All posts tagged: high school

Buy! Sell! JA Stock Market Challenge Returns

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 29th, 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.

###

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.

Buy! Sell! JA Stock Market Challenge Returns
read more

JA Hosts Annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event May 20

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.

###

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

JA Hosts Annual Books, Bucks & Backpacks Event May 20
read more

JA & Broward County Public Schools Partner to Launch 3DE Schools

JA & Broward County Public Schools Partner to Launch 3DE Schools

Innovative Model Proven to Accelerate Student Engagement and Academic Outcomes

CITY OF COCONUT CREEK, FL (September 20, 2022) – “EDUCATION IS TRANSFORMATIONAL. IT CHANGES LIVES.” ~ Condoleezza Rice. 3DE schools by Junior Achievement is transforming the high school education experience across the country. This educational model re-engineers high school education to be more relevant, experiential and authentically connected to the complexities of the real world to prepare today’s students for the demands of tomorrow’s economy.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) was selected to be among 10 JA areas of 102 in the US, to bring this new approach to high school education in its local school district. JA has partnered with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to launch the 3DE model in two schools this fall. McArthur High School and Charles W. Flanagan High School were selected by BCPS as the first schools to implement the model.

“BCPS is thrilled to partner with JA to bring 3DE to our local high schools. Our long-time partnership with JA is one of alignment and collaboration. The outcomes this model is demonstrating are outstanding and we look forward to reporting similar results in the next few years. Our mutual goal is to provide the most engaging learning environment possible for our students. JA programs complement the work of BCPS in the classroom, at JA World and in the community,” said Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright, Broward County Public Schools Superintendent.

3DE is a holistic, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to reconstruct traditional high school education, combining core academics with real world application. Delivering the model includes everything from restructuring the school organization, reconstructing the curriculum design, teacher development and support, case challenge application and the involvement of business partners.

“JA is honored to have been selected as one of the 10 locations to launch 3DE nationally.  This school model fully prepares students for tomorrow’s demands by integrating business challenges directly into education to heighten students’ appreciation for academics (e.g., Reading, History, Math, Science, etc.) and long-term workforce aspirations,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Today’s complexities require a new approach within education that will position all students for opportunity. 3DE is helping to ensure that students graduate with the skills, mindsets and goals to be successful in the future. Our goal is to accelerate economic competitiveness and expand opportunity for all.

###

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.

About 3DE by Junior Achievement:

3DE is a subsidiary non-profit organization under Junior Achievement USA, based in Atlanta, Ga, dedicated to re-engineering high school education nationwide.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT 3DE SCHOOLS:

APPROACH – WHAT MAKES 3DE UNIQUE:

The 3DE school “within-a-school” model uses real-world experiences to connect standards-based learning and project-based application to create interdisciplinary learning environments. This model breaks through traditional barriers and redesigns the framework of education from the inside out – expanding economic opportunity for ALL students. It…

  1. Provides access and exposure for students to diverse, high-growth careers
  2. Provides businesses with innovative perspectives to discover new productivity ideas and/or solutions by tomorrow’s leaders, future consumers, and future employees

DELIVERY:

Case methodology is proven to increase student engagement, build critical thinking, strengthen comprehension, and accelerate academic performance. Using integrated learning through dynamic case challenges co-designed by business partners, catalyzes student collaboration with peers, provides exposure to industries, and builds skill sets.

GOAL – EXPERIENCED & EMPOWERED STUDENTS:

Upon graduation, 3DE students can choose a post-secondary path that best suits their passions and career plan. 3DE students will have been exposed to a variety of industries and businesses, building a future talent pipeline for our workforce. Each 3DE student will have also experienced 16 real-world case challenges and a senior capstone project.  National and local business partnerships, with organizations such as Arby’s, Truist, UPS, Delta Airlines, Deloitte, and Home Depot, provide case challenges geared towards equipping young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.

3DE 2021 FLORIDA RESULTS

  • 2,108 students across 7 schools
  • 500+ business professionals engaged
  • 1% fewer cases of absenteeism
  • 9% outperformance on state assessments
  • 7% teacher buy-in & engagement

For More Information, Contact:
Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7100 x131 or [email protected]

JA & Broward County Public Schools Partner to Launch 3DE Schools
read more

SFBW September 2022: The Beacon

SFBW September 2022: The Beacon

HOW JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA LIT UP THE LIFE AND DREAMS OF A STRANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

South Florida Business & Wealth
September 2022
By Drew Limsky

Junior Achievement gave 17-year-old Jayden Bonhomme something that school could not. And that’s the point. This is a story of burgeoning self-esteem,validation, and an epiphany that his varied interests could lead to a viable career path.

Through its Youth Employment program, which is part of JA Career Bound, the organization helps teenagers prepare for the workforce. They learn interviewing skills, presentation skills, collaboration, conflict resolution, networking, how different companies in varied sectors function—in short, the real world.

“Research says that students graduate from high school knowing only about five to eight jobs,” says Laurie Sallarulo, president and CEO of JA of South Florida. The program serves to remedy that. For Bonhomme, JA—and Career Bound, in particular—made him envision a future as a health care administrator. “I became acquainted with Junior Achievement in high school during my freshman year,” Bonhomme recalls. “I remember everyone was getting dressed up for mock interviews, and I thought, I want to be a part of that.” The first time Bonhomme walked into JA’s Town Square, for a field trip during his sophomore year, he noted the breadth of the organization’s reach—various colleges, Broward Health, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, the FBI and the military were all represented.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE
SFBW September 2022: The Beacon
read more

Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers

Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Sea the World Storefront Seeks to Continue the Next 3-year School Year Term

Coconut Creek, FL – April 15, 2022: Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Marine Industry Storefront “Sea the World” seeks to continue the next 3-year school year term. Each year more than 20,000 8th grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties visit the Marine Industry Storefront to learn about the multitude of career opportunities in the maritime community. The storefront exists to keep the industry thriving with a new generation of workers.

