Letter from the Owner
UNITING AROUND A COMMON PURPOSE
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the Owner and Chief Community Engagement Officer of Career Jam, it is my pleasure to share our 2024 Career Jam Impact Report, which highlights the strides made together thanks to the collaboration of supporters across the Capital Region and beyond.
Our vision has always been to put students first by empowering them to imagine their future.
Achieving this vision requires widespread participation and collaboration. Working together is crucial to truly inspire students, equip educators, support employers, and empower communities. Those who have come alongside to build Career Jam’s foundation in the Capital Region help us to demonstrate what is possible when committed individuals unite around a common purpose.
Reflecting on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for your support. Whether you contributed as an exhibitor, sponsor, or community partner, your role was essential. Together, we are preparing students for success and strengthening the workforce of tomorrow.
This year was significant for me personally. As many of you know, our founder and my late husband, Ryan Van Amburgh, passed away on Christmas Day 2023. Ryan’s incredible vision for creating a lasting impact continues to inspire everything we do at Career Jam. It is an honor to carry his legacy forward through this meaningful work.
Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. I hope this report inspires you and reaffirms the importance of your continued support as we head into 2025. Humble start. Hard work. Huge vision.
With gratitude and excitement for the future,
​
Aarika Van Amburgh
Owner & Chief Community Engagement Officer
A Legacy of Impact
Despite battling cancer since 2015, Ryan Van Amburgh lived a life dedicated to serving others, often helping them discover their purpose and take their next steps. His passion for empowering students and transforming workforce development led to the founding of Career Jam. Determined to expand his impact, Ryan established The Student First Project, Inc., a nonprofit created to support and sustain Career Jam’s mission.
The Student First Project exists to transform students’ lives by prioritizing their needs, aspirations, and potential. Every student deserves equal access to quality education and opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. By supporting this initiative, you honor Ryan’s legacy and help lay the foundation for programs that will empower students to thrive.
Please consider donating. Your contribution will further the mission of transforming the lives of students. Thank you for honoring Ryan's legacy with your generosity!
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNER
Siemens
MUNICIPAL SPONSOR
Saratoga County
HOST VENUE SPONSOR
SUNY Schenectady County Community College
Hudson Valley Community College
INDUSTRY LEADER SPONSOR
Crisafulli Bros
Pioneer
INNOVATION SPONSOR
GlobalFoundries
NYSERDA
STUDENT SUCCESS SPONSOR
Curtis Lumber
Regeneron
INSPIRE SPONSOR
First New York Federal Credit
NSH
Rifenburg Construction, Inc.
Workforce Development Institute
WORKFORCE SPONSOR
The College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering
CSARCH
LaBella
Plug Power
STS Steel
Turner Construction