All posts tagged: JA BizTown

High School JA Business Receives Biggest Sale of Year

High School JA Business Receives Biggest Sale of Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Jurgens, Business Technology Instructor
Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School
4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
(754) 321-5100, Email: Karen.jurgens@browardschools.com

Coconut Creek, Florida –  NobleMasque, a Junior Achievement Fellows student company at Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School in Coconut Creek announced today that it has made its largest sale ever, more than doubling its total revenue for the school year. The order of nearly $1,000 for custom COVID-19 face masks is for Junior Achievement of South Florida for Girls Rule, an upcoming event for high school girls.

NobleMasque is a high school student-run company for the school year 2020-21 that sells comfortable, fashionable and reusable cotton and silk face masks. It is run by high school seniors in the Business Management & Analysis and Drafting programs. These young entrepreneurs manage their own marketing, sales, accounting, supply and production, and distribution. They earn money, pay expenses and keep their profits after donating a small portion of sales to Junior Achievement of South Florida and a charity of their choice.

When asked why NobleMasque was selected as the mask supplier for this event, Jill Reipsa, Junior Achievement’s Director of Classroom and Community Programs and Martha Rios, Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives agreed. “We chose to work with NobleMasque because of the quick response time, the professional communication we received, and their ability accommodate our needs.  It was such a pleasure working with Javon Peter from NobleMasque.  I loved that they offered their suggestions on placing our design on the masks.  The payment process was very easy.  We look forward to receiving our masks and sharing them with our girls that attend the Girls Rule event.” they added.

“Having this opportunity means a lot to us. We have worked really hard throughout these past months and we are extremely grateful that NobleMasque is able to complete this huge order for the Girls Rule event held by Junior Achievement,” said Vincenzo Alfonso Feliz.

Student Alejandra Meneses feels they were selected because NobleMasque emphasizes quality work and customer service. “All year our company strived and excelled in all areas from getting the best quality mask to packaging and delivery. We pride ourselves on our customer service and having our customers satisfied by resolving any problems they may encounter and making their purchase an enjoyable one,” she said.

NobleMasque has not let the pandemic slow them down. As taught to do in uncertain times, they “pivoted” from in-person sales and shifted their focus to the internet. They have been very active on social media and created their own website to sell their products.

The promotion has paid off. Arif Ali said “We take great pride in being selected for this big order. It has increased our connections and given us the opportunity to put the company’s name out there giving us an advantage over other companies,” he said.

“This year’s ATC Junior Achievement Fellows student-led company, NobleMasque, formed a timely, affordable business model to offer a product everyone needs in these COVID-19 times, a mask,” said Sandra Welch, Commissioner, City of Coconut Creek and Junior Achievement Fellows mentor who worked with the students almost weekly along with Ken Wingerter and Andrew Mazlin both of Wells Fargo.  “The students were focused on a mask which was eco and skin friendly.  I couldn’t be prouder of all of them, and how they came together to work as a team,” she said.

“What a great way to end the year for this hard-working group of young business professionals as they get set to graduate in June.” said Karen Jurgens, Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School Instructor and Lead Teacher for Junior Achievement Fellows.

For more information about NobleMasque, click here.

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

About JA Fellows:
JA Fellows is the “GO TO” business incubator through a learning-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 real-life entrepreneurship experience, students develop communication, financial management, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills, just to name a few. Mentors work in teams of 4-6, coaching students through the process of starting and running a small business. “Spark Tank” competitions (Shark Tank-like events) are judged by local business leaders. At year-end, companies participate in a local competition for award, and a chance to compete in a national competition, National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS), in Washington, D.C. in June. JA is proud to have two teams compete nationally in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Alpha Solutions was named 2017 National “Company of the Year,” Pure Serenity was “Company of the Year” 2nd place in 2019 and Germ Genie” was “Company of the Year” 2nd place in 2020 during the first virtual NSLS competition. Learn more at https://jasouthflorida.org/ja-fellows/.

High School JA Business Receives Biggest Sale of Year
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My Junior Achievement Journey | Ayesha Sulaman

My Junior Achievement Journey | Ayesha Sulaman

From Program Assistant, to Program Lead, to Marketing Coordinator. Ayesha reflects on her journey through her time at Junior Achievement of South Florida:

The Journey Begins 

In August of 2018, I was hired as a Program Assistant for Junior Achievement of South Florida’s JA BizTown program. I never imagined myself working with students, yet alone 5th graders! It was amazing seeing them grasp the concepts of financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness at such a young age. I developed many skills including leadership, understanding, patience, stress and time management. I was deeply moved by the impact JA had on these students and pleasantly surprised when I found out that there were programs for students in middle and high school.  

If you’ve ever had the joy of volunteering at JA BizTown, you know that it is a fast-paced working environment. I had to be ready for things you cannot plan for and be able to think quickly on my feet. While this made day-to-day tasks stressful, it was never a boring day and helped build my character. Of course, I had the help of some amazing volunteers who communicated to students their roles as consumers, business leaders and employees.  

The Next Step 

After my first year, I quickly moved up to become a Program Lead, began learning the volunteer orientation, helped prepare JA BizTown curriculum and began to train some of the newly hired Program Assistants. These tasks gave me a better understanding and different perspective of the program. Of course, I wanted to make the most out of my experience, so I offered to work JA events like JA World Uncorked, Rose Soiree and JA Business Hall of Fame! 

I even became involved with the Empowerment Committee, where I served as the committee chair for two years. I discovered a new passion for party planning and decorating! The committee coordinated staff massages, yoga, and our annual JA Olympics. I loved seeing how small, simple gestures, could bring such huge smile on the faces of my fellow co-workers.  

COVID-19 Set Back 

Once COVID-19 hit, my job was on hold due to the fact that students could not visit JA World. I was then offered the position as Marketing Coordinator, a position I had my eye on since I started working at Junior Achievement. I had so much fun working and supporting the team, especially during events. It’s always great seeing everyone come together to pitch in and make the mission come alive.  

During this role, I learned much about creating video content, podcasting, social media strategies, email marketing and website maintenance on WordPress. I enjoyed bragging about the JA impact to stakeholders and connecting with them on LinkedIn! I learned so much and was inspired to start my very own company, Teany Weeny. Although COVID-19 initially set back my career journey, it also brought up new opportunities. 

 The End of One Journey 

As my time at Junior Achievement of South Florida comes to an end, it allows me time to reflect on my experience and prepare for the next journey. As I look back, all I could say is that I am thankful for the skills I’ve learned, the opportunities, and the ever-lasting friends I made. 

My Junior Achievement Journey | Ayesha Sulaman
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Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19

Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19

Funky Buddha Brewery giving back to the community. JA celebrates supportive restaurants.

Junior Achievement of South Florida and the JA Circle of Wise Women are fortunate to have developed outstanding relationships with local restaurants and beverage providers who support our programs as storefronts in JA BizTown and at the annual JA World Uncorked event. Now, it’s time to give back to those who are providing delivery or take-out services during COVID-19. Below are logos linked to the restaurants.

In addition, JA is extremely proud of its partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery, which last year released the exclusive Dreamers of Dreams, a craft beer dedicated to JA’s 60th Anniversary. Funky Buddha has started a new project during the COVID-19 crisis – Beers For The Biz. The project brings aid and awareness to family in the service industry affected by COVID-19. Proceeds from each case of Funky Buddha beer sold in April will be donated to CORE™: CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving food and beverage service employees with children, who are faced with medical diagnosis, illness, injury or affected by a natural disaster and are in need of help.

Click here to learn more about this project.

RESTAURANTS PROVIDING DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT SERVICES

Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19
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South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

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

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

By Sally Ann O’Dowd
July 2019 Issue

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

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

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

Click to Read Full South Florida Business & Wealth Article
South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services
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Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

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

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

On May 1,2019, Junior Achievement of South Florida will unveil the Marine Industry Storefront, Sea the World, in the Patten Family Finance Park located at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion. Each year more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties learn how financial decisions will impact their lives. These include expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture and groceries.

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

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

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

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

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

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

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

Contact: Joanna Ramirez
(954) 764-2678
Joanna@AMEsolutions.com

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Welcomes New Partners

Junior Achievement of South Florida Welcomes New Partners

On March 26, Junior Achievement of South Florida held a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally recognize generous gifts made by several donors. Along with 75 community leaders, elected officials and JA supporters, four new partners joined us to cut their ribbons and officially unveil the areas named on their behalf.

“This donation and ribbon cutting signifies so much more than a name change,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of JA. “It’s supporters like the Lillian S. Wells Foundation that allow us to continue our mission in empowering the young people in our community with important career and life skills.”

Thanks to a very substantial gift from the Lillian S. Wells Foundation, JA World’s official building name is now JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. After celebrating the unveiling of the new outdoor sign, guests entered the main doors into the JM Family Enterprises Inc. Atrium, named with a generous gift to support capital improvements of the JA World facility. Only a few steps to the right of the Atrium guests then entered the Falcone Family JA BizTown through the new Moss Family Art Park, a beautiful area designed to expose students to the arts. Finally, guests followed the main street of JA BizTown to the new and exciting  Florida Panthers storefront, where JA students learn about career opportunities in the sports industry.

JA is incredibly grateful for each of these supporters as they help us educate 50,000 students each year. Their support will  help us to bring workforce skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programming to 50,000 students each year and help secure the future of the world-class center. Please enjoy the short video clip of this special morning!

Junior Achievement of South Florida Welcomes New Partners
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System

Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale and 3xLOGIC Partner to Provide Junior Achievement of South Florida a Security System Upgrade

Expanded camera count, more IP cameras, more effective VMS, and closer cooperation with law enforcement key features of the upgraded system

WESTMINSTER, CO—13 March, 2019 – 3xLOGIC, Inc., a leading provider of integrated, intelligent security solutions, and a three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ winner, working alongside Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, is pleased to announce the completion of a highly-anticipated security system upgrade for Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) at the organization’s JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion (JA World). JA World is located on the Broward College North Campus in Coconut Creek, Florida.

With over 60,000 square feet of learning areas, rentable meetings rooms, and the Huizenga Catering Kitchen, JA World is the largest Junior Achievement facility in the world. Each year, more than 21,000 5th grade and 20,000 8th grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach counties visit the facility. The 5th graders learn basic economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances in a simulated city built for young students; the 8th graders focus on how their educational choices will impact their future earning potential, managing a budget and learn about high growth industries to help spark their career exploration.

“Each day, 450 students participate in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park simulations at JA World. Their safety and the safety of our volunteers, staff, and guests is of the utmost concern to us,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO, JASF. Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale started working with JASF in 2008, in the early design/build phase of the facility, and through its completion in 2009. The initial security system included remotely managed access control, verified audio intrusion detection, and analog cameras. At the time, IP cameras were considered too expensive.

“Previously, we had 18 analog cameras on the system,” explained Leni Smith, Director of Operations for JASF. “As time went on, it was clear that we needed to bring more areas inside and outside the building under surveillance, we wanted to access more cutting-edge IP camera technology, and we wanted to have all our surveillance under one Video Management System (VMS).”

Working in tandem, Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale and 3xLOGIC designed a system upgrade that, through a combination of discounts and donations, JASF could afford. It also helped that John Ray, President of Sonitrol Fort Lauderdale, is a long-time, active JASF Board member. In order to fit JASF’s budget, Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale installed a 3xLOGIC hybrid NVR, enabling JASF to protect their analog camera investment, while adding in higher-resolution IP cameras for expanded coverage.  The hybrid solution also creates a migration path, allowing JASF to continue improving visibility with new IP cameras over time as their budget allows.

“As part of ongoing security and safety improvements, our staff participates in an annual active shooter training,” explained Monica McNerney, VP Operations, “and during those trainings, two things became clear. We needed to cover more areas with surveillance, and we needed to partner more closely with local law enforcement to give them real-time access to our system in case of an emergency.”

JASF has a number of discrete areas under surveillance, and manages viewing them through use of the 3xLOGIC VIGIL server software. These include the reception area, two loading dock areas, other exterior doors, their large meeting rooms, and the student areas, known as JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, where 450 young people spend most of their time each day at JA World. The receptionist controls public access to the building by viewing who is requesting entry, and buzzing that person in. The receptionist also monitors the loading dock area and notifies the appropriate staff member when a delivery has arrived.

Leni Smith, who manages day-to-day security matters, reviews video after an incident is reported to her. “I really like how with the upgraded system I can use motion detection alarms to hone in on exactly the video I need to review—I bet we’ve cut the time for review easily in half, if not more. I also really value how I can draw a box in a camera view and zoom into that area easily and quickly to find out exactly what happened.”

Monica McNerney expanded on how the upgraded system is positively impacting another aspect of the JASF security program. “We work very closely with our community partners like Broward College security and local law enforcement to help them understand and access our facility and security system. We also routinely ask for their expert feedback on whether we’re managing our security effectively. So far, they’ve told us we’re doing exactly what we need to be doing, and they’re excited about the expanded access they have to our camera views, although we hope that no event ever warrants that need.”

Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Operations for Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, also discussed continued improvements that are planned for JA World. “We are actively designing phase II of the camera upgrade, which will include improved coverage and image clarity for camera views outside the front doors. We are also ready to deploy our latest technology for the main lobby area—TotalGuard. TotalGuard is a great solution for emergency situations, it allows JASF personnel to alert the Sonitrol central station and transmit real-time audio and video to the monitoring center, for prioritized verified police response.”

Sallarulo had a final thought on how things have been going with the system upgrade, “As for Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, they always provide us an amazing response. As a nonprofit, we could not do what we do without the help of partners like Sonitrol. We are very grateful for their support and service.”

About Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale
Sonitrol has been the leader in Verified Electronic Security for over 50 years. As the only company utilizing audio intrusion detection systems, we are able to provide real time information to authorities, decreasing false alarms, and maximizing apprehensions. Video monitoring, access control, and fire detection systems can also be integrated for the most complete security.  Visit our website at www.SonitrolFortLauderdale.com for more information and to hear and see actual Audio and Video Intrusion detections.   

About 3xLOGIC
3xLOGIC Inc. has been a leading innovator in server and cloud-based security technology for 15+ years. The company is recognized for providing easy-to-use surveillance and business intelligence solutions that seamlessly integrate video, access control, and disparate data such as ATM, Point-of-Sale, analytics, and more.

3xLOGIC’s video surveillance solutions are engineered for ease of installation, scalability and affordability combined with a managed services portfolio that enables integrators to effectively evolve from dealers to high-value strategic partners. Follow 3xLOGIC on Facebook, Linked-in, or our Twitter account, and read our latest news at www.3xlogic.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 over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

For 3xLOGIC Media Queries:
Bruce J. Doneff
Public Relations
843.476.3022
doneff@verizon.net

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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System
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JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards

JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2109

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

Junior Achievement of South Receives Two Distinguished National Awards for Top Performance

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida has been awarded, for the first time in its 60 year history, the Peak Performance Team Award. This award recognizes superior annual performance by a JA Area team in achieving growth in students reached or contact hours delivered, while sustaining financial and operational soundness. The nonprofit organization was one of 17 JA Areas (out of 107 total) to earn the 2017-18 Peak Performance Team Award.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida has been focused on creating deep impact programming that meets the needs of its local school district, employers and community organizations. In addition, the organization has worked hard to build its brand awareness and credibility. Congratulations to Laurie Sallarulo and the entire team,” said Jack Kosakowski, JA USA President & CEO.

In addition, for the second year in a row, Junior Achievement of South Florida received one of Junior Achievement USA®’s (JA USA) highest ratings: the 4 Star Award. The purpose of the Star Award is to recognize staff and boards of JA Areas that meet Junior Achievement’s national standards in operational efficiency. Recipients must demonstrate growth in student impact and superior fiscal performance. Achievement against these criteria is certified through JA USA and audited financial statements.

In 2017-18, Junior Achievement of South Florida served nearly 47,000 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties. The number of combined hours of impactful instruction provided to students was a record 1,050,975. This wouldn’t be possible without the help of a record-breaking 7,150 volunteers and mentors. In addition, Junior Achievement of South Florida will reach a significant milestone this year, its 60th anniversary, of serving 1 million students since its inception in 1959.

“These accomplishments cannot be achieved without an exceptional team, dedicated Board of Directors, our partners, teachers, the thousands of volunteers and business mentors and our donors, who truly believe in our mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President/CEO. “We set very ambitious goals for the organization, and we’ve worked hard to achieve these milestones and to be honored for our dedication and teamwork. We are dedicated to being part of the solution to the workforce challenge.”

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

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

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JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards
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JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired

JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired

For Immediate Release
March 8, 2019

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

JA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS AND 1 MILLION YOUTH INSPIRED AT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting its Diamond Anniversary Celebration to honor 60 years of inspiring and preparing youth for the future. In addition, the organization will celebrate the milestone of serving 1 million students. The Diamond Anniversary Celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines, will be on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

This highly anticipated event will also celebrate South Florida business leaders who have made a significant impact in their industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence courageous leadership and community responsibility. The 2019 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates are James Allen (Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming); Bob Birdsong (OK Generators); Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (Celebrity Cruises); and Steven Sadaka (StevenDouglas).

This year’s special award honorees are Lorraine Thomas and Lori Chevy (Bank of America). Lorraine Thomas, who’s loyal dedication to Junior Achievement of South Florida runs deep. She will receive the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award, created in honor of the late Marti and Wayne Huizenga in 2016. Lori Chevy will receive the Melissa Aiello Character Award, created in 2015 in recognition of Melissa Aiello, the former CEO & President of Junior Achievement of South Florida who lived her life with integrity and honor.

“We are so thankful to the incredible leaders who have supported our mission, past and present, over the last sixty years,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These milestones are only possible to achieve when visionary leaders come together to embrace a mission.”

The JA Diamond Anniversary Celebration is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, JM Lexus, DEX Imaging, TD Bank, Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, BBVA Compass, Consolidated Credit, Debt.com, Rick Case Automotive Group, Nova Southeastern University, BBX Capital, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and StevenDouglas.

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

JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired
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Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience

Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE to become a JA volunteer.

ABOUT LATINOS IN ACTION:

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

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

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

Latinos In Action Students Enjoy Volunteer Experience
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