One Postsecondary and Career Pathways (PaCE) framework indicator for 8th grade is for students to complete a career exploration day. In Central Illinois, several partners work together to host any area school’s eighth graders at Career Spark. This 2-day event is coordinated and hosted by the local Junior Achievement and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. Many sponsors underwrite the event, and employers from all over the area facilitate hands-on career experiences ranging from robotic surgery to the delivery of a newborn calf. Almost 4,000 students attended this year’s event in September. Due to the popularity of this event, the experience has expanded to Career Spark You’re Hired for high school students to follow up on the experiences. >> Watch CareerSpark 2023
