The 2016 Junior Achievement (JA) JobSpark program in Indianapolis was created as a cross-industry effort to "spark" eight grade students' interests in potential careers and provide information about the education and skillset(s) required for each. With over 3500 volunteers who facilitated hands-on, engaging career activities across eight career clusters, the two day JA JobSpark hosted over 6000 middle school student participants.

This research explores perceptions of the industry volunteers on the effectiveness of JA JobSpark as compared to student perceptions of the event. Specifically, how industry volunteers perceived the event to be impactful on themselves, their company, and the students who attended the event. Additionally, we explored the implications of volunteers' perceived impact on the event relative to their satisfaction with the event. Results indicated that over half of the participating students believed that the JA JobSpark event had a positive influence on:

• Their attitude towards school and its importance for their future success
• Their belief that they have control over their future
• Their belief that they need to continue their education/training after high school

Moreover, nearly 75% of students believed that JA JobSpark had a positive influence on their belief that their skills and knowledge and how hard they work in school are important to their future success. These findings aligned with two of the key objectives of the JA JobSpark program. Teachers attending the event also believed that JA JobSpark increased students’ knowledge of career opportunities and pathways and enhanced students’ understanding of the skills and abilities they need to develop in order to reach their career goals.