All posts tagged: coconut creek

JA Receives $20,000 Grant From MONAT Gratitude

JA Receives $20,000 Grant From MONAT Gratitude

JA’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a competitive, global economy

Lifestyle Media Group
May 26, 2022

MONAT Gratitude has awarded Junior Achievement of South Florida a $20,000 grant as part of its $1 million pledge to close achievement gaps in underserved communities worldwide. The grant will provide funding for 68 students to participate in JA Fellows, a highly intensive leadership and entrepreneurship program for high school students.

The grant results from MONAT Gratitude’s efforts to support new and existing initiatives in arts and culture, youth sports and recreation, and youth entrepreneurship. MONAT Gratitude has invested more than $380,000 in youth education programs globally in 2022.

“Nonprofit organizations receiving grants from MONAT Gratitude are focused on enriching our youth with arts and culture, sports, entrepreneurship and recreation education because we’ve learned that extracurricular activities in these areas promote development of motor, language and social skills,” Lu Urdaneta says, CEO of MONAT Gratitude. “By supporting these programs, we hope to positively impact student outcomes in communities across the globe.”

MONAT Gratitude was founded in 2014 by MONAT Global, an international healthy aging haircare, skincare and wellness brand. A Florida registered nonprofit organization, MONAT Gratitude partners with innovative nonprofit organizations in its local communities that support efforts under its three pillars: families, children and education.

“We envision a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities,” Laurie Sallarulo says, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida, based in Coconut Creek. “We also believe education can be a catalyst to a life of opportunity and true economic mobility. Junior Achievement is honored to provide over 54,000 students annually with top-quality educational programs to improve their knowledge and financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. Thanks to funders like MONAT Gratitude, Junior Achievement is empowering young people to own their economic success.”

Eligible nonprofit organizations can learn more and apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 through MONAT Gratitude’s grant page at monatgratitudegoal.com.

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JA Receives $20,000 Grant From MONAT Gratitude
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Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Returns May 13th

Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Returns May 13th

Five Top Community Leaders will be Inducted into Business Hall of Fame. Two Additional Outstanding Individuals will Receive Prestigious Awards.

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida — Junior Achievement is hosting the JA Business Hall of Fame, presented by American Express, Friday, May 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Event will occur at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

Five top community leaders, who have made a significant impact in their industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence, courageous leadership and community responsibility, will be inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame. The 2022 Laureates are Jon and Ron Antevy (eBuilder), Milton L. Jones (Milton Jones Development Corporation), Ramon Rodriguez (WithMyDoc, Inc.) and Mark Warren (International Materials LLC).

This year’s special award honorees are Harry Patten (Patten Family Foundation) and Juliet Roulhac (Florida Power & Light). Harry Patten, who’s loyal dedication to Junior Achievement of South Florida, will receive the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award, created in honor of the late Marti and Wayne Huizenga in 2016.

At the Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park, each year more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties learn how financial decisions will impact their lives. These include expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture and groceries.

Juliet Roulhac will receive the Melissa Aiello Character Award, created in 2015 in recognition of Melissa Aiello, the former CEO & President of Junior Achievement of South Florida who lived her life with integrity and honor. Juliet has dedicated her life to philanthropic endeavors and community engagement so much that it has become her career.

“We are so thankful to these incredible leaders who have supported our mission and the greater community,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “They are role models to the over 54,000 students who participate in our innovative entrepreneurship, financial literacy and career readiness programs. This event gathers some of the top community advocates together to recognize these outstanding leaders and raise funds to support our impactful mission.”

The 2022 JA Business Hall of Fame is sponsored by American Express, CITY Furniture, Delta Air Lines, Huizenga Family Foundation, TD Bank, Rick Case Automotive Group, eBuilder, Florida Power & Light, R-Squared Charitable Fund, Transworld Business Advisors, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Kaufman Rossin, Mark Warren Family Foundation, Stiles Corporation, Health Foundation of South Florida, Office Depot, American National Bank, Lifestyle Media Group and Silver Lining Catering.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and digital advertising, contact Jennifer Barb at [email protected], call (954) 979-7101 or visit JASouthFlorida.org/BusinessHallofFame.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 54,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Returns May 13th
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WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition

WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition

Jenise Fernandez, Anchor/Reporter
Kathleen Corso, Special Projects Producer

Published: June 22, 2021

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – More than 100 years ago, a program that now reaches nearly five million students a year in the United States was formed.

