All posts tagged: education

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

Coconut Creek, FL – Today, Junior Achievement USA, with the support of Discover, is announcing the launch of JA Finance Park Virtual®. The program is designed to help Middle and High School students better understand how to manage money by assigning them simulated life-scenarios and challenging them to successfully manage their finances.

The program, which aligns with national and state educational standards, is delivered by a teacher, with the support of a volunteer from the local business community. This can be done either in-person, online, or in a hybrid model. Students then use a laptop or mobile device to participate in the JA Finance Park Virtual simulation. The program helps teens gain a better understanding of how to assess difficult financial situations and weigh their options.

“Many Americans’ first experience with managing finances is as adults when getting something wrong can have life-changing implications,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “With JA Finance Park Virtual, teens can try, and potentially fail, in a safe environment that includes lessons on money management. We greatly appreciate Discover’s support in helping us get these lessons to as many young people as possible through online delivery.”

“JA Finance Park Virtual gives students the opportunity to learn money management skills needed to make important education, career, and financial decisions, said Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President at Discover, and also a Junior Achievement of Chicago Board member. Helping people achieve brighter financial futures has long been Discover’s mission and we believe that mission extends to the classroom. The lessons learned through JA Finance Park Virtual will benefit teenagers long after they leave school.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCE PARK
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®
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Comcast Newsmakers July 21, 2020

Comcast Newsmakers July 21, 2020

Financial Lessons In The Time Of COVID-19

With Laurie Sallarulo of Junior Achievement of South Florida

Hosted by Nathalia Ortiz
Produced by: Florida Newsmakers Team

As the world faces the challenges of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, one local nonprofit is remaining focused in its mission of empowering students to take control of their financial futures. Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida, talks about how they delivering their program during these challenging times.

Comcast Newsmakers July 21, 2020
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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM TO HELP
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS BROWARD COUNTY

City of Coconut Creek, FL – On Saturday, July 11th Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) will be distributing backpacks from 10 am to 1 pm at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Parkway in Coconut Creek. The backpacks will be filled with youth financial education materials, books, healthcare information, gift cards, snacks and other relevant items.

JASF has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition and other nonprofits who serve families in need to receive the backpacks. Farm Share, Inc. will be on site to provide fresh fruit to families registered to pick up backpacks

There has never been a more important time to stress the critical need for financial literacy than now. Since the day schools closed due to COVID-19, JASF provided free online resources to BCPS, teachers, students and parents so they had the tools to continue to educate our children on the importance of making informed financial decisions that can have a lasting impact.

Now that schools are closed for the summer, JASF stepped up once again and implemented an initiative to reach thousands of children with financial literacy education. Also, through a joint effort with community partners, the backpacks will include reading and health literacy information.

“In school, out of school and at home, learning never stops,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JASF, “That’s why JA has launched the Books, Bucks & Backpack initiative. The goal of this powerful movement is to financially educate children and families who need it most, so they may be empowered to have a more prosperous future. It is also to bring much needed awareness and importance around financial literacy as a cornerstone of education and a strategy for economic recovery.”

Books, Bucks and Backpacks partners currently include American Express, Hudson Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Community Care Plan, First Horizon Foundation, TD Bank, Kemet, Office Depot, Citrix, Rick Case Automotive, Health Foundation of South Florida, Ultimate Software, Truist Bank, Nova Southeastern University, PNC Bank, Bank of America, e-Builder, CrewFacilities.com, Dickinson-Wright, Broward College, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, JetBlue, GL Homes, Broward Health, Miami Book Fair, Chick-fil-A, Florida Panthers and numerous individual donors.

“There has never been a more important time to share financial literacy education. That is why American Express is supporting Junior Achievement’s Books, Bucks and Backpacks campaign. We want to help spread this knowledge to children and families,” said Franki Lupo Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager, American Express.

For more information on how others can support this campaign, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/GivingToLiteracy, contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or email [email protected].

 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families
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Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

Article appeared on FloridaTrend.com.

Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP), a leading provider of business services, products and technology solutions through an integrated B2B distribution platform, today announced that it is providing $200,000 to select Boys & Girls Clubs across the country as well as other youth-focused non-profit organizations. These donations will help fund programs designed to keep underserved children and teens learning and engaged throughout the summer in an effort to beat summer learning loss, also known as the “summer slide.”

“Office Depot is proud to support non-profit organizations in communities across the country to help provide underserved students with access to educational tools and programs all summer long,” said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer for Office Depot, Inc. “Despite the new set of challenges brought on by these uncertain times, we remain committed to investing in our youth and providing resources that will help them to feel empowered, confident and ready to tackle the new school year.”

In South Florida, where Office Depot’s headquarters is located, the company will donate additional funds to each of the following non-profit organizations for programming geared towards financial literacy, college preparation and more, including Junior Achievement of South Florida.

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Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations
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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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Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

New Generation of Youth to be Introduced to the Plethora of Careers Available in South Florida’s Most Lucrative Job Market

Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 19, 2019: South Florida’s marine industry is a 12 billion/year economic engine that provides the tri-county with 142,000 careers/jobs. In an industry where the skilled trades and specialized career tracks are crucial to its vitality, the maritime community is facing a workforce that’s aging out with skilled labor being very hard to find. Understanding the need to keep the industry thriving with a new generation of workers, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM, and 23 marine industry companies have joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida.

