Junior Achievement hosts Leadership Academy

CAMBRIDGE, Md. — More than 400 high school students joined Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore at its Leadership Academy on Tuesday. The leadership development event provided students with hands-on learning experiences and a chance to network with potential mentors.

This is the fourth year Junior Achievement has hosted the event for high schoolers on Delmarva. Erin Williamson, Junior Achievement’s advancement manager, said the academy is an opportunity for students to make connections and explore different career options.

“We connect students with local business and community leaders. They have the opportunity to network and really learn the value and importance of networking for their future,” Williamson said.

Students from 21 schools attended the event in Cambridge. Business and community leaders representing various sectors across Delmarva speed-networked with students and spoke at breakout sessions.

“High school only teaches you a certain amount of things, and if I had somebody like me who could at least give me a little more insight on what the real world is like and what to expect, it would have been a heck of a lot better,” said entrepreneur and guest speaker CJ Faison.

Organizers say their goal is to show students the many opportunities that await them on Delmarva.

“Having professionals here from the Eastern Shore gives them the opportunity to see what success looks like, what a career looks like, and what an adult looks like,” said Mayor Lajan Cephas.

Students appreciated the chance to become more familiar with local colleges and universities.

“I think it’ll help me keep my options open and learn which [college] has the best programs for political science. I really want to be a political science major and become a criminal defense lawyer,” said North Caroline High School student Emma Hansley.

Junior Achievement wrapped things up on a high note with a motivational speaker and a performance from local musician Jayla Elise during lunch.