All posts tagged: financial literacy

Buy! Sell! JA Stock Market Challenge Returns

Broward County High School Students Compete in JA Stock Market Challenge

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2024) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is gearing up for the return of its highly anticipated Stock Market Challenge, presented by Fifth Third Bank, taking place from February 28th to March 1st, 2024, at the JA World Huizenga Center, Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. The event features a Stakeholder Showcase on February 29^th, which brings together community leaders, elected officials and the School District of Broward County Board Members.

This year’s Stock Market Challenge is set to be the largest yet, with 20 schools and approximately 1,800 students participating in a simulated stock market environment — a fast-paced educational experience that is exciting and filled with energy!

EVENT ITINERARY

February 28 – Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

February 29 – Stakeholder Showcase is 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

March 1 – Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

Students participate in classroom lessons learning about investments like stocks, diversification and the risks, as well as a simulation. During the challenge, student teams compete against each other with $500,000 in imitation currency, making initial stock selections from more than 25 fictitious companies. The team with the stock portfolio boasting the highest net worth at the end of the challenge emerges victorious. The top three overall high school teams also have an opportunity to compete at the national level.

Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JA, emphasized, “The key to triumph in this challenge unfolds as students harness the power of collaboration within their teams, coupled with a profound grasp of the financial impact that real-world circumstances have on the stock market. Stock Market Challenge is just a glimpse into the myriad of programs JA delivers, igniting the passion within our youth.”

This year’s Stock Market Challenge is proudly sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Fifth Third Bank, as well as Broward Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Wealth Community Impact Foundation. JA extends special thanks to its over 5,100 community volunteers for mentoring youth in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness programs, impacting 80,000 students annually.

Julio Ramirez, Market President, Fifth Third Bank, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “As the Presenting Sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge, we’re honored to participate in the program and share in the enthusiasm the high school students of Broward County will experience during this impactful initiative.”

Watch highlights from the 2023 event – CLICK HERE. JA Stock Market Challenge photos are available upon request.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 80,000 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association, is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.

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How Rising Prices Impact Teen Holiday Spending

Author: Kelsey Matzinger
Junior Achievement USA
Published: November 15, 2023

It’s that time of year again, where the holiday season is upon us. However, for many teenagers, it seems that a “Blue Christmas” might be in store. According to our recent survey conducted by the research firm Big Village, over half of teens report that rising prices have had a significant impact on the number and types of gifts they’ve received during the holidays in recent years.

As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s no surprise that teens, just like their adult counterparts, are feeling the economic pinch. But what does this mean for their holiday spending and what steps can we take to support them during these trying times?

Teens’ Holiday Spending and Concerns

Inflation Concerns

It’s not just the impact of rising prices on their gift-giving that concerns teens. Nearly three-in-four, a whopping 71 percent of them, expressed worries about the effects of inflation on this year’s holiday shopping season. This is a considerable shift in perspective, as inflation typically remains a topic reserved for the financial discussions of adults.

How Teens Fund Their Holiday Shopping

Holiday Spending Money Sources

Teens rely on various sources to fund their holiday shopping. According to the survey, 71 percent of teens say they get holiday spending money from their parents or caregivers. It’s a common and expected source of funds for many teenagers.

What’s intriguing is that 19 percent of teens look beyond their families for holiday cash and opt for a different route—gig jobs or side hustles. These can include anything from delivering groceries to tutoring, illustrating a growing trend among teens to take matters into their own hands.

The Gig Economy and Age Restrictions

However, there’s a catch. Many gig jobs often come with age restrictions that prevent minors from participating. This presents a unique challenge for teens who seek financial independence through these opportunities. While work experience is undoubtedly valuable, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of these restrictions and encourage teens to explore age-appropriate work if needed.

Shopping Trends: In-Store vs. Online

In-Store Shopping

Despite the growth of e-commerce and online shopping, in-store shopping still holds significant appeal for teens. This year, 76 percent of teens plan to shop “in-store” for their holiday gifts. This number marks a slight decrease from 2021 when 81 percent preferred brick-and-mortar stores. The physical shopping experience remains a significant part of the holiday tradition for many teenagers.