Junior Achievement became the source of a variety of in-school programs and helps middle and high school students gain real-world experience through JA-World.

Lexie Sealy was in grade school when she first paid a visit to the unique business model in Coconut Creek.

“We’re each able to choose a job we wanted to so people were able to work at Local10 News, Chick-fil-A, NSU University, so everyone had a lot of opportunities choose what they wanted to do and to explore different areas of business and real life,” Sealy said.

Now the experience has come full circle as she leads her team from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland to a national competition for their business concept called “Smile Senders.”

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WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition
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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs

For Immediate Release      

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RECEIVES $2,932 DONATION FROM FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

JA Fellows Company Program team Germ Genie wins $1,000 donation to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and adds $1,932.56

Coconut Creek, Florida- Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce that NSU University School’s Germ Genie won the JA Fellows Company Commercial People’s Choice Award. The prize was a $1,000 donation to Germ Genie’s benefiting organization, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

The People’s Choice Award was an online competition for individuals to vote for their favorite JA Fellows Company Program commercials. Twelve one-minute commercials were produced by the JA Fellows teams. Germ Genie received the most votes and was announced the winner during the virtual JA Fellows Spark Tank Finale on May 9th.

“It is so thoughtful of the students to direct the proceeds from their incredibly prophetic product, and also their award funds, to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,” said Kevin Janser, chief development officer at the children’s hospital’s nonprofit foundation. “Congratulations to them for their creativity and success. It’s very encouraging to see these brilliant young entrepreneurs giving back in such a meaningful way.”

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Germ Genie won the JA Company of the Year locally and was one of two teams invited to compete at the JA USA National Student Leadership Summit on June 15-18. There, the team captured 2nd place in the JA National Company of the Year Award, as well as received the ICE NYSE Best Financial Performance Award and Delta Social Impact Award.

“Our success has helped us to better support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, whom will receive 10% of our overall profits. We are fortunate to be able to help those children who are most at risk of contracting an illness from unwanted germs,” said Henry Hurowitz, CEO of Germ Genie.

Germ Genie’s mission to stop the spread of germs started with their original product, the Airplane Tray Table Placemats. Now their product line includes The Premium Package, a compact, reusable pouch filled with products that provide all the essentials for staying germ free on the go: Airplane Tray Table Placemats, medical face masks, disinfecting surface wipes, latex-free gloves, 62% alcohol based hand sanitizer, and a headrest cover. They also offer upgrade options for kits that include either 1 or 2 N95 respiratory masks for extra protection.

In just six months, the team has generated gross revenues of $45,807 with a net profit of $15,124. Germ Genie is committed to being a socially responsible company as they continue to grow and develop their success. These entrepreneurs will continue to donate 10% of all sales to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, one of the region’s largest hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a child-friendly atmosphere.

About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of South Florida’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one pediatric trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.

The hospital’s nonprofit foundation raises funds to assist patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.

To learn more about the children’s hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south PalmBeach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA FinancePark. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs
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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

For Immediate Release      

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

LOCAL JA FELLOWS TEAM GERM GENIE WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS

NSU University School’s Germ Genie finishes in 2nd place among 15 student-run companies at JA USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that Germ Genie, the JA Fellows Company Program team from NSU University School, won three awards at Junior Achievement USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

In addition to finishing in 2nd Place for the coveted National JA Company of the Year Award, Germ Genie won the Best Financial Performance, Delta Social Impact and EY Innovation awards. Teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Good Scents also competed.

“We are thrilled to see these two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

This year’s summit ran from June 15th-18th and will was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen JA Fellow company teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) were invited to compete at the JA NSLS. The student companies competing were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live virtual presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance.

