All posts tagged: JA BizTown

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
Christopher@JASouthFlorida.org

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

JA World Uncorked 2023

By Rachel Galvin

Let’s Talk Magazine

Exotic, glamorous, risque, festive, exciting… These are all words that could be used to describe Moulin Rouge. Perhaps, that is why the enticing concept was used as a theme for the latest JA World Uncorked, held on January 28 at the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. Hosted by the Circle of Wise Women, this yearly event benefits Junior Achievement of South Florida.

The theme wasn’t the only thing they changed this year. The event continues to improve, and this year, they brought in more money than ever before – a historic $345,000 and more than 700 guests!

Also this year, the food options seemed more diverse than ever, and delicious, everything from a light and airy panna cotta to a soul-satisfying smoky pulled pork. Guests could start with trying a Caesars salad and tortilla soup and maybe grab some of Yot’s famous fish dip and move on to items like sliders, prime rib, pasta, sashimi and countless other delectable options from local restaurants, and then finish with desserts like cookies, cake, cream puffs, tarts or Italian Ice.

The spirits on hand were just as plentiful and varied. Guests could choose a refreshing and lemony light KLEO-Patra, a mixture of the Greek spirit KLEOS, lemon juice, simple syrup and basil, or opt for a taste of a creamy Pennyslvania Dutch Salted Caramel drink. They could sip their favorite wines, grab a gelatin shot, choose a craft beer from Funky Budha, enjoy Canyon’s prickly pear margarita and more. There was even an espresso martini cart, by Gray Robinson, P.A, where the purveyor got on the bicycle attached and pedaled to grind his own coffee! Yvette and Bob Birdsong sponsored a welcome cocktail for everyone… the Capital Grill Stoli Doli. The variety of wine, spirits, beer and seltzers kept guests happy all night long and the culinary options kept them smiling. DJs played music throughout while guests roamed.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

Press

WSVN: New Rick Case Interactive Storefront

New Rick Case interactive storefront gives students real-world experience into the auto industry

BY 7 NEWS WSVN

OCTOBER 27, 2022

COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) – South Florida students recently got a first-hand experience of what it is like to work in the auto industry.

The brand-new, state-of-the-art interactive Rick Case storefront is part of “JA BizTown,” a simulated city in JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, the largest single JA facility in the world.

“Our goal was to make our storefront both engaging and educational for the students,” said President and CEO of the Rick Case Auto Group Rita Case. “We want young people to know that the auto industry is a vital part of our economy and provides great career opportunities, as well.”

JA BizTown is a collection of businesses sponsored by real local businesses, designed to demonstrate how a functioning economy works, as students play roles as executives, associates, and consumers at businesses within the town.

Click to learn more about JA BizTown.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

Press

Junior Achievement Partners with Synovus Bank to Deliver Financial Literacy Lessons

Support will also include work and career readiness and entrepreneurship lessons

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (October 19, 2022) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of five local JA operations across the country participating in a partnership with Synovus Bank. Synovus recently contributed $250,000 to Junior Achievement USA through its Here Matters Community Fund to deliver lessons on financial literacy, essential life skills, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship to thousands of students in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The lessons will educate and empower children throughout their journeys toward a bright and successful future. The Synovus contribution was the bank’s first donation to a nonprofit since establishing the community fund.

Through this partnership, Junior Achievement of South Florida, alongside local Synovus Bank representatives, will determine which learning experiences best meet the needs of the Broward and south Palm Beach communities.

“Our research shows students are eager to learn about money, business ownership, and work and careers, but they often don’t know where to go for help,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “With the commitment of Synovus, we will be able to help thousands of young people gain knowledge in these critical life skills.”

JA learning experiences depend on volunteers from partners like Synovus to help bring lessons to life for the students it serves. As part of Synovus’ community outreach program called Here Matters, Synovus team members will help teach JA programs in local schools.

“At Synovus, our purpose is to enable people to reach their full potential,” said Sean Simpson, Synovus’ FL Division CEO. “JA inspires young people to take charge of their financial futures, and we’re proud to partner with the nonprofit to strengthen communities and positively impact future generations.”

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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.

About Synovus Bank

Synovus Bank, a Georgia-chartered, FDIC-insured bank, provides commercial and retail banking and a full suite of specialized products and services, including private banking, treasury management, wealth management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, and international banking through branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company and is on the web at synovus.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

For More Information, Contact:

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

Latest News

Junior Achievement Announces New Board Leadership

Andrew Koenig Named Board Chair

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (September 1, 2022) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) announces Andrew Koenig, CEO of CITY Furniture, as its new Board Chair to serve a two-year term. Mr. Koenig will continue the momentum built under the leadership of Tim Rubin, Director of Client Services at Kaufman Rossin, who served as Chair for three years.

