By Natalie Landgraf | Director, Development, JA of Greater Washington
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is thankful for your commitment to the youth of Washington, DC! We are excited to share that your gift has enabled us to purchase programmatic materials for 25 at-risk teen parents in Washington, DC. These students will prepare for their futures through our Junior Achievement Finance Park curriculum and hands-on learning experience! In Washington, DC less than 60% of high school seniors graduate in four years while only 50% of teen mothers in DC graduate at all. This program will teach the connection between education and economic success and also work towards changing negative attitudes and behaviors concerning staying in school. These are lessons that are not taught in DC Public Schools otherwise, but are clearly vital to the education of teen parents and parents-to-be.
The 18 real-world lessons of JA Finance Park curriculum they receive in the classroom and the one-day simulation experience as “adults” at Finance Park better prepare the students to be responsible parents who will make informed decisions down the road. Probably the most critical and immediate takeaway for these 25 students will be the importance of a family budget and how to manage the money they earn, as currently 66% of households headed by teen parents live in poverty, and girls born to teen mothers are three times as likely to repeat the cycle. This innovative experience will provide a foundation for these teen parents to break the cycle by empowering them to take charge of their future.
The program will take place in spring 2013, and we look forward to updating you with results, feedback and photos from the program. Thank you again for your contribution!
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