On May 1,2019, Junior Achievement of South Florida will unveil the Marine Industry Storefront, Sea the World, in the Patten Family Finance Park located at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion. 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.

Prior to visiting JA Finance Park, students engage in a comprehensive classroom curriculum that teaches them about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings and credit. This program helps students recognize that their education decisions affect their career options and have an impact on their potential income and quality of life. At the end of the classroom instruction, students visit JA Finance Park and put what they learned into action by managing a real world inspired personal budget based on local careers in a simulated city. Students are guided by trained volunteers.

“As an owner/operator of a small business invested in the maritime world, I’ve seen first hand how difficult it is to find skilled labor to meet our business growth,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM. “Our industry is a gold mine of opportunities for the next generation. I’ve made a personal commitment to inspire their interest in our field, which, will in turn, maintain the maritime industry as a thriving economic force in the state. Our JA storefront is a major step towards fulfilling this initiative.”

Sea the World is composed of nine walls representing engine room specialists, yachting professionals, shipyard trade workers and other areas like marina management, boat sales, boat building to name a few. Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM with the following 23 companies, raised over $130,000 for the buildout and curriculum development: Maritime Professional Training, Pier 66 Marina, The Triton (newspaper), IGY Marinas, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Palladium Technologies LLC, Aere Marine Group, FB Marine Group, Derecktor Shipyards, Global Marine Travel, Lauderdale Marine Center, Luxury Home Consultants, AdvantageServices.Net, MHG Insurance Brokers, Palmdale Oil Company, RPM Diesel Engines Co., Viking Crew, Ward’s Marine Electric, Water Taxi, Wright Maritime Group, Roscioli Yachting Center, Elite Marine AC and Universal Marine Center. The participating parties are now transitioning into phase 2 of the execution process which will possibly involve custom boat tables, piling with rope, a fighting chair, and other marine themed elements to complete the look and feel of the Marine Industry Storefront.

Media: Please join us May 1, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for a tour through the space, photo opportunities, and a reception with champagne, light appetizers and announcements.

“We are so thrilled to have such a vital industry represented in JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion,” Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida

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 JASouthFlorida.org.

Contact: Joanna Ramirez
(954) 764-2678
[email protected]

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park
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Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience

Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience

Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to have more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community to help teach our core principles – entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. These dedicated individuals consist of working and retired business professionals, members of a corporate team, parents, college as well as high school students.

Recently, Monarch High School’s Latinos In Action group volunteered at JA World with the 5th graders from Liberty Elementary who participated at JA BizTown. This is a school that they typically tutor, which is why they came to help them throughout the simulation. Our team then asked their teacher, Christopher Machado, if there was a possibility that these students could come back and help other schools that have a huge need for volunteers. This is how the partnership was formed and has grown extensively in the course of a month.

The group’s mission is “to empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness.” It aligns perfectly with JA’s mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy.

“We are always excited to have large volunteer groups, especially corporate teams, spending a day mentoring students at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion,” said Alexa Diaz, Director of Community Outreach. “But it’s even more special when high school students take the initiative to volunteer. They are our future leaders.”

LIA has volunteered twice in JA BizTown, our engaging, hands on program introducing 5th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, personal and business finances all in a simulated city built for young students. And, based on their reactions, it will not be the last time they volunteer at JA:

“My experience was fantastic and sensational. I felt great helping the kids getting their tasks done. I would volunteer at JA Biztown anytime.” -Steven Arbelaez, Grade 12

“I had a really fun time meeting the kids and getting to know them, leading them in life was exciting and adventurous.” -Tiffany Melo, Grade 12

“I had a great time at JA BizTown. I loved working with the kids because they were excited to do stuff and show up on ‘TV.’ It was a great experience for me and I made sure to make it a great experience for them as well.” -Angel Delgado, Grade 12

“My experience at JA was amazing and my kids were great! Whenever they needed help, they would come to me and they were really excited about ‘working’ and I made sure they had a good time (one of them gave me chips he was so nice).” -Heyleng Castro, Grade 11

“My experience as a high school volunteer at JA Biztown has been inspirational. I have been lucky to experience this in 5th and 8th grade, and now I get to experience how young children understand the real world. It brings a smile to my face when I see a child able to succeed and I feel very honored to be able to be a part of this wonderful experience.” -Stephanie Vargas, Grade 12

“My experience as a high school student and going to JA BizTown was great! This visit brought me so many memories, I had a good time and I would love to go again and volunteer.” -Michelle Zuniga, Grade 12

Thank you Latinos In Action students from Monarch High School for making a difference in the lives of the students we serve!

CLICK HERE to become a JA volunteer.

ABOUT LATINOS IN ACTION:

Latinos In Action (LIA) offers an asset-based approach to bridging the graduation and opportunity gap for Latino students, working from within the educational system to create positive change. Our program operates as a year-long elective course taught by a highly-qualified teacher at the middle school, junior high, and high school level. The end goal of everything we do is to empower Latino youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness. We accomplish this by focusing on four pillars: leveraging personal and cultural assets, excelling in education, serving the community, and developing leadership skills.

Because of this unique combination, the LIA model has proven effective throughout the United States. Our students go on to successfully complete post-secondary education and earn a livable wage at a higher rate than the national average while continuing to lead and strengthen their communities. In 2015, LIA was awarded the White House Bright Spot for Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative on Excellence in Hispanic Education.

For more information about Latinos In Action nationwide, visit www.latinosinaction.org.

Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience
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