“I am grateful for Tim’s support and commitment during a challenging time for nonprofits. Under his leadership, the board was dedicated to helping the organization stay financially healthy. Working with the Governance Committee, Tim also brought a focus on diversity, ensuring the board was represented across all groups, demographics, industries and expertise,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “I am excited about the future and to continue our work with Andrew Koenig at the helm. Andrew is a passionate visionary who will bring inspiring leadership to the board.”

CITY Furniture has been a company dedicated to improving the community for many years. Continuing the family tradition started by his uncle, dad and mom, under Andrew’s leadership as CEO, the company has committed to giving back 5% of its annual profits across five pillars: home, health, service, diversity and education. Andrew is personally committed to serving and giving his time to some of the organizations CITY supports, including JA.

“As a father, I understand how important it is for our children to have the skills and experiences they need to be successful adults and as a business leader, I realize the importance of building a future pipeline of employees. I love that through Junior Achievement all children have access to this real-world education that helps prepare them for work and life. They need us today and we will need them tomorrow,” said Andrew Koenig.

CITY Furniture has been involved with Junior Achievement of South Florida since the opening of JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion 14 years ago. CITY Furniture is a JA Finance Park storefront partner, impacting over 20,000 8th graders each year with career exploration and personal finance education. CITY also donates money raised through their “Test Rest” campaign, sponsors JA events and hires JA interns through the Youth Employment program. Their financial support and involvement as volunteers set a great example for other companies.

JA is also pleased to share the appointment of Executive Committee Members Lisa Anderson, Jeni Chokron, Monique Corker, Kathy Foster, David Greenberg, Brenda Horner, Geoffrey Horst, Tom Loffredo, Lois Marino, Joel Mayersohn, Stuart Morris, Monica Navarro, Steve Nudelberg, John Ray III, Tim Rubin, Franki Lupo Schmidt, Greg Thompson and Mark Walter.

JA’s Board of Directors is composed of 70 business, education and community leaders that bring a strong and balanced blend of skills, experiences and perspectives to the organization. “I am proud to lead with such a diverse, forward-thinking, committed group of board members who are passionate advocates for JA’s vision to help train the next generation of business leaders, employees, employers and consumers. Together, we will continue to increase awareness of JA’s work and partner with the Broward County School District to deepen the impact for each student,” said Andrew Koenig.

Learn more about the Board of Directors at JASouthFlorida.org/Board-of-Directors.

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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.

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

Latest News

MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives $1.9 Million

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (August 22, 2022) — Through her philanthropic giving, MacKenzie Scott continues to change lives and strengthen nonprofit organizations. She recently donated $38.8 million to Junior Achievement USA, making it the largest single gift in the organization’s 103-year history.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of 26 areas to be selected by Scott, receiving $1.9 million. This generous contribution will help to sustain the critical work of preparing every young person to navigate their future, drive our economy and lead our communities. This gift will serve as a lead gift to JA’s $15 million comprehensive campaign, “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow”, helping JA secure its community impact well into the future.

“The lack of skilled talent in the pipeline is one of the top concerns of employers today. To successfully compete and sustain our local economy, we must develop talent that is educated and trained to handle the demand of skilled and technical jobs. The only way to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified talent in the future is to develop the mindset and skillset of every child,” said President & CEO Laurie Sallarulo.

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s momentum has been extraordinary – reaching more than 69,000 students a year during the 2021 school year. “It’s not just about the number of students served, it’s about the depth of the impact JA programs have on students,” said Sallarulo. Through the unique partnership with Broward County Public Schools, JA compliments academics with real-world education in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to ensure that all children are ready and able to succeed in tomorrow’s world. “There is still much work to be done, and this gift will allow us to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and continue to innovate,” Sallarulo added.

Andrew Koenig, JA Board Chair and CEO of CITY Furniture shares, “As a business headquartered in Broward County, we have invested heavily in our future workforce by partnering with JA. This will require an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving schools, parents, businesses, government, funders and philanthropists. This contribution from MacKenzie Scott is a testimony to the importance of our work and the need for us to invest in workforce and financial literacy education. I encourage you to join our mission.”

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About “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” Comprehensive Campaign
Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to unlocking the true potential of every child, regardless of their background and circumstances. This 5-year, $15 million campaign is an opportunity for everyone to ensure every child, today and in the future, can learn to be resourceful, innovative, collaborative and resilient. This will give them a chance to lead a successful and prosperous life and will also secure the future of our community and economy.

“Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” will help sustain JA’s critical mission and help ensure that every child receives the resources, training, education and experiences they will need to face the challenges of succeeding in a complex and unpredictable world. Almost 70% of the students JA serves are from low-income families and will likely not have the opportunity to learn the skills that will allow them to be self-sufficient through employment or entrepreneurship and contribute to the future of our local economy. There are four specific fund opportunities: Capital Investments, Program Innovation Expansion and Scholarships and Endowments. Contact Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer, at Adrinia@JASouthFlorida.org or (954) 979-7100.

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

Latest News

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

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (July 6, 2022) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is grateful to the Florida Lottery for recently supporting its JA Career Bound program graduation celebrations and 2022 Books, Bucks and Backpacks outreach event.

Over the course of the 2021-2022 school year, 150 high school students from six Broward County schools participated in JA 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 JA Career Bound staff recently celebrated the program completion achievements of over 120 students (85%), which included graduation ceremonies that showcased case challenge demonstrations, guest speakers and certificate presentations. In addition to Florida Lottery, this program is also supported by the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, 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 21st, JA joined forced with Broward Schools, other education partners, local business and healthcare providers for the Books, Bucks & Backpacks event, presented by CITY Furniture. Over 1,500 Broward County students and their families attended. Thanks to supporters, like Florida Lottery, the students received backpacks and had the opportunity to fill them with school supplies, piggy banks, Florida Lottery sunglasses, financial literacy, healthcare tips and other “sliding into summer success” goodies from JA partners.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

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

About The Florida Lottery

The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $41 billion to enhance education and sending more than 917,000 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 $80.5 billion in prizes and made more than 3,500 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
Christopher@JASouthFlorida.org

Latest News

Teens Win Prestigious Awards at National Competition

FedEx recognizes teen entrepreneurs for an innovative business plan to drive job creation and protect the environment

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (June 29, 2022) — At the 2022 Junior Achievement (JA) National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) held June 19th-23rd, student-run company Ecossentials from NSU University School won the Global Possibilities Award, presented by FedEx, and the ICE NYSE Foundation Best Financial Performance Award.

For the Global Possibilities Award, Ecossentials, as evaluated by a special FedEx panel, represented the best business plan with the potential to create jobs and grow small businesses with environmental sustainability. While the ICE NYSE Foundation Best Financial Performance Award was presented to Ecossentials for performing the best against criteria including profitability, investor expectations, employee earnings, product quality, leadership, and operational efficiency.

Junior Achievement’s National Student Leadership Summit is a contest of business skills, ingenuity, and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of JA Company Program® students, ages 15-18, during the 2021-2022 academic year. Administered under JA Fellows, this program provides teens the opportunity to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of a local business volunteer. JA Fellows is the “go to” learn-by-doing entrepreneurial and business experience for middle and high school students. Students gain real-world business experience by working in groups of 20-25, conceptualizing, capitalizing and managing their own small businesses. Throughout this 10-month, real-life entrepreneurship program, students develop communication, financial management, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills, just to name a few.

During the National Student Leadership Summit three-day event, the teen-run companies compete for several awards, engage in several virtual seminars led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business, and virtually pitch their companies to a panel of judges comprised of business leaders.

“For the 7th consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida has had a JA Fellows team represent us at this prestigious national competition. We applaud all 550 students who participated this year for their outstanding efforts, our teachers, mentors, and community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship education efforts,” said Laurie Sallarulo, JA President & CEO. “Congratulations to Ecossentials for winning these two awards!”

“At FedEx, we believe a connected world is a better world. We empower everyone from small business owners to Fortune 500 companies to reach customers all over the world”, said Rose Flenorl, manager of Global Citizenship at FedEx. “FedEx’s Global Possibilities platform celebrates the power of global connectivity and the next generation of innovators on the verge of the next big idea. The Global Possibilities Award recognizes a student-run business that best exhibits the principles of global connectivity: Driven by Innovation, Connecting to New Markets, Fueling Community Development and Sustainable and Social Responsibility.”

“After realizing how harmful plastics are to the environment and the thousands of innocent animals that die daily from plastic globally, the Ecossentials team knew we needed to make a change. Our main focus is to provide consumers with the most convenient way to make the switch from plastic products to an eco-friendlier and more sustainable alternative with as minimal effort as possible,” said CEO Kayla Bigelman, who was responsible for managing the company’s overall operations.

The Ecossentials Daily Essentials Pouch provides individuals a convenient way to improve their self-care while drastically benefiting the global environment with minimal effort. The pouch includes a bamboo toothbrush with a holder, bamboo hairbrush, plantable pen with an encapsulated seed and 100% botanical soap all in a canvas pouch. Learn more at https://www.shopecossentials.com/.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

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

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 2.5 million students per year in 103 markets across the United States as part of 10 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

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

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