Member News

Career Jam, the pioneering organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation workforce, announces the return of Career Jam Explore. This innovative career exploration initiative will host more than 2,000 eighth and ninth grade students from numerous Capital Region school districts at two dynamic events in October.

On Oct. 4, students will gather at TEC-SMART on Hudson Valley Community College's North Campus on Hermes Road in Malta. This evens is made possible by the generous support of Saratoga County, which has underwritten the cost for students in the county to attend Career Jam Explore free of charge. Then, on Oct. 19, the action shifts to Hudson Valley's main campus in the McDonough Sports Complex Field House on Vandenburgh Avenue in Troy. 

Career Jam Explore is designed to bridge the gap between students, local businesses, skilled trades, and educational partners. Through hands-on demonstrations, students will gain insights into critical career skills essential for their future success.

Ryan Van Amburgh, the founder and CEO of Career Jam, expressed the organization's mission, stating, “We are excited to bring so many students and businesses together as we strive to inspire and retain the next generation of workforce talent in our region. Doing so is crucial for both economic development and ensuring household prosperity for students and their families.”

Structured for eighth and ninth-grade students, Career Jam Explore offers an engaging opportunity for young learners to discover a diverse range of local career pathways through fun and interactive activities with professionals from various industries.

The events kick off with an electrifying "Prep Rally" featuring a DJ, t-shirts, prizes, games, and trivia designed to motivate and excite the students about their future career journeys. Following the rally, students have the opportunity to explore more than 50 exhibits showcasing businesses in the region.

Career Jam, in partnership with the Siena College Research Institute, collects valuable data that informs educators, employers, and policymakers about how students' interests, skills, and educational pathways align with the needs of employers. This alignment supports better decision-making and planning, benefiting individuals and families by providing access to rewarding careers. Further, it equips businesses and communities with the talent they need to thrive in their markets.

What sets Career Jam Explore apart is the personalized survey students receive from the Siena College Research Institute. This survey not only identifies which of the 16 career clusters align with their interests and skills, but also analyzes their aptitudes and learning styles. Prior to attending the event, students are also equipped with elevator pitches and techniques to introduce themselves to businesses, ensuring a valuable and educational experience.

“Career Jam Explore would not be possible without the generous support of our key sponsoring organizations,” said Van Amburgh, “including our Community Impact Partner, Siemens, in addition to Workforce Development Institute, Berkshire Bank, Brookfield Renewable U.S., GlobalFoundries, Martin Electric, NYSERDA, Plug Power, and Regeneron. We are also grateful for the participation of local organizations such as CDTA, National Grid, Rifenburg Construction, WMHT, and many others.”

Students and businesses alike are invited to participate int Career Jam Explore on Oct. 4 in Malta and Oct. 19 in Troy to empower the future workforce of the Capital Region and propel New York State's workforce development into the 21st century.

For more information about Career Jam Explore, visit www.career-jam.com

What local community leaders have to say about Career Jam Explore:

Siemens Energy Performance Services Market Manager Shadrach Treat: “Today’s students are our next generation employees. Career Jam is a great way for students to get visibility of the different types of technology careers that are available and for Siemens to showcase what job opportunities we have to join our team as we build the future.”

Hudson Valley Community College President Roger Ramsammy: “Hudson Valley Community College is excited to again host Career Jam on campus. This event is a phenomenal opportunity for young students to gain career insights and learn about future job opportunities from many local organizations. Helping students to discover and explore career pathways well before college can boost retention and completion rates for educators and accelerate career placement and fill workforce gaps for employers. Our mission at Hudson Valley is to sustain our regional workforce partners with skilled employees, and we’re proud to partner with Career Jam to prepare the next generation for the future.”  

Saratoga County Administrator Steve Bulger: “Saratoga County is pleased to support Career Jam. This innovative event brings businesses and schools together in a fun and engaging way to help students explore the many career pathways that are available to them right here in the Capital Region. Saratoga County’s robust economy is built on its strong workforce with education being a key building block to economic success. Career Jam is helping to build our future workforce by bringing these two important sectors together.”

Brookfield Renewable Stakeholder Relations Manager New York/Minnesota Mark Luciano:  “Brookfield Renewable is one of the world’s largest renewable energy businesses. With a portfolio that includes hydroelectric, wind and solar facilities, Brookfield remains supportive of STEM education to help ensure that the incoming workforce is prepared to step into a role supporting the effort to supply reliable clean energy.”

GlobalFoundries Vice President and General Manager of GF’s New York Manufacturing Facility Hui Peng Koh: “GlobalFoundries is pleased to partner with Career Jam, where thousands of students from around the Capital Region can explore the various industries and amazing careers that are right here in their backyard. When students visit our table at Career Jam, we will be eager to show them the variety of exciting career opportunities available in semiconductor manufacturing, whether they are completing high school, community college or university."

Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Norris Pearson:  “Having a well-prepared workforce of individuals who understand what employers are looking for when they are hiring is critical to our region’s economic success. Career Jam helps inform students of the many opportunities that exist for finding the right employer for a rewarding career. We’re pleased that so many Rensselaer County businesses and school districts are taking part in these Career Jam Explore events.”