Online Shopping

Online shopping has its place in the hearts of teens as well. This year, 67 percent of teens plan to shop online for their holiday purchases. This is a slight drop from the 70 percent who chose online shopping in 2021. The availability and convenience of online shopping options make it an attractive choice for many.

“These survey findings suggest that teenagers are dealing with the practical consequences of increased costs,” said Jack Kosakowski, CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “At Junior Achievement, we urge parents and caregivers to seize this moment by discussing essential topics such as holiday budgeting, savvy shopping, and inventive gift-giving strategies in the face of elevated prices. Also, while we emphasize the value of work experience, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be cognizant of age restrictions associated with gig jobs and, when necessary, guide their teenagers toward age-appropriate work opportunities.”

How Junior Achievement Can Help

At Junior Achievement, we believe in equipping teens with essential life skills, particularly in the face of economic challenges. Teens today are experiencing the economic realities of higher prices, and we’re here to provide support and resources to help them navigate these challenges.

Our organization offers a valuable resource for money management skills—JA Connect. This free online resource is designed to help teens explore careers, entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, how to manage money. The “My Money” section of JA Connect guides teens through the process of developing a budget and planning their financial future.

In conclusion, the “Blue Christmas” phenomenon is one that we can work together to mitigate. By providing teens with financial education, guidance, and support, we can help them overcome the challenges posed by rising prices and continue to make their holiday dreams come true.

Let’s ensure that the “Blue Christmas” turns into a season of financial empowerment, learning, and positive growth for our teens.

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Read Junior Achievement’s Latest Alumni Report

OVERVIEW

These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between June 13-15, 2022. For this survey, a sample of 7,427 Americans age 18+ from the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii was interviewed online in English. This includes 1,003 Junior Achievement Alumni. The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points for all respondents and 3.8 percentage points for Junior Achievement Alumni respondents.

GENERAL IMPACT OF JA

According to the survey, just under one in five Americans (18%) have participated in the Junior Achievement (JA) program at some point during their kindergarten through twelfth-grade education. As part of their experience, more than three-in-four (76%) JA Alumni report that a volunteer from JA came to visit their class, after-school program, or another setting to teach them about money, jobs, or business. Among those who report that a volunteer came to their class, nearly two-thirds (64%) say they remember the concepts the volunteer taught them about money, jobs, or business. More than half (56%) say they are currently in a career or job, or have worked in a similar position, to the one their JA volunteer had. Ninety-two percent report that JA was a great experience overall, and nearly as many (91%) report that JA motivated them to learn. Strong majorities of JA Alumni report that JA played an important role in believing they can achieve their goals (90%), their personal development (87%), and gave them confidence in new situations (85%).

EDUCATION AND CAREER PATH

When it comes to education, jobs, and careers, similar proportions report JA positively influenced their decision to pursue higher education (84% overall – 83% White JA Alumni, 86% Black JA Alumni, 85% 2 Junior Achievement 2022 Hispanic/Latino JA Alumni), their professional development (84% overall – 84% White JA Alumni, 87% Black JA Alumni, 84% Hispanic/Latino JA Alumni), and their career path (81% overall – 80% White JA Alumni, 89% Black JA Alumni, 82% Hispanic/Latino JA Alumni). Ninety percent say it exposed them to different ways of thinking, 89 percent say it motivated them to succeed in their professional lives, and 88 percent say JA widened their horizons. Similarly, 88 percent say it made them think of new work opportunities or career paths. Four in five report that their careers are extremely fulfilling (80%). In terms of aligning education with career outcomes, nearly three-in-four (73%) JA Alumni who graduated from college say they work in a field they studied in college (71% White JA Alumni, 72% Black JA Alumni, 78% Hispanic/Latino JA Alumni). Research by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that just one-infour (27%) American college graduates say they work in the field they studied in school. Additionally, more than two-thirds (69%) of JA Alumni say they currently work in their dream career (72% White JA Alumni, 69% Black JA Alumni, 69% Hispanic/Latino JA Alumni). Research by MidAmerica Nazarene College shows that only 25 percent of Americans say they are in their “dream career.”

