Crossroads Chamber’s Award-Winning Career Experience Expands, Reaching Up to 850 Northwest Indiana Students

In partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago, the second annual Your Future, Your Choice program connects middle school students with local employers and high-demand career opportunities.

As Indiana transitions to new high school diploma requirements, Crossroads Chamber is helping students explore high-demand careers before they enter high school through its award-winning Your Future, Your Choice Career Experience.

Held Sept. 22 at Taft Middle School in Winfield, the second annual event reached approximately 800 to 850 seventh- and eighth-grade students from seven Northwest Indiana schools. The program, held in partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago, welcomed more participating businesses than in 2025, providing students with opportunities to explore career pathways beyond the traditional four-year college degree.

Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, students explored industries including robotics, technology, cosmetology, medical imaging, court reporting, construction, utilities and manufacturing. Local employers, trade unions and educational institutions introduced students to high-demand, high-wage careers accessible through apprenticeships, associate degrees, technical training and industry certifications.

Launched in 2025 by the chamber’s Work Ready Committee, the initiative was developed in response to Indiana’s redesigned high school diploma requirements, which emphasize career readiness, work-based learning and individualized educational pathways. Beginning with the graduating class of 2029, the new requirements encourage students to align their education with their future career goals.

“Students shouldn’t have to wait until high school to discover the opportunities available to them,” said Deann Patena, president and CEO of Crossroads Chamber. “By connecting them with local employers and introducing them to careers they may have never considered, we’re helping students make more informed decisions about their futures while building a stronger workforce for Northwest Indiana.”

The initiative earned a 2026 Innovation and Excellence Award from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA), recognizing the chamber’s approach to addressing regional workforce needs through early career exploration.

Through its partnership with Junior Achievement of Chicago and continued collaboration with local schools, businesses and workforce organizations, Crossroads Chamber aims to strengthen the connection between education and industry while preparing the next generation of Northwest Indiana’s workforce.

About Crossroads Chamber

Crossroads Chamber serves more than 600 member businesses across Northwest Indiana through business development, advocacy, networking and community engagement. For more information, visit www.crossroadschamber.org.

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