On April 20, 2022, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s (JA) Marine Industry Storefront will hold a Champagne Reception. Guests will tour the Patten Family Finance Park at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion and learn more about the community-strengthening cause. The reception is from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Our nation, across all industries, is experiencing a workforce crisis. We are facing unprecedented challenges in finding enough workers to fill open jobs. Research shows that the most critical and widespread challenge facing businesses is the inability to hire qualified workers for available jobs they need to fill. That’s where Junior Achievement comes in.

JA engages with students in a comprehensive classroom curriculum about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings, and credit. Not only does the JA teach financial literacy, but it also works towards inspiring the students that enter its walls to get excited about joining the workforce using immersive simulation experiences.

“Sea the World” storefront space originally came together in April of 2019. Understanding the need to keep the marine industry booming, Christine Battles with Advanced Mechanical Enterprises and 23 marine industry companies joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida to create the Marine Industry Storefront.

The storefront inspires students to join Florida’s 12.5 billion-per-year economic engine that provides the tri-county area with 149,000 careers/jobs. “Sea the World” has already impacted 150,000 students, several of whom are now high school juniors.

Three years after cutting the ribbon on the space, we’re working towards keeping this momentum going. Junior Achievement and maritime professionals are gearing up for the next 3-year school term and are seeking new partners. Both founding and new partners will contribute to leasing the storefront space and adding maritime elements to bring the “WOW factor” to students. The financial ask is $5k yearly for a 3-year commitment (May 2022 – April 2025). All donations are tax-deductible.

“What keeps port industry executives up at night? It’s not the economy. It’s not their competitors. It’s knowing if there will be a workforce in place to carry on for them and continue to serve the needs of the industry. Junior Achievement of South Florida maritime development program serves to do just that! Students are introduced to a great career field and well-paying, sustained, interesting and diverse jobs for their future. At the same time, Junior Achievement lays the groundwork for a plentiful maritime-specific educated and trained workforce for the next generation,” said Lori Baer, Executive Director, Port Everglades Association.

“From what we’re experiencing as a nation, now more than ever, our cause is crucial in gearing up our next generation of maritime professionals. It’s exciting to see the progress we have made so far with the Marine Industry Storefront and its impact on the students,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, “but there is still a lot to be done. If you believe in fueling our industry with new talent, we encourage you to become a partner and join the cause.”

“The marine industry plays a vital role in the South Florida economy and like all high-growth industries, needs a strong workforce pipeline. We are proud of our partnership with the companies that support the Sea the World storefront in the Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park. Preparing young people for work and success requires the support and partnership of the business, nonprofit and education community.” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of 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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers
read more

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®
read more

WPLG Local 10: Junior Achievement Hosts Career Day

WPLG Local 10: Junior Achievement Hosts Career Day

WPLG Local 10: Junior Achievement Hosts Career Day for South Florida Students

Dillard High School students present school safety invention

By Parker Branton – Reporter, WPLG Local 10

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Students from Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale presented their own school safety invention Friday as we near one year since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre.

The South Florida students are among those going one-on-one with industry professionals in hopes of getting a jump start at their future careers.

“To learn early and learn well is a recipe for success,” David Greenberg of Junior Achievement, said.

A total of 2,000 students from schools across South Florida got up close and personal with what could be their future career.

“Today, there’s about 40 exhibitors here from different industries talking about the jobs and things they can do,” Junior Achievement CEO Laurie Sallarulo said.

From local first responders to technology-based businesses, the program focuses on landing students with internships and training others to have skills to score a job.

“It is clear that they are clearly engaged. Someone came by and said to me, ‘Wow, these kids are really listening and are intense on what they are showing them,'” Sallaraulo said.

“It’s a really good experience to meet new businesses and new opportunities I’ve never knew of,” student Anthony McCaloa said.

While some students focused on exploring different fields, a group from Dillard High School presented their own invention called a DHSP Safe Block — an innovative tool to keep students and teachers safe during a threat.

“Me meeting with these people who are telling me what they’ve done, where they’ve been and how they’ve came to be helped me very much,” student Narrisa Noel said.

Junior Achievement officials said next time they are looking to do the career day over the course of two days instead of one as they continue to prepare the next generation of workers.

Watch the video here

WPLG Local 10: Junior Achievement Hosts Career Day
read more

JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge

JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge

Junior Achievement of South Florida invites you to the JA Biz Challenge – where our  JA Experience at Lauderhill 6-12 students will present their 1st Case Study. This presentation will provide a solution to a real business problem posed by one of our JA BizTown businesses. Community leaders acting as “Investors” will listen to solutions provided by the students and invest in those they find most viable.

Please join us for this exciting day and watch as these students apply skills learned through JA programs to real business issues. This is what JA is all about – bridging the gap between the classroom and the boardroom!

RSVP with Elexcy Morrison at (754) 300-7669 or [email protected].

JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge
read more