All posts tagged: work readiness

JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

Junior Achievement of South Florida Celebrates this Prestigious Honor

We’re proud to announce that JA Worldwide has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. Junior Achievement of South Florida, a member of the global JA network, has been serving young people in Broward and south Palm Beach counties since 1959, equipping them with the skillset and mindset to create sustainable businesses, find meaningful employment, and build thriving communities.

Nominations may be received only from heads of state and certain elected officials, university professors in selected fields, past Nobel laureates, and a few other notable individuals. Although the identity of each nominee officially remains anonymous for 50 years, JA Worldwide received permission to share that JA was nominated by a distinguished Professor of Law and International Affairs who was impressed by our global reach, our success in delivering economic empowerment to youth at scale, and our ability to find unity in diversity. For centuries, unemployment and poverty have led to political instability, violence, and war. By economically empowering youth on all continents, JA serves a conduit for peace.

Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, shared his perspective in response to the nomination: “Peace is only possible when youth in all countries and regions have economic empowerment. JA Worldwide is honored to receive this nomination and will continue our work to enable all young people to have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Our primary hope for solving the world’s most complex problems rests in the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Although all other Nobel prizes are awarded in Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, assisted by the Norwegian Nobel Institute, which acts as its secretariat. Grete Nykkelmo, CEO of JA Norway (Ungt Entreprenørskap), responded to the news in this way: “We are delighted to share in this recognition as a proud member of the JA Worldwide network. Our unique blend of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness enables us to impact individuals, communities, and society. Peace is achieved when young people have economic opportunity, and we are honored that JA has been recognized alongside other nominees that are striving for a more peaceful world.”

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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.

JA Worldwide Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize
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Go Riverwalk January 2022: A Triumphant Return

Go Riverwalk January 2022: A Triumphant Return

SAMPLE DISHES AND DRINKS FROM LOCAL CHEFS AND VENDORS AT JA WORLD UNCORKED

Go Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale’s City Magazine
January 2022

The non-profit organization Junior Achievement of South Florida has been making an impact on K-12 students for more than 60 years. With 20 different programs, their focus is on instilling students with the confidence to navigate their futures through learning about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

“Our programs are realistic and impactful. It’s all about teaching kids real-world skills they might not learn anywhere else, and we have 55,000 plus students who come through JA World each year,” said Diana Metcalf, director of development at Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Unfortunately, for JA, one of its biggest fundraising events had to be cancelled earlier this year due to Covid but luckily this Jan. 29, the JA World Uncorked event will finally be making its triumphant return. The annual event is hosted by one of the Junior Achievement’s biggest supporters, the Circle of Wise Women, which was founded in 2009 with the goal of supporting the organization and its programs in a substantial way.

“When we first founded the Circle of Wise Women, we had a very simple mission — to advocate for and support Junior Achievement of South Florida and their programs,” said Metcalf.

Since its inception, the group has raised more than $4.5 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida, and more specifically through its signature event, the annual JA World Uncorked. At the culinary showcase, guests may sample gourmet bites prepared by leading South Florida chefs and sip on wines, spirits, craft beers and cocktails from local vendors.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE
CLICK FOR INFO ABOUT JA WORLD UNCORKED
Go Riverwalk January 2022: A Triumphant Return
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Four Simple Ways to Give Back to Junior Achievement

Four Simple Ways to Give Back to Junior Achievement

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. However, we cannot continue inspiring tomorrows without your help. There are numerous ways to get involved with Junior Achievement and help us train the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

#1. Choose JA on AmazonSmile

Did you know that a portion of some purchases on Amazon can come back to support Junior Achievement of South Florida? It’s through AmazonSmile.

  • Visit smile.amazon.com.
  • Sign in with the same account you use for Amazon.com
  • Select your charity – choose Junior Achievement of South Florida
  • Start shopping! Remember to checkout at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for your chosen charity.

#2. Participate in the CITY Furniture Test Rest Initiative

From now until 11:50 p.m. September 30, 2021, CITY Furniture customers can receive a $25 Visa or Starbucks gift card when visiting any location and testing one of the mattresses. At the same time, CITY Furniture matches it with a $25 donation to Junior Achievement of South Florida.

