1,700 Capital Region Students Explore Future Careers at Career Jam™ Explore at Hudson Valley Community College
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Media Contact:
Aarika Van Amburgh
Owner & Chief Community Engagement Officer, Career Jam™
518-669-4706 | [email protected]
career-jam.com
1,700 Capital Region Students Explore Future Careers at Career Jam™ Explore at Hudson Valley Community College
Students from 14 schools connect with regional employers through hands-on experiences designed to inspire the next generation of talent.
TROY, N.Y. (October 8, 2026) – 1,700 eighth- and ninth-grade students from 14 Capital Region schools came together Thursday at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) for Career Jam™ Explore, a high-energy, hands-on career exploration experience connecting young people with local employers, industry professionals, and educational pathways. The event was designed to spark curiosity, broaden students' understanding of career possibilities, and help build the region's future workforce.
The Career Jam™ experience began in the classroom with the Student Discovery survey, developed in partnership with the Siena Research Institute. On campus, the day kicked off with a high-energy Prep Rally. Featuring a DJ, trivia, challenges, and prizes, this interactive session introduced students to career clusters, encouraged them to consider new possibilities, and prepared them for the Exploration Floor. Schools also had the option to register for guided campus tours as part of their Career Jam day.
“Hudson Valley Community College is proud to once again host Career Jam™ Explore,” said Dr. Michael Brophy, President of Hudson Valley Community College. “Our multi-year partnership reflects our shared commitment to helping area middle and high school students discover the possibilities that await them. By connecting students with local employers, industry professionals and educational opportunities at an early age, we can help them see how their interests and talents can translate into rewarding careers right here in the Capital Region.”
“Building a resilient local economy starts with investing in our region's future workforce,” said Norris Pearson, President & CEO of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber and Career Jam Workforce Collaborative Member. “By connecting students with local professionals, Career Jam™ Explore provides the early exploration that sparks their imaginations and inspires our talent to stay right here in the Capital Region. As one of our most engaged Chamber members, we are grateful to Hudson Valley Community College for providing the ideal venue to make these vital connections happen.”
The event was made possible by corporate sponsors and exhibitors who view early career exploration as a critical business strategy, and want to make an impact in their community. Dozens of local businesses brought their teams to the Career Jam™ Exploration Floor, where students engaged directly with industry professionals through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
“Investing in young people is one of the most important investments we can make in our communities,” said Thomas Amell, President and CEO of Pioneer. “Career Jam™ gives students the opportunity to explore what's possible, connect with local leaders, and gain exposure to different career paths. We’re proud to help shape the future of our workforce and supporting this program reflects our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.”
For the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing sectors, reaching students early in their educational journey is vital to sustaining the region's infrastructure and industrial growth.
“Developing a strong pipeline of local talent in heavy manufacturing and structural trades starts long before high school graduation,” said Geoff Frazier, President of STS Steel. “As an Innovation Sponsor for Career Jam™, we value the opportunity to introduce 8th and 9th graders to the power of advanced steel fabrication. Interactive exploration shows these students early on that technical trades, apprenticeships, and engineering offer rewarding, high-wage careers right here in our region.”
“From laying bricks alongside a fifth-generation mason to hands-on nursing and power tool activities, to discovering how nanoscience is applied in local industries, students experienced an incredible variety of career pathways,” said Aarika Van Amburgh, Owner and Chief Community Engagement Officer at Career Jam™. “What makes Career Jam™ so special is the opportunity for students to connect directly with local professionals who are passionate about what they do and eager to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation.”
About Career Jam™
Career Jam™ is workforce development in action. Through unique and immersive experiences, Career Jam™ inspires students, equips educators, supports employers, and impacts communities. Rooted in a “Students First!” approach, Career Jam™ empowers young people of all backgrounds and abilities to imagine their futures and explore meaningful career pathways. By connecting student interests and aptitudes with real-world workforce opportunities, Career Jam™ bridges the gap between the classroom and the local economy. Guided by the core values of Humility, Service, Innovation, and Fun, Career Jam™ has empowered more than 27,000 students to imagine their futures.
For more information, visit www.career-jam.com.
About Hudson Valley Community College
Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College is the largest community college in upstate New York and offers 100 degree and certificate programs in three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and also administers the Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training at no cost to those who qualify. One of 30 community colleges in the SUNY system, Hudson Valley enrolls more than 20,000 students in credit and non-credit courses and is a recognized leader in distance learning and workforce development. The college has more than 90,000 alumni. To learn more, please visit www.hvcc.edu.
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