CLICK TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Thank You American Express Foundation!

The American Express Foundation provides funding support to local JA Areas with a focus on engaging American Express employees to serve as volunteers. Through their grant, Building Financial Confidence in Underserved Youth, American Express Foundation will be impacting the lives of hundreds of students with financial literacy programs like JA Finance Park. Students will be taught to make intelligent financial decisions related to income, expenses, savings and credit.

Junior Achievement USA gratefully acknowledges American Express for its dedication to JA Areas with funds to support financial literacy lessons for young achievers.

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JA Enhances Teaching Experiences with Cutting-Edge Technology

Zebra’s ET40 tablets help the non-profit organization provide an engaging, efficient and eco-friendly way to simulate real-life scenarios for students.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is part of a worldwide network that strives to inspire and educate students in financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. Junior Achievement of South Florida is one of 100 plus Junior Achievement locations in the United States and serves approximately 80,000 students a year.

Kids Run the World

As part of its mission to better prepare students for real-world scenarios, Junior Achievement of South Florida offers interactive courses that allow kids to be adults for a day. JA BizTown is a mock city with 18 storefronts sponsored by real local businesses. When students arrive, they are assigned careers for the day, such as bank tellers, doctors, attorneys, magazine editors and meter readers. Students perform that role while interacting with other students and businesses within the town.

Eighth graders get a similar experience with JA Finance Park. While it looks and feels similar to JA BizTown, it is a different program with different goals. Students receive a profile and a life scenario for the day where they simulate real-life decisions for that profile. Additionally, students learn about different career paths they might want to pursue.

A More Interactive Experience

Before 2017, faculty printed course packets for students who attended both JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. The packets contained details about the course and each student’s role in the simulation. With thousands of students attending each year, the amount of paper printed each day was significant. Additionally, staff spent extra time printing course materials and preparing for the next round of students.

CLICK TO READ THE FULL SUCCESS STORY

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Storefront Ribbon-Cutting and Community Impact Honoree Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broward County, FL — On October 24, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) will host its annual Community Impact Breakfast to honor JA partners, trailblazing leaders and unveil new and refreshed storefronts in JA World’s simulated cities — JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Every year more than 80,000 local students participate in experiential classroom lessons and JA World simulations, learning financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workplace readiness so they can be prepared for the future.

This event is an opportunity for local leaders in business, education and philanthropy to network and celebrate the impact JA and its partners are having on the lives of our youth. JA is honored to recognize community leaders and organizations dedicated to empowering and supporting youth through workforce development. The 2023 Impact Honorees are:

Stefano Selorio, Carevocacy – Distinguished Alumni Award
Michael Fischler – JA Board Impact Leader
Broward County – Government Partner
Broward Sheriff’s Office – Community Partner
TD Bank – Corporate Partner

We are pleased to announce Dr. Peter Licata, newly appointed Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, will be the keynote speaker to kick off the 2023-2024 school year partnership.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to helping our children find their passion and prepare to achieve their career goals,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “JA World is a unique asset in our community that provides an opportunity for students to connect academics and the real world of work. We’re so proud to welcome our new storefront partners, who are providing memorable opportunities for students to explore career pathways and learn valuable skills that will serve them as they enter the workforce.”