#3. Volunteer/Mentor Our Youth

Become a JA Volunteer or Mentor!

Junior Achievement of South Florida answers our children’s urgent need with a proven model. Through your volunteer service with JA, you can step up and make it possible for students to participate in our relevant, hands-on programs.

Click on button below to learn more about our volunteer/mentor opportunities and join the JA Volunteer Family.

One Exciting Opportunity Available Now!

Use your skills and expertise to inspire and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs in the JA Fellows Business Incubator program.

Why Mentor?

  • Build or further exercise leadership, teambuilding, coaching , and presentation skills
  • Represent your company/industry to future employees
  • Raise your profile in the company/community
  • Make an impact in your community
  • Inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs
  • Help young people reach their full potential
  • Share your knowledge and skills

JA Makes It Easy

  • Work solo or as part of a team
  • Find a school or location that is convenient
  • Receive comprehensive training and materials
  • Get ongoing support from JA staff

Learn more by contact Martha Rios at [email protected] or (954) 979-7103.

CLICK TO BE A VOLUNTEER/MENTOR

#3. Invest in Junior Achievement

Invest in Tomorrow’s Leaders

  • Imagine a generation of students equipped with confidence and understanding to take control of their financial futures.
  • Imagine a generation prepared with skills to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace.
  • Imagine a generation of students that are motivated by the idea of free enterprise and inspired to become entrepreneurs.

Junior Achievement of South Florida is supported through the generous gifts of a diverse group of individuals, alumni, parents, businesses and charitable foundations. Our donors view their contributions as a vital investment in our children’s future.

CLICK TO MAKE A DONATION
Four Simple Ways to Give Back to Junior Achievement
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EINPRESSWIRE: Meals on Wheels Partners with Junior Achievement

EINPRESSWIRE: Meals on Wheels Partners with Junior Achievement

Internship program provided valuable tools to young students on both financial and programmatic aspects of the nonprofit

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Meals on Wheels South Florida
August 09, 2021, 17:30 GMT

Published: August 9, 2021

PLANTATION, FLORIDA, USA, August 9, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ —

During Summer 2021, Meals on Wheels South Florida was proud to partner with Junior Achievement of South Florida on their summer internship program, which provided a significant amount of daily support to the executive offices. Junior Achievement of South Florida is an organization that trains the next generation of business leaders, employees, and consumers by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Meals on Wheels South Florida has reported a 500% increase in calls looking for meals, and a 300% increase in the number of home-delivered meals provided. “The pandemic has pushed the number of seniors who are food insecure to record levels,” said Mark Adler, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels South Florida. “The ability to partner with Junior Achievement of South Florida on their summer internship program has provided us with talented young individuals to assist us with our mission of providing nutritious meals and safety checks to South Florida’s senior community.”

Junior Achievement of South Florida Intern Crystal Williams shared that her experience working with Meals on Wheels South Florida was truly rewarding. “I was touched by how the organization serves the senior community of Broward with so many remarkable programs and services,” Williams noted. “Working with the Finance Department at Meals on Wheels South Florida taught me so much about account reconciliations for nonprofit organizations.”

As the pandemic lingers and the number of seniors reaching out for assistance continues to increase, Meals on Wheels South Florida expects demand to grow even more into the Fall. Visit mowsoflo.org to register to volunteer and learn how to support Meals on Wheels South Florida’s efforts to meet the growing need for home-delivered meals during this time.

About Meals on Wheels South Florida
Meals on Wheels South Florida is a private nonprofit organization providing hunger-relief services since 1984. With the dedication of nearly 500 volunteers, Meals on Wheels South Florida delivers nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable South Florida seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Meals on Wheels South Florida serves more than 10,000 seniors and 5,000 children an estimated 1.5 million meals each year. Included in their comprehensive list of programs and services are home meal delivery, community-based dining, meals for companion pets, grocery shopping assistance, nutrition education and emergency meals. For more information, please call 954.731.8770 or visit mowsoflo.org.