Germ Genie won the Delta Social Impact Award by creating a solution to address a local, national or global social concern by connecting customers, stakeholders and community; demonstrating great customer service; advancing education in their company and creating value through innovation in all aspects of their business. The teens also had to describe the lessons they learned.

The ICE NYSE Foundation Best Financial Performance Award. The award was presented to the Junior Achievement (JA) student company that performed the best against criteria including profitability, investor expectations, employee earnings, product quality, leadership, and operational efficiency.

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2019-2020 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies that competed at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders and on their company’s performance.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.7 million students per year in 106 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org more information.

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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards
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JA’s Summer Youth Employment Program

JA’s Summer Youth Employment Program
Inspire Tomorrow’s Leaders by Hiring JA Interns Today

South Florida employers, are you ready to bring enthusiasm, energy, and creativity to your workplace? Looking for new insights, fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a perspective of today’s consumers? Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has a solution – hire talented, professional JA-trained interns who have the skills to become tomorrow’s leaders. The best part, there is no cost to your organization. Thanks to a grant from The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, JA has the funds to pay interns to work for you.

Junior Achievement is training the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about #financialliteracy, #entrepreneurship and #workreadiness. In the JA Career Bound program, high school students take part in a cutting-edge, skills-building leadership program where they learn about the skills needed to success in today’s workforce.

Upon completion, students are offered an internship through the JA Summer Youth Employment program. This program works with local businesses to offer students a summer internship to practice and further develop the skills learned in Career Bound.

With this program, our goal is to match students with an internship that will allow them to take part in meaningful projects and/or assignments that add value to the student as well as the company. Student interns are ready to work 20-30 hours per week, for up to 4 weeks, and are paid at least minimum wage. Some of the current companies we have partnered with include #Latin2LatinMarketing, #Mad4Marketing, #SOSChildren’sVillages, #BrowardHealth, #ICauseGlobalFoundation, #LiveOakCamp and many others.

These student internships are an importance culmination of the Career Bound journey. It is important for students to receive hands-on, real work experience, to further expand their skill set and prepare them to enter the workforce. It also reinforces the soft skills students learn during the program which includes public speaking, communications, conflict resolution, creativity, and ethical standards. In addition, hiring a talented intern creates a recruiting channel and better develops your industries talent pipeline.

As an employer, you will be working with the student intern and include the student in relevant meetings, events, projects and tasks that will provide them with a one of a kind learning opportunity. We highly encourage a mentor/supervisor that will work as a guide for the student, and will provide meaningful feedback, evaluation and a letter of recommendation upon program completion.

To find out more on how you can host a JA funded intern contact Patricia Josue at (954) 979-7106 or email [email protected]. You can also visit us online at www.jasouthflorida.org/summer-employment/
JA’s Summer Youth Employment Program
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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release       

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

JA FELLOWS TEAMS PARTICIPATING AT
NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams invited to compete against 13 other student-run companies at the 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that two of its JA Fellows Company Program teams have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) to complete at the Junior Achievement USA 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s “Good Scents” and NSU University School’s “Germ Genie” will be competing for the coveted National JA Company of the Year and other awards.

“We are thrilled to have two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2019-2020 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

This year’s summit will run from June 15th-18th and will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. JA Fellow company teams from throughout the nation will be competing for JA Company of the Year by showcasing their innovative product or service idea to a panel of judges consisting of top business leaders. Students will also have the chance to attend virtual webinars led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship and business.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders and on their company’s performance.

The students from NSU University School also won the local JA Company of the Year Award during the May 9th Spark Tank Finale. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School came in second place.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.7 million students per year in 106 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org more information.

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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit
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South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

South Florida Business and Wealth July 2019: JA’s Entrepreneurial Students Offer Consulting Services

By Sally Ann O’Dowd
July 2019 Issue

From learning the ropes of supply chain management to studying the latest in big data, Geomani Brooks was not a typical high school graduate. His evening routine of researching companies likewise showed exceptional rigor for his age.