The storefronts, which are sponsored by local businesses, serve as fun, experiential learning experiences as our students begin to inform perceptions about brands of choice, career pathways and household/business financial management. Thanks to a partnership with Broward County Public Schools, every fifth grader and eighth grader in Broward County participates in JA’s immersive programs in the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

The 2023 list of new storefront partners to be recognized at this event includes: Aetna CVS Health, Amazon, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Children’s Services of Broward County, It’s A 10 Haircare, Cozen O’Connor, Farris Foundation, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, South Florida Symphony Orchestra and United Way of Broward. Refreshed storefront partners include CITY Furniture, JM Family Enterprises (JM Toyota) and Sea the World, which features various marine industry businesses.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at:

JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion
(1130 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL 33066)
8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
8:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Impact Awards Presentation

This is an INVITATION ONLY event. To inquire about sponsorships, please contact Robyn Harper at [email protected] or call (954) 979-7124.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 5,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 80,000 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Junior Achievement Benefits From $70,000 State Farm Grant

Funding Supports Financial Literacy and Career Readiness Programs for At-Risk Youth

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (June 23, 2022) – The Junior Achievement Florida Foundation has announced today that it has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The state-wide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in the organization’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

“State Farm believes that financial literacy education is critical to building stronger and more resilient communities” said Jose Soto, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “Part of our education funding is directed toward initiatives and programs that support K-12 financial literacy and pathways for college and career success. We are proud to support Junior Achievement financial literacy and career readiness programs across Florida.”

Each of the eight Florida-based Junior Achievement areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA), along with JA Space Coast and JA North Florida will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance introducing high school students to the interrelationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom.

“Thanks to partners like State Farm, JA can provide students with opportunities to grow their confidence and resiliency, explore career possibilities, learn and practice financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills they will need to succeed in the workplace and life,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President & CEO.

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota Counties will use the support for:

JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience that introduces 5th graders to economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, from paying bills to handling customer service, they experience what it is like to earn and work in a community.
JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.
3DE schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology.

JA Miami will use the support to:

Provide local elementary students with an interactive JA Day where they will explore the concepts of financial literacy and workforce readiness.

JA Palm Beaches will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance at area high schools where students are introduced to the interrelationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom and JA Inspire Career Expo where students explore their skills and interests.

JA Central Florida will use the support to provide:

JA Finance Park Virtual Advanced to 12^th graders in Orange and Osceola districts where students will build a foundation for making intelligent and informed lifelong personal finance decisions.

JA Southwest Florida will use the support to:

Provide JA Personal Finance, JA Economics for Success and JA Career Success

The JA Florida Foundation areas have worked with local State Farm representatives to build out an interactive Career Exploration booth for the JA Inspire Career Expo. This virtual platform provides students with the opportunity to explore over 100 business and education booths and listen to dynamic speakers. Live virtual interaction days are scheduled where students can ask volunteers industry related questions. Across the state over 25,000 students will participate.

All areas will offer volunteer opportunities for State Farm associates to participate either in person or virtually, the length and scope varies for each experience.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 5,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 73,000 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About Junior Achievement Florida Foundation

Chartered in 2010, the JA Florida Foundation represents the nine Florida JA chapters joining forces to link to schools across the state of Florida. This collaboration has allowed us each to grow our impact on our area’s marginalized youth through statewide funding and support. Junior Achievement delivers K-12 programming for entrepreneurship, financial literacy and career readiness. For more information on the organization, visit www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-floridafoundation.

About State Farm®

For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been and continues to be to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and approximately 61,764 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – which includes auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 42 on the 2022 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com. 

For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Florida Lottery Continues Partnership With Junior Achievement

Florida Lottery Supports Career Bound Program and Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (June 1, 2023) — For the second consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is grateful to the Florida Lottery for recently supporting its Career Bound program, graduation celebration and the 2023 Books, Bucks and Backpacks outreach event.

Over the course of the 2022-2023 school year, over 200 high school students from Broward County Public Schools participated in Career Bound, which is designed to expose and prepare students for workplace success. Students experience industries firsthand, develop work skills through business case challenges and have the opportunity for summer employment.

The Career Bound staff recently celebrated the program completion achievements of 206 students (93%), which included a retreat and graduation that showcased case challenge demonstrations, guest speakers and certificate presentations. In addition to Florida Lottery, this program is also supported by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Public Schools, Community Foundation of Broward and various South Florida businesses and individual donors/mentors who play an active role in the student training, employment coaching and college scholarship elements of the program.

