JOCO WORKS World of Works (WOW) Empowers Eighth Graders to Explore Career Paths at JCC

JOCO WORKS World of Works (WOW), a groundbreaking initiative transforming the way eighth graders in Johnston County explore careers, will be held on November 7th and 8th at the Johnston Community College campus in Smithfield. More than 3,400 students from Johnston County Public Schools, Neuse Charter School, and American Leadership Academy will participate in this hands-on learning event produced in partnership with local businesses and civic organizations. WOW sparks students’ career interests early and equips them with insights into the county's diverse job market within 10 “career worlds,” including Biotechnology, Manufacturing, and Construction.

WOW targets middle school students because at the end of the school year they must choose a career path and high school courses. The program exposes them to occupations and then they spend the rest of the year exploring these career paths. The high school graduating class of 2024, the WOW’s inaugural group, found the event to be impactful: 50% reported that the program helped them choose high school courses aligned with their goals, while the other 50% noted it guided their post-graduation career plans. By connecting education to real-world occupations, WOW continues to shape a future-ready workforce, making it a viable resource for the state’s talent pipeline. 

This year’s event is larger than last year with 42 committed sponsors and increased business 
participation in growth industries such as Construction, Healthcare, and Public Works & Safety. Also new this year are Student Ambassadors. The Ambassador program is a professional development opportunity for ninth graders who participated in WOW to generate social media content for the event on Instagram to create a memorable experience for students and businesses.  

JOCO WORKS presenting sponsor is Novo Nordisk. The event is planned by a collaborative partnership organized by the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce that includes Johnston Community College, Johnston County Public Schools, Johnston County Economic Development, Benson Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, and the Towns of Johnston County.

For additional information visit www.jocoworks.net.