Peoria, IL (Thursday, September 25, 2026) – Junior Achievement of Central Illinois and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council are calling on individuals and employers across the region to volunteer at the 10th annual Greater Peoria CareerSpark, taking place October 28 and 29, 2026, at the Peoria Civic Center. Volunteer registration is open now at gpcareerspark.org, and organizers are encouraging people to sign up early so every student group is covered.
Thousands of 8th-grade students from across central Illinois will attend this year’s expo. Designed as a fully interactive, hands-on experience, CareerSpark connects students with high-demand industries including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, public service, construction, and more. Making that experience happen takes hundreds of volunteers.
Two types of volunteers are needed. General Volunteers keep the day running smoothly by guiding student groups through the expo, greeting schools as they arrive, monitoring entrances and exits, and delivering lunches to fellow volunteers. Industry Volunteers work within a career cluster area, helping lead hands-on activities and demonstrating the job skills used in their field, as organized by the event’s industry co-chairs.
Volunteering does not require a full day. Shifts are available for as little as half a day, making it easy for working professionals to step away and make an impact. Volunteers who register for a full day by Monday, October 12, will receive a complimentary box lunch.
“For ten years, CareerSpark has shown 8th graders that great careers are waiting for them right here in Greater Peoria, and volunteers are what make that possible,” said Sally Eastman, Junior Achievement of Central Illinois. “Whether you spend a morning guiding students or an afternoon showing them what your job looks like, you could be the person who sparks a future career.”
Since its launch, Greater Peoria CareerSpark has reached more than 30,000 students in grades 8 through 12, thanks to the support of hundreds of volunteers, local employers, and school districts. As the event marks its 10th year, it remains a long-term investment in regional workforce development and economic vitality.
To register as a General or Industry Volunteer, visit gpcareerspark.org. For questions about volunteering, contact Sally Eastman at sally.eastman@ja.org or Sara Kupperschmid at skupperschmid@greaterpeoriaedc.org.
About Junior Achievement of Central Illinois
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. JA of Central Illinois empowers K–12 students by providing programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
About the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) is a regional economic development organization covering the Greater Peoria area spanning five counties in central Illinois: Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford. The GPEDC’s mission is to promote economic development in the region through its six core programs which are Business Attraction, Business Assistance, Workforce Solutions, Innovation and Startups, Rural Development, and the development and promotion of a regional Manufacturing Network.
Press Contact
| Name:
Chris Setti CEO, Greater Peoria EDC |
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(309) 472-6291 |
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