All posts tagged: Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Broward County Students Compete in Stock Market Challenge

Broward County Students Compete in Stock Market Challenge

Junior Achievement of South Florida hosts 33rd Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Awards

COCONUT CREEK, FL — From February 23rd to March 3rd, between 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM. More than 1,200 Broward County Public Schools and Charter high schoolers, representing 14 schools, will be competing in Junior Achievement of South Florida’s (JA) Stock Market Challenge at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

During the challenge, students compete against each other in teams in a simulated stock market environment that is hectic, loud, exciting and filled with energy. Student teams are given $500,000 in imitation currency used to make their initial stock selections from more than 25 fictitious companies before the challenge begins. At the end of the challenge, the team with the stock portfolio with the highest net worth wins!

“The secret to success during the challenge lies in students’ ability to collaborate with their team and their understanding of the big ideas about the stock market,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “This is just one of several programs JA offers that empowers youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy and lead our community.”

Last year, JA piloted the Stock Market Challenge with students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and it was a success. “I loved the high energy of the simulation and will take the strategies used to be successful in investing in the real world,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas student said.

This year, Stock Market Challenge is being sponsored by Broward Sheriff’s Office and CitiBank. Special thanks to JA’s over 7,100 community volunteers for mentoring our youth for this and other entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness programs that impact 69,000 youth each year

Watch highlights from the 2022 event, as featured on WPLG Local 10 — CLICK HERE. JA Stock Market Challenge photos are available upon request.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 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

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Broward County Students Compete in Stock Market Challenge
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WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition

WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition

Jenise Fernandez, Anchor/Reporter
Kathleen Corso, Special Projects Producer

Published: June 22, 2021

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – More than 100 years ago, a program that now reaches nearly five million students a year in the United States was formed.

Junior Achievement became the source of a variety of in-school programs and helps middle and high school students gain real-world experience through JA-World.

Lexie Sealy was in grade school when she first paid a visit to the unique business model in Coconut Creek.

“We’re each able to choose a job we wanted to so people were able to work at Local10 News, Chick-fil-A, NSU University, so everyone had a lot of opportunities choose what they wanted to do and to explore different areas of business and real life,” Sealy said.

Now the experience has come full circle as she leads her team from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland to a national competition for their business concept called “Smile Senders.”

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WPLG: 2 South Florida JA Teams Chosen for National Competition
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Two Local JA Fellows Start-Up Teams Head to National Awards

Two Local JA Fellows Start-Up Teams Head to National Awards

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and NSU University School student entrepreneurship teams selected to compete for JA USA’s 2021 National Company of the Year

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that two of its twenty-five JA Fellows student company teams have been selected to compete for the 2021 JA National Company of the Year at the virtual Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) on June 22-24.

JA Fellows teams Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Smile Senders and NSU University School’s ClippedNotes took their companies from an idea to a profitable company in eight months.

“We are thrilled to see these innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious national competition. This is our 6th consecutive year running the program, which has engaged over 3,000 students to date, and the 6th time our teams have made it to nationals,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President & CEO. “We applaud all 550 students who participated this year for their outstanding efforts and thank our teachers, mentors and community partners who support the program.”

The COVID-19 pandemic was the inspiration for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Smile Senders gift boxes filled with items to cheer up people.

“Smile Senders is beyond excited to have been chosen for the National JA Competition this June! We cannot thank the Junior Achievement of South Florida leadership, as well as our mentors, friends, and family for their support. We hope to see you at the Summit live and cannot wait to bring a smile to your face,” said Jacob Foster, President of Smile Senders.

ClippedNotes, NSU University School’s JA team, came up with a product that gave people a creative way to jot notes or reminders for each other.

“The ClippedNotes team is so excited and honored to have been selected as an NSLS finalist. Having received top honors in the regional competition, we are hopeful to have continued success while spreading our story and mission nationally,” said CEO Kennedy Clark.

Only fifteen JA Fellow company teams, out of over 500 nationwide, are invited to compete at the NSLS. The competition’s top honor is JAUSA Company of the Year, first, second, and third-place awards will be Livestreamed on June 24.

The student companies will be assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, a self-produced commercial about their product or service, their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders, and their company’s overall performance.

The other awards that will be presented at the 2021 NSLS virtual event include the Delta Social Impact Award, the EY Innovation Award, the FedEx Access Award, and the ICE NYSE Best Financial Performance Award.