Meals on Wheels South Florida Funding Statement
Meals on Wheels South Florida is funded under the Older Americans Act and Fair Share Dollars from local municipalities through the State of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs and The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. The generous support from The Jim Moran Foundation, Jewish Federation of Broward, United Way of Broward, the Children’s Services Council, the cities of Tamarac and Pompano and Private Donations allows us to provide meals and services to those in most immediate need who would otherwise be placed on the ever-growing waiting list for home-delivered meals. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Human Services Network, Inc. D/B/A/ Meals on Wheels South Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Registration Number: 01331.

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.

Media Contact:
Mark Adler, Executive Director
Office: 954.714.6940
E-mail: [email protected]

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EINPRESSWIRE: Meals on Wheels Partners with Junior Achievement
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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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SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars

SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars

Junior Achievement Fills In The Gaps That The Traditional Classroom Leaves Behind

By Drew Limsky
South Florida Business & Wealth, May 2021 Edition

“I am a social person,” says high school senior Huguette St Hubert, with her characteristic directness. She recalls feeling “emotionally drained” when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and it became clear to her that her social network, other than her family, was threatening to dry up along with the educational camaraderie she so prizes.

Born in Haiti and now 18, St Hubert emigrated to the United States at 13 to live with her father—and for the educational opportunities—in Fort Lauderdale. She graduated Lauderdale Lakes Middle School without a hitch, but it’s safe to say that St Hubert’s senior year at Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan High School required some adjustments. Ironically, the most “normal” thing about the last year has revolved around what is arguably the most stressful aspect of a typical senior year: the age old question of which college to choose. (She has narrowed it down to FAU and NSU).

But for St Hubert, Junior Achievement of South Florida— which empowers students through work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy—has proven to be a life raft, both before and during the pandemic. The physical facility—at least pre-COVID— was a hub of activity, a smart simulation of a central business district: “It gives students a glimpse into the business world,” explains Keith Koenig, a longtime sponsor of Junior Achievement and the owner and CEO of City Furniture (his son Andrew serves as president). “There are about 20 different businesses that are $50,000-per-year sponsors, and that’s important foundation funding. We each have a physical presence, a storefront, so students can roleplay as bankers—or working for a furniture company.”

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SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars
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State Farm Awards $60,000 Grant to Junior Achievement

State Farm Awards $60,000 Grant to Junior Achievement

Funding Supports Junior Achievement Work Readiness & Financial Literacy programs for At-Risk Children

 

For Immediate Release 

For More Information Contact: 

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

COCONUT CREEK – The Junior Achievement Florida Foundation has announced today that it has received a $60,000 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 JA’s nationally recognized financial literacy and work readiness learning experiences.

“The mission of State Farm remains committed to ensuring that young people receive financial literacy and work readiness education programs,” said Jose Soto, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm. “Junior Achievement programs help all students improve their financial literacy, especially the low to moderate income students who derive greater benefits from the programs.”

Locally, the $5,000 allocation of State Farm funds to Junior Achievement of South Florida partially funds at-risk high school students with the JA Personal Finance learning experience, educating young people on the relationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom.

Other JA area will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region. JA Southwest Florida will also provide the JA Personal Finance program. JA Tampa Bay will deliver JA Inspire Virtual Career Expo supplemented with the JA Digital Career App. JA Miami will advance the JA Stock Market Challenge, empowering students to visualize, first-hand, how the laws of economics unfold in the real world, encapsulated in a virtual competition. JA Space Coast will provide third and fourth grade students a virtual component of JA More Than Money; a learning experience designed to introduce concepts of money management, goods and services, and global markets.  JA Central Florida, JA North Florida, and JA Palm Beaches will deliver the newly enhanced JA Finance Park Virtual; where students will build a foundation for making intelligent and informed personal finance decisions. JA Northwest Florida will provide JA Economics for Success through a virtual delivery platform, where students explore their skills, interests, values, and the world of work to make informed education, career, and life decisions.

“Many students in our community lack the basic information they need to make good education, career and financial decisions,” explains Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “Junior Achievement provides them with the essential entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy skills to be successful future consumers, employees and leaders. We appreciate State Farm for investing in our mission to prepare and inspire youth for success in a global economy.”