But such are the interests and habits Brooks developed during his two years in Junior Achievement of South Florida, as a junior and senior at South Broward High School. From there, he earned a 2018 summer internship at City Furniture, whose president, Andrew Koenig, is a JA board member.

“I was shadowing the global logistics team for two months,” recalls Brooks, who will enter his sophomore year at Broward College in the fall. “Each day , I would shadow a different person, and learn how they do things as individuals and as a team. It was amazing, how much went into sourcing fabrics; they were very aware of where they got products from and child labor laws. That was one of the first questions I asked them.”

Click to Read Full South Florida Business & Wealth Article
South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services
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Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

For Immediate Release
June 25, 2019

For More Information Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams compete against 13 other student-run companies at National Student Leadership Summit. Pure Serenity places in top 3.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – On Wednesday, June 19, in Washington, D.C., the teen entrepreneurs of Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School company team, “Pure Serenity”, won second place among 15 JA student companies. Teams competed to win the JA Company of the Year at Junior Achievement’s (JA) 2019 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The South Florida teens representing their student company in Washington D.C. were awarded a scholarship. The scholarships provided to the five students represent each of the top three finishing teams. Pure Serenity team members were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Achievement Foundation.

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2018-19 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to have two JA Fellow Company teams selected as part of 15 finalist teams to compete in Washington, D.C.  for four consecutive years.

“I am very proud of our team! The JA Fellows Company program has allowed us to learn how a business operates, and we have gained firsthand experience in running a profitable business. Thanks to Junior Achievement  of South Florida, our teacher and mentor advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets that provide a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

In addition to Pure Serenity, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s NSU University School company team VIBEzzz was invited to the National Student Leadership Summit. VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to keep drivers from falling asleep behind the wheel.

“Congratulations to the JA Fellows students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and University School for being selected as two of the top fifteen teams in the country! Both teams did an incredible job representing Junior Achievement of South Florida and our community and special congratulations to Pure Serenity for bringing home second place.  We are proud of the deep impact this program has on over 500 students in 25 high schools across Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO. “These students have developed the skills it takes to run a company, including consensus building, fostering relationships, team work, accountability, perseverance, hard work and adaptability. This program is nothing short of transformational!”

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance at an Entrepreneurship Expo on Capitol Hill attended by Members of Congress.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Celebrating its centennial in 2019, Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 107 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

JA Fellows Teams at NSLS 2019 on ABC News

ABC7 Sarasota Coverage of NSLS 2019

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship
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Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2019

For More Information Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

Marjory Stoneman Douglas and NSU University School Students to Compete at Junior Achievement’s National Student Leadership Summit

Two local groups of teen entrepreneurs will go head-to-head against 13 other teams in Washington, D.C., June 16-20.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – For the fourth consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce two JA Fellows student companies have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of 700+ across the U.S.) to compete at the Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) in Washington, D.C.

The Junior Achievement of South Florida student teams Pure Serenity (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School) and VIBEzzz (NSU University School) are two of the 26 teams that participated in our local JA Fellows Company program. Students, teachers and their advisors will be traveling to the nation’s capital for the three-day event, June 16-20, to compete with other teen entrepreneurs for the National JA Company of the Year.

This 10-month program provides an opportunity for high school students to start and run a real business enterprise under the guidance of business mentors from the local community. The teens devise a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer need/service, they secure investments, and produce and market their product or service.

“The JA Fellows program has allowed us to learn how business operates, and we have been able to gain firsthand experience in running a profitable business. We have strengthened our sales and communication skills and learned more about customer service and engagement. Thanks to Junior Achievement, our teacher and advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity, at the recent Light Up The Night event.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets. It provides a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to wake up drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.

“We are so proud of this program and the deep impact it has on over 500 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallaurlo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These students have discovered firsthand how to apply their education to the real world of business. We are thrilled to have two teams competing again this year. We look forward to seeing them shine on the national stage and in the years to come.”

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in over 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.JA.org for more information.

Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit
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