In addition to competing, JA Fellows Company Program® students will build their professional network with fellow teens from across the country, participate in professional development seminars to further build on their entrepreneurial skills, and will have the opportunity to engage with national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business through virtual webinars.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA offers cutting-edge skills training that enables young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; prepares and places students in summer jobs that give them real world experience; teaches students how to start and run businesses and develop entrepreneurial mindsets and skills; and provides education of financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 proven programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and simulations 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 3 million students annually in 105 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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Two Local JA Fellows Start-Up Teams Head to National Awards
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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

For Immediate Release      

For More Information Contact:

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

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

LOCAL JA FELLOWS TEAM GERM GENIE WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS

NSU University School’s Germ Genie finishes in 2nd place among 15 student-run companies at JA USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that Germ Genie, the JA Fellows Company Program team from NSU University School, won three awards at Junior Achievement USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

In addition to finishing in 2nd Place for the coveted National JA Company of the Year Award, Germ Genie won the Best Financial Performance, Delta Social Impact and EY Innovation awards. Teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Good Scents also competed.

“We are thrilled to see these two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

This year’s summit ran from June 15th-18th and will was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen JA Fellow company teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) were invited to compete at the JA NSLS. The student companies competing were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live virtual presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance.

Germ Genie won the Delta Social Impact Award by creating a solution to address a local, national or global social concern by connecting customers, stakeholders and community; demonstrating great customer service; advancing education in their company and creating value through innovation in all aspects of their business. The teens also had to describe the lessons they learned.

The ICE NYSE Foundation Best Financial Performance Award. The award was presented to the Junior Achievement (JA) student company that performed the best against criteria including profitability, investor expectations, employee earnings, product quality, leadership, and operational efficiency.

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2019-2020 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies that competed at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders and on their company’s performance.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

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

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.7 million students per year in 106 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org more information.

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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards
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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release       

For More Information Contact:

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

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

JA FELLOWS TEAMS PARTICIPATING AT
NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams invited to compete against 13 other student-run companies at the 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that two of its JA Fellows Company Program teams have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) to complete at the Junior Achievement USA 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s “Good Scents” and NSU University School’s “Germ Genie” will be competing for the coveted National JA Company of the Year and other awards.

“We are thrilled to have two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2019-2020 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

This year’s summit will run from June 15th-18th and will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. JA Fellow company teams from throughout the nation will be competing for JA Company of the Year by showcasing their innovative product or service idea to a panel of judges consisting of top business leaders. Students will also have the chance to attend virtual webinars led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship and business.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders and on their company’s performance.

The students from NSU University School also won the local JA Company of the Year Award during the May 9th Spark Tank Finale. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School came in second place.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

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

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.7 million students per year in 106 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org more information.

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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit
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Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

For Immediate Release
June 25, 2019

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

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams compete against 13 other student-run companies at National Student Leadership Summit. Pure Serenity places in top 3.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – On Wednesday, June 19, in Washington, D.C., the teen entrepreneurs of Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School company team, “Pure Serenity”, won second place among 15 JA student companies. Teams competed to win the JA Company of the Year at Junior Achievement’s (JA) 2019 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The South Florida teens representing their student company in Washington D.C. were awarded a scholarship. The scholarships provided to the five students represent each of the top three finishing teams. Pure Serenity team members were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Achievement Foundation.

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2018-19 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to have two JA Fellow Company teams selected as part of 15 finalist teams to compete in Washington, D.C.  for four consecutive years.

“I am very proud of our team! The JA Fellows Company program has allowed us to learn how a business operates, and we have gained firsthand experience in running a profitable business. Thanks to Junior Achievement  of South Florida, our teacher and mentor advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets that provide a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

In addition to Pure Serenity, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s NSU University School company team VIBEzzz was invited to the National Student Leadership Summit. VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to keep drivers from falling asleep behind the wheel.

“Congratulations to the JA Fellows students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and University School for being selected as two of the top fifteen teams in the country! Both teams did an incredible job representing Junior Achievement of South Florida and our community and special congratulations to Pure Serenity for bringing home second place.  We are proud of the deep impact this program has on over 500 students in 25 high schools across Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO. “These students have developed the skills it takes to run a company, including consensus building, fostering relationships, team work, accountability, perseverance, hard work and adaptability. This program is nothing short of transformational!”

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance at an Entrepreneurship Expo on Capitol Hill attended by Members of Congress.

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)
Celebrating its centennial in 2019, 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 107 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.

