Alex Rodrigues; David Novrocki, WVW Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Pictured in back row from left to right: Andy Capalong, Geisinger System Director Workforce Development; Dr. Chuck Supon, WVW Superintendent; Matt Mahalak, WVW English teacher; Katie Finnegan, WVW History/ Career Education teacher; Tara Carey, WVW Principal