By Caroline Paradis | President
Thanks to the many generous donors who have supported us through GlobalGiving, Junior Achievement (JA) of Southern Massachusetts has impacted 2,354 students through our K-12 classroom programs!
So far this year, our volunteers have taught essential financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills to 107 classrooms throughout Bristol and Plymouth counties. Junior Achievement programs enrich the classroom experience, showing students the value of an education and equipping them with the skills and tools they need to be more successful in school and their future careers.
We have also engaged in collaborations with other community organizations such as the Southeastern Massachusetts STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), the Boys and Girls Club, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum to bring these important programs to youth involved in various after school programs, most of whom have been identified as at-risk.
“Our new partnership with Junior Achievement has proven to be a valuable addition to our High School Apprenticeship Program,” said Bob Rocha, Director of the Apprenticeship program at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
“Our goal is to better prepare these students for life after high school, to help them grow into confident, young professionals. The career skills and financial literacy preparation the apprentices received from JA opened their eyes to the expectations of employers and to money management tips that can save a person a great deal of grief. We will invite Junior Achievement back when a new class of apprentices begins in Fall of 2014.”
In addition, initial outcomes from student pre- and post-tests and surveys from volunteers and teachers indicate attitudinal shifts among students who have completed JA programs. For example, 89% of 5th graders stated that JA made them realize the importance of staying in school, while 98% of 11th and 12th graders replied that what they learned will help them be successful in life and get a good job.
Every day, with help from supporters like you, we are providing our future leaders with valuable life skills that will help them understand the importance of an education and make smart decisions throughout life.
Thank you for investing in today’s youth by supporting Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts!
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