CAREER JAM 2025
IMPACT REPORT
A Focused Force.
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,
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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!
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Thank you to those who make this event possible!
MUNICIPAL SPONSOR
Saratoga County
HOST VENUE SPONSOR
Hudson Valley Community College
Siena University
TEC-SMART, HVCC North Campus
INDUSTRY LEADER SPONSOR
GlobalFoundries
NYSERDA
Pioneer
INNOVATION SPONSOR
STS Steel
STUDENT SUCCESS SPONSOR
Curtis Lumber
Regeneron
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INSPIRE SPONSOR
College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering
Glens Falls Hospital
NSH USA Corporation
NYSTEC IgniteU NY
Price Chopper & Market 32
Workforce Development Institute (WDI)
WORKFORCE SPONSOR
CSARCH
First New York Federal Credit Union
Gilbane Building Company
HMA Contracting
La Bella Associates
Plug Power
Teamsters Local 294
Turner Construction Company
HONORABLE MENTION
CDPHP
CDTA - Transported Students to Career Jam
Fidelis - Donated Scavenger Hunt Winner Gift
WWAARC - Assembled Student Swag Bags
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Career Jam would not be possible without our family, friends, community, and business volunteers, who dedicate countless hours to this incredible work. We are deeply grateful for their passion and enthusiasm as they join us in empowering students to imagine their futures.
