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.