On May 20th, JA joined forces with Broward Schools, other education partners, local business and healthcare providers for the Books, Bucks & Backpacks event, presented by CITY Furniture. Over 700 Broward County students and their families attended. Thanks to supporters, like the Florida Lottery, JA provided supplies to help them make the most of their summer break, including healthcare resources, summer safety tips, academic retention materials, financial literacy tools, backpacks and school supplies.

“Junior Achievement is proud of its newly developed partnership with the Florida Lottery, which continues to be a dedicated partner to Florida’s schools and students by making education its biggest winner! We are thankful for their commitment to JA’s mission of empowering youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy and lead our community,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

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 73,000 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 https://www.jasouthflorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About The Florida Lottery

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $44 billion to enhance education and sending more than 950,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,000 Lottery retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $85.8 billion in prizes and made more than 3,566 people millionaires. For more information, please visit www.flalottery.com.

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

Latest News

JA Hosts Annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event May 20

The Book, Bucks & Backpacks initiative helps launch families into a successful
summer break by providing reading, financial and health literacy
resources to families in Broward County.

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — On Saturday, May 20, from 10 am to 1 pm, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) will partner with local educational organizations, healthcare providers and businesses to host its annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks event, presented by CITY Furniture, at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion (1130 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL 33066). Roughly 600 students and their families, totaling 1200 people, from area middle and high schools have been selected, based on need, to attend.

The event is a festive day for these registered families to come enjoy games, educational booths and giveaways. Every family is provided supplies to help them make the most of their summer breaks, including healthcare resources, academic retention materials, financial literacy tools, backpacks and school supplies.

This event promotes summer health and wellness, prevents the summer slide and teaches children the value of savings and money.

“It’s proven that over 60% of all summer-related injuries occur among children ages 2-11. Also on average, students lose 17-34% of the prior year’s learning gains,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “Summer can be an important time to keep students on track and give them momentum for the next school year. This event helps set families up for success.”

Thank you to the 2023 partners: Broward County Public Schools, Bright Futures Scholarships (funded by the Florida Lottery), the Early Leaning Coalition of Broward County, Molina Healthcare, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, CrewFacilities.com, Rick Case Automotive Group, BrightStar Credit Union, We Florida Financial, Bluegreen Vacations, ABC Florida East Coast Chapter, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Children’s Services of Broward County, City of Coconut Creek, City of Fort Lauderdale, Community Care Plan, Florida KidsCare, MCNA Dental, Sea the World, Truly Nolen, Universal Property and Casualty Insurance, Urban League of Broward County

For more information, visit https://www.JASouthFlorida.org/BooksBucksBackpacks.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 69,000 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

Local media is invited to attend this event.
To arrange for press coverage or for media inquiries, please contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Latest News

Next Generation of Financially Literate Citizens

April Celebrates Financial Literacy Month

This April we have been celebrating Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness of effective money management skills and promoting this education among young people. When you consider that 47 percent of Federal Reserve survey participants said they couldn’t cover a $400 emergency without borrowing or selling something, and 64 percent of U.S. consumers are living paycheck-to-paycheck according to LendingClub Corp., we should be catapulted into action. Building a financially literate society is critical.

While certain groups—African Americans, Hispanics, lower-income people—have fewer financial resources, financial insecurity is an equal-opportunity issue that affects every demographic. Millions of adults, young and old, know what it’s like to be down to their last few dollars while waiting for a paycheck; what it’s like to go to the mailbox knowing there’ll be more bills they can’t pay; what it’s like to have credit cards maxed and borrow money to provide for their families.

These circumstances and others could be avoided with a basic understanding of personal finance. What if we could help young people avoid financial mistakes and prevent them from experiencing these hardships? What if we could prepare them for a future that includes buying a home, saving for emergencies and building for retirement?

