Junior Achievement Provides High Schoolers with Internships

For Immediate Release 

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

JA has another successful year of providing internship opportunities for local high school students

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) just completed another summer of providing 57 JA-trained interns job opportunities with 26 South Florida businesses. The overall goal of the program is to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s careers by bridging the gap from education to employment.

“Junior Achievement is a solution provider in our community. Employers need to hire qualified, talented young professionals who are well trained for an always evolving workforce. JA is preparing our students to be the most responsible consumers, the most productive employees and business owners that will create jobs to better our economy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President and CEO.

Prior to their internships, students participate in the JA Career Bound and JA Fellows Entrepreneurship programs, which teach high school students the necessary skills to succeed in today’s workforce.

JA Career Bound includes a retreat, programs days focused on discovering specific industries, learning from top executives who share their professional journey to success and culminates in summer employment opportunities. Skills taught include critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, public speaking, communication, interviewing for a job and establishing career goals.

JA Fellows is the go-to business incubator where students gain real-world business experience by working in groups of 20-25, conceptualizing, capitalizing, and managing their own small businesses.

“This program is amazing. I’ve learned so many things, including writing a good resume, what I’m supposed to wear for a job interview and other helpful skills. I don’t think I would have gotten this internship if it wasn’t for this program. I feel more confidence and am better prepared for future opportunities,” said Estalaura, summer employee with Winterfest Inc.

Running from June to August, the Summer Youth Employment program matches trained interns with a company in each student’s industry of preference. Employers interview the students to guarantee a perfect match. Each employer provides 3-5 weeks of meaningful work and proper training so both parties can maximize on this opportunity. Thanks to generous funding from The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, JA helps pay the wages for some interns.

“It’s a win-win partnership. The students gain work experience, future opportunities and build a strong network of professionals. Employers build and enhance their brand, invest in the next generation of leaders and ensure a pipeline of qualified, prepared employees in the future,” Sallarulo said.

In addition to internships, students have access to 13 job coaches from Ameri Corps and 30 business mentors. Since their internships, six students have been offered to continue the employment after the summer. They are Taylor with The Humane Society of Broward County, Jayden with Allied Kitchen and Bath, Ella with Latin2Latin, Faedia with CrewFacilities.com, Nancy and Lianet with State Farm.

“This amazing internship has opened my eyes to new experiences and future opportunities. I’ve learned more about nonprofit organizations, and at The Humane Society, how to care for animals,” Taylor said.

“As employers and organizations, it’s part of our duty to give back to the community. I think the Summer Youth Employment program is a great opportunity to give back not only to the community, but also to those students who are going to be graduating soon,” said Mili Orsini Peluso, Chief Operating Officer at Centuric.

For more information on how you can host a trained student intern for next summer 2022, contact Anna Khaver, Youth Employment Manager, at (954) 979-7106 or email [email protected].

 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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Junior Achievement Provides High Schoolers with Internships
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Job Vacancies Reaching An All-Time High & What It Means For Teens

Author: Hannah Henry
Junior Achievement USA

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the last business day of March 2021 brought a record high of 8.1 million job openings in the United States. Among those hiring, industries including accommodation and food services, state and local government education, arts, entertainment, and recreation experiences experienced the most significant workers’ demand. Of those industries, some of the hardest-hit companies were small businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business survey reported  42% of small businesses had job openings they could not fill in the month of March. With all of the job vacancies, who has the opportunity to benefit the most?

Businesses seeking workers are finding high school teens are more than willing to fill the large job openings. A new survey of teens conducted for Junior Achievement found two-thirds of 16- and 17-year-olds (68%) plan to work this summer. Their “plan to work” is paying off as an ongoing report conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a shockingly high increase of 16-to-19-year-olds filling job vacancies, the highest it’s been for this age group since 2008 at a surprising 32.8%. In April alone, 256,000 of these teens gained employment.

During the same time teens have been motivated to find a job, companies have been trying to interest workers through increased pay rates and hiring bonuses. Ultimately, both parties will mutually benefit from the supply of able teens and businesses’ demand of workers.

A Triple Payoff for Teens: Money, Work Experience, and Soft Skills

While the endless job openings provide teens with work experience and an income through their hard-earned paychecks, teens and businesses are cashing in on much more. Deemed as an essential skill set for future work, the development of soft skills may prove to be the most valuable offering of all for teens.

Through vital adjustments businesses have made to survive during the global pandemic, their focus on what skills are “ideal” or “necessary” in a new hire may have adapted. Transferable skills, like soft skills, are making it easier for those with workforce experience to prove their value across multiple job functions and perhaps industries. A 2020 study on skills employers look for conducted by Zety revealed hard skills ranked 39% in importance to employers while soft skills came in at 61%.

