Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Ohio connects educators and employers to help K-12 students explore real-world careers and build the skills, confidence and connections they need for the future.

Through the JA Career Speaker program, manufacturing professionals visit classrooms to share their own education and career journeys, spotlighting pathways into Ohio manufacturing, including paid apprenticeships and jobs available right out of high school. These conversations help students connect classroom learning to in-demand career opportunities.

Volunteering is flexible and high-impact. Participants can sign up individually or with colleagues.

“It is easy to sign up as a JA Career Speaker volunteer, and the opportunities to speak to students fit nicely within my work schedule,” said Tim Ling, senior director of environmental at Plaskolite. “Many middle school students do not know what goes on in manufacturing and are surprised by the number of well-paying careers available at all education levels. Middle school is the ideal time to start that conversation.”

To learn more about JA throughout the U.S. and Ohio, click here. 4/24/2026