Recently, the Florida legislature passed a bill that requires high schoolers to take a financial literacy course to receive a diploma.

“Ensuring students have the skills to manage their finances will pay dividends for our state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

This is a major step toward preparing youth to make well-informed financial decisions, but we need more, and we need it earlier. If we believe financial literacy is a critical life skill, it must be included and supported in elementary, middle and high school.

Broward County Public Schools, believes in this education and 13 years ago partnered with Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) to provide every student with the education and experience to practice financial literacy concepts, develop work skills and learn entrepreneurial values. JA is part of one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the world that delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

In JA’s BizTown program, every 5th grade student participates in classroom lessons and a full day experience in a simulated city with life-like storefronts at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. At BizTown, each child is assigned a job, earns a salary, saves and spends their earnings, helps run their business and contributes to running a mock economy.

“It’s great to see kids in action, getting a hands-on understanding of how money’s managed and how businesses are run. JA programs immerse students in real-world environments,” said a mother and JA volunteer, Mercedes. “I was fortunate to learn about money from my family. They understood the value of money and importance of budgeting and saving. Many of my friends never learned this at home, and it wasn’t taught in schools, so they made a lot of money mistakes.”

In another wing of JA World, all 8th grade students participate in the Finance Park program. After completing classroom lessons that introduce them to career paths, they learn about real-life finance concepts like taxes, interest, credit scores and saving for emergencies. Students take on adult profiles and navigate a simulated town to learn about careers and budgeting their earnings.

“I wish I had this when I was young,” said Julie Franciosi-Jackson, an Assistant Principal at Crystal Lake Middle School. “This curriculum and experience gives students a chance to learn about career opportunities and how to manage the money they earn.”

When young people don’t see a path to a productive, prosperous future, they become disengaged and disenchanted. The consequences — financial hardship, debt, dismal credit scores — of making one poor financial decision can follow them for decades. One of the best things we can do for young people is prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood.

JA also delivers high school programs that provide financial literacy education, including, Stock Market Challenge, where high school students compete in teams to invest portfolios; JA Career Bound, a career exploration and employment preparation program; Youth Employment, a program placing students in paid summer jobs; Marine/Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program, preparing students for apprenticeships and employment, and 3DE, a model that transforms high school education.

We can all contribute to creating the next generation of financially literate citizens. Get involved – mentor, volunteer, teach and support financial literacy today. Visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

Latest News

Debt.com Turns 10 and Celebrates by Teaching Financial Literacy to Students

The nation’s premier debt-solutions company partners with the nation’s largest financial literacy program and awards $500 to one lucky student each semester.

PRNEWSWIRE.COM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Debt.com is celebrating 10 years of helping adults get out of debt – by teaching children to never go into debt. By partnering with Junior Achievement (JA) of South Florida, Debt.com can offer debt-busting lessons to 20,000 8^th graders every school year.

Since 2009, JA has been mentoring students in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy at JA World. In celebration of financial literacy month, Debt.com ran a give-a-way and awarded one lucky winner $500 to be used for savings, investing, or helping with educational expenses. Iann Heredia of Coral Springs, FL was the winner – and he’s going to spend the money to learn more.

“The high school that I’m going into has a lot of tech-based courses like video technology and cyber security, so I’m going to need a computer for that,” Iann says. “So, I’m going to buy a computer!”

Hearing that pleased Debt.com President Don Silvestri . “We want to celebrate partnering with JA World by giving back to the students, and Iann just proves what we already knew: Those who go through JA World emerge with a brighter future. Without Junior Achievement of South Florida, an entire generation might not learn these valuable lessons .”

Debt.com’s JA storefront will add to that education. It features financial lessons on a variety of topics, such as how credit scores work, the true cost of credit when interest is applied, planning for family costs, and purchasing a home.

About: Debt.com is the consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan debt, tax debt, credit repair, bankruptcy, and more. Debt.com works with vetted and certified providers that give the best advice and solutions for consumers ‘when life happens.’

SOURCE Debt.com

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