About State Farm®

The mission of State Farm is 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 19,200 agents and 59,000 employees serve approximately 84 million policies and accounts – over 81 million auto, fire, life, health and commercial policies and over 2 million 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. 36 on the 2020 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.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 more than 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 www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

State Farm Awards $60,000 Grant to Junior Achievement
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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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Virtual Career Exploration Program Reaches More Than 8,000 South Florida Students

Virtual Career Exploration Program Reaches More Than 8,000 South Florida Students

For Immediate Release 

For More Information Contact: 

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

 VIRTUAL CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM REACHES 
MORE THAN 8,000 SOUTH FLORIDA STUDENTS 

Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting JA Inspire Virtual, an online and interactive career exploration program on February 2-3, 2021. JA Inspire is a virtual career exploration fair targeting up to 8,000 8th, 11th and 12th grade students introducing them to high growth/high demand career pathways. These pathways include automotive, aviation, construction, finance, government, health, hospitality, marine and technology.  

“Building a talent pipeline across industries is a common problem faced by our community. This is an opportunity for all of us to work together to inspire and excite our young people about jobs available right here in South Florida,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “JA Inspire gives students the ability to connect with employers who will answer the students’ questions about their industries, career paths, job responsibilities and business culture.” 

The program will feature more than 50 exhibitors that have the flexibility to make their booths creative with videos, pamphlets, flyers, photos and career stories using the VFairs platform. Students will be given the choice to add information to their “backpack” so they can re-visit the booths for up to 90 days after the live event.  

When students sign into the virtual platform, they will enter a virtual lobby along with other student avatars. They can then maneuver to an information center, an auditorium with live webinars, and visit virtual halls. Students will find specific industries using the directory provided to them, or can explore the virtual halls and stop at exhibitor booths. Throughout the day, there will be games to keep the students interested and engaged. 

“Why JA Inspire? Students will begin their explorations with mostly abstract notions and will end up focused and activated, with real insights on what industries interest them, what specific jobs are like, and what education is required to do them successfully,” Sallarulo said. 

For exhibitors and partners, this is an opportunity to inspire today’s students by sharing great things about your industry/business, financially contribute to JA programs through a sponsorship, and market your company to students, educators, parents and other businesses. Thank you to our current sponsor, The City of Pompano Beach and our exhibitors, Crewfacilities.com, Coconut Creek Fire Rescue, Publix and Tri Rail. 

To get involved with JA Inspire, or to learn more visit https://jasouthflorida.org/JAInspire call Claire Aguilera at (954) 979-7104.  

 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. 

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Virtual Career Exploration Program Reaches More Than 8,000 South Florida Students
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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow

Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
Why JA? And Why Now?

By Junior Achievement USA

The Realities of Economic Inequity  

Economic inequity has been a reality in the U.S. throughout its history, and it continues to this day. For instance, research by the Pew Research Center shows that the U.S. has the highest income inequality among G7 nations. Despite a narrowing of income and wealth gaps in recent decades, there continue to be vast disparities, especially between white and Black households. In 1970, for example, there was a 78 percent gap in income between white and Black households. And even though that gap marginally improved over time, it was still 64 percent as of 2018. A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution shows that the median net worth of white families in America is ten times greater than that of Black families.

Hispanics and Latinos in the United States face similar challenges, according to research from the Economic Policy Institute. Hispanic men earn nearly 15 percent less than their white counterparts for similar work requiring comparable skills and education. For Hispanic women, it is 33 percent less. At the same time, while Hispanics and Latinos are making greater gains in postsecondary education, that success isn’t reflected in the commensurate reduction of the wage gap compared to working white Americans.

Other research shows that the overall wealth gap more than doubled between America’s richest and poorest families, regardless of race, between 1989 and 2016. To address economic inequity, substantial systemic changes need to occur that are well beyond the mission of an organization like Junior Achievement. They need to happen on the legislative, legal, policymaking, and institutional fronts. But the pressure to eliminate these barriers needs to happen from both ends of the spectrum; not only from those in positions of oversight, but also from those who aspire to break through color lines, cultural divides, and glass ceilings. 

Lasting institutional change is only possible if the people most likely to benefit are prepared with the information and skills necessary to navigate a changing landscape. Knowledge is power, and Junior Achievement’s proven approach will give today’s young people that power in the form of financial capability, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. These skills will not only improve their lives but will bolster their families, their communities, and our nation.

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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
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