JA Fellows Teams at NSLS 2019 on ABC News

ABC7 Sarasota Coverage of NSLS 2019

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship
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Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2019

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

Marjory Stoneman Douglas and NSU University School Students to Compete at Junior Achievement’s National Student Leadership Summit

Two local groups of teen entrepreneurs will go head-to-head against 13 other teams in Washington, D.C., June 16-20.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – For the fourth consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce two JA Fellows student companies have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of 700+ across the U.S.) to compete at the Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) in Washington, D.C.

The Junior Achievement of South Florida student teams Pure Serenity (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School) and VIBEzzz (NSU University School) are two of the 26 teams that participated in our local JA Fellows Company program. Students, teachers and their advisors will be traveling to the nation’s capital for the three-day event, June 16-20, to compete with other teen entrepreneurs for the National JA Company of the Year.

This 10-month program provides an opportunity for high school students to start and run a real business enterprise under the guidance of business mentors from the local community. The teens devise a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer need/service, they secure investments, and produce and market their product or service.

“The JA Fellows program has allowed us to learn how business operates, and we have been able to gain firsthand experience in running a profitable business. We have strengthened our sales and communication skills and learned more about customer service and engagement. Thanks to Junior Achievement, our teacher and advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity, at the recent Light Up The Night event.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets. It provides a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to wake up drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.

“We are so proud of this program and the deep impact it has on over 500 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallaurlo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These students have discovered firsthand how to apply their education to the real world of business. We are thrilled to have two teams competing again this year. We look forward to seeing them shine on the national stage and in the years to come.”

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.

Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit
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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
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2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program

2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program

More Than 2,000 Students Will Attend JA Inspire –  An Interactive Career Exploration Program

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – On Friday, February 8, starting at 8:15 a.m., Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting JA Inspire, an interactive career exploration program, in partnership with educators and industry leaders. The event will be held at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Foundation Pavilion and will begin with a community breakfast with community and business leaders.

At the community breakfast, there will be a press conference to highlight the JA Fellows Company entrepreneurship program. The community will hear from the JA DHSP Enterprises team representing Dillard High School, about their unique product, “DHSP Safe Block,” that was inspired by the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Hear about how their product, which covers door windows to deter a shooter, may be a potential solution to keeping students safe in the classroom during a safety threat.

“It is very time consuming for teachers in an emergency situation to find tape and paper to cover their windows,” said DHSP team representative. “Our product can help teachers prepare quickly in an emergency.”

More than 2,000 students will be participating in the JA Inspire program. During the simulation at JA World, students will be introduced to high growth/high paying careers in industries including construction, health, marine, aviation, finance, automotive, technology, hospitality and government.

“JA Inspire is designed to have a deep impact on the students as they begin to explore their future career choices. Before the day of the simulation, students participate in 3 hours of career readiness curriculum. This combination or classroom curriculum and interactive simulation is what makes JA programs unique,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President/CEO.

More than 40 exhibitor partners will participate and have the opportunity to connect and inspire students through an interactive experience. Business representatives will also share information about their industry, career paths, job responsibilities and business culture.

JA Inspire is sponsored by BBVA Compass, Body Tek Enterprises, City of Pompano Beach, TD Bank and United Way of Broward County. The current confirmed exhibitors include Allegiance Crane and Equipment,  Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., AT&T, Atlantic Technical College, Broward College, Broward Health, City of Coconut Creek SWAT, City Furniture, City of Margate Fire Rescue, City of Pompano Beach, Cliff Berry, Inc., Construction Association of South Florida, Construction Executives Association, Exotech, EY, Florida Atlantic University, Humane Society of Broward County, Jazwares, JM Family Enterprises, Kaufman Rossin, Marine Industries Association, Microsoft, Moss Construction, Nova Southeastern University, Publix, SalesForce, Stiles Corporation, Stryker, Suffolk, Suntrust, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, Wild Lime Adventures, WPLG, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Corps.

For more information about JA Inspire, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/programs/ja-inspire/.

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About JA Fellows Company Entrepreneurship Program:

JA Fellows is an in-depth, highly intensive leadership and entrepreneurship program for 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 an entrepreneurial mindset which includes skills such as communication, financial management, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills.

Mentors, in teams of four, coach 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 awards, and a chance to compete in a national competition in Washington, D.C. in June. For more information about the program, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/ja-fellows.

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 7,000 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 on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Over the past 60 years, Junior Achievement of South Florida has served over 1,000,000 students. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program
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