What is 5th Year?
Connecting Young
Adults With Local
Opportunities
Our History
5th Year is committed to
helping young adults
define their path and
lead successful lives.
Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio has built a reputation for educating young people in entrepreneurship, financial independence and career readiness for more than eight decades.
Now, we’re focused on a larger economic crisis. Far too many students graduate from high school without a clear path forward while companies struggle to find in-demand talent.
We made a strategic shift to focus our efforts and resources on addressing challenges that affect the labor pool and businesses by developing the talent marketplace. A community thrives when its members have opportunities to align their interests with local industries.
We strive to support a generation of young adults who can rise above their circumstances to achieve career fulfillment and financial independence.
Our Mission
Economic
Growth
Developing regional talent with specialized skills.
Our Mission
Talent
Retention
Pairing student interests with compatible work environments.
Our Mission
Workforce
Cultivation
Creating opportunities to support successful employment.
Defining A
Unique Path
For Each
Student
5th Year is an innovative Junior Achievement program that cultivates talent for employers in Northwest Ohio by aligning student interests and abilities with in-demand careers and local job opportunities.
Our program is geared toward recent high school graduates and promotes early career development to expand professional experiences.
Young adults will live on a campus for nine months and participate in professional experiences, including:
- Internships
- Job-shadowing
- Career coaching
- Financial education
- Soft skills
- Career readiness training
- Certifications
- Community involvement
Students will receive career guidance and the chance to form professional connections so they can make informed decisions about their future.
Community Impact
Making A
Difference In
Northwest
Ohio
Before you can create solutions, you must understand the obstacles to success. President Jim Pollock highlights how 5th Year provides the time and space for students to gain valuable experience.
Leadership
The Team
Drag Below To Interact
Jim Pollock
President
Contact Jim Pollock
Office: 419-865-5511 x101
janwo.team@ja.org
Ericca Ross
Senior Director of Organizational Success
Contact Ericca Ross
Mobile: 419-327-0815
ericca.ross@ja.org
Erica Fischbach
Career Discovery Director
Contact Erica Fischbach
Office: 419-865-5511 x102
erica.fischbach@ja.org
Julia Simon
Event & Marketing Manager
Contact Julia Simon
Office: 419-865-5511 x103
julia.simon@ja.org
Staci Morelli
Learning Experiences Manager
Contact Staci Morelli
Office: 419-865-5511 x104
staci.morelli@ja.org
Kristian Vander Putten
Operations Manager
Contact Kristian Vander Putten
Office: 419-865-5511 x105
kristian.vanderp@ja.org
Michael Carder
Digital Media Storyteller
Contact Michael Carder
Office: 419-865-5511 x108
michael.carder@ja.org
Sabrina Martinez
Event and Marketing Coordinator
Contact Sabrina Martinez
Office: 419-865-5511 x106
sabrina.martinez@ja.org
A group of passionate
individuals committed
to creating impactful
outcomes.
Our team was built around the goal of helping young adults prepare for their future. Each person brings a unique perspective and a variety of experiences to help 5th Year students become the best version of themselves.
Partnership
Join A Network
Of Leaders
We rely on local and regional businesses, companies and organizations to help us help young adults in Northwest Ohio. That means we’re always looking to build relationships and meet new people to support our mission. Partnering with 5th Year also gives you access to talented individuals who want to join the workforce.
Connect Your Business with Regional Talent
Find passionate young adults with experience and enthusiasm to join your team.
Create your future
Discover opportunities to learn life and career skills to help you pursue your dreams.