In the past, teens may have been overlooked due to their lack of work experience on their resumes. Yet, today, their motivation to work after a tough year and a half is providing them with endless professional opportunities that never existed before. As teen job applications come flooding in, businesses across the country are realizing the best chance they have at filling open positions is by hiring inexperienced but eager to work teens. In turn, teens are finding themselves in a unique position to further develop their soft skills all while being paid and trained on the job.

What Teens Can Expect from a Workplace Coming Out of a Pandemic

While these new worker bees won’t experience the pre-pandemic workforce that generations grew up knowing, they will grow accustomed to various benefits that most of us are still adapting to.

A recent Monster Future of Work 2021 Global Outlook Special Report states companies have changed their policies due to the pandemic. Some of the most notable changes being remote work flexibility (43%), adaptable offsite work schedules (40%), updated health policies and protocols (36%), and staff skills training (34%). Of all these changes, 46% of hiring managers globally expect for these changes to become permanent. Without previous exposure to the pre-pandemic work environment, will teens adapt easier than those who have become accustomed to a specific traditional professional environment? Stay tuned.

Job Vacancies Reaching An All-Time High & What It Means For Teens
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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.”

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

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

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.”

SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars
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Girls Rule Connected High School Girls with Successful Women

Junior Achievement® of South Florida’s Inaugural “Girls Rule ― Ignite Your Super Power” Virtual Event on March 31 Connected Over 200 Local High School Girls with Successful Women 

COCONUT CREEK, FL – On March 31, over 200 girls from South Florida high schools were able to connect with accomplished women during Junior Achievement® (JA) of South Florida’s inaugural “Girls Rule ― Ignite Your Super Power” virtual event. Junior Achievement’s “Girls Rule” is one amazing initiative and two virtual events that celebrate, empower, and inspire women and girls.

During the March 31 virtual event, students who might not have the opportunity to be influenced and mentored by strong women role models engaged with inspiring and exciting keynote speakers. In addition, they attended breakout sessions led by experienced women leaders, paired with young female JA alumnae; and received a swag bag.

Serving as the event’s keynote speaker was Ari Chambers, a New York City-based multimedia journalist, sports host, and social media manager. Chambers is the founder of HighlightHER, a rapidly-growing women’s sports platform. Jeanine Suah and Maghan Morin, co-founders of Thynk Global, also served as guest speakers for the event.

Breakout session topics covered self-care, goal setting, financial wellness, self-invention, personal branding, making responsible choices, building positive relationships, self-acceptance, effective teamwork, the power of positivity, and effective communication/public speaking.

“‘Girls Rule,’ held during International Women’s Month, was an outstanding success,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida president & CEO. “We connected over 200 girls in South Florida with resilient and forward-thinking women of today, with the common vision to transform and advance the world for future generations of women.”

“It was such an honor to be a part of this event and positively impact the lives of so many aspiring girls,” said Mo Corker of Comerica Bank, the event’s title sponsor. “‘Girls Rule’ was designed to empower these young women and encourage them to have healthy, courageous conversations through a number of skills, including goal setting, personal accountability and harnessing their own unique super power.”

The March 31 virtual event was preceded by a March 16 virtual launch event, attended by “Girls Rule” sponsors and facilitators. The launch event was sponsored by Title Sponsor Comerica Bank and Presenting Sponsor Bluegreen Vacations, and featured keynote speaker Kara Goldin, founder & CEO of Hint, Inc.

Additional “Girls Rule” partners include CITY Furniture, Rick Case Automotive, Castle Group, JM Family Enterprises, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, FPL, Jazwares, EY, Office Depot, Valley Bank, Ultimate Kronos Group, Hoffman’s Chocolates, RCC Associates, Kaufman Rossin, KEMET Electronics, Hotwire Communications, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Memorial Healthcare System and Miller Construction Company.

All women can join the Women Ignites Futures Movement, powered by CITY Furniture. For a donation of $50, women can submit a 2-minute video sharing their superpower, which will be shared on all social media platforms. For $100, they can also receive a copy of Goldin’s book “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters.”

For more information about Girls Rule, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/girlsrule. To learn more about JA, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

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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Girls Rule Connected High School Girls with Successful Women
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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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High School JA Business Receives Biggest Sale of Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Jurgens, Business Technology Instructor
Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School
4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
(754) 321-5100, Email: [email protected]

Coconut Creek, Florida –  NobleMasque, a Junior Achievement Fellows student company at Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School in Coconut Creek announced today that it has made its largest sale ever, more than doubling its total revenue for the school year. The order of nearly $1,000 for custom COVID-19 face masks is for Junior Achievement of South Florida for Girls Rule, an upcoming event for high school girls.

NobleMasque is a high school student-run company for the school year 2020-21 that sells comfortable, fashionable and reusable cotton and silk face masks. It is run by high school seniors in the Business Management & Analysis and Drafting programs. These young entrepreneurs manage their own marketing, sales, accounting, supply and production, and distribution. They earn money, pay expenses and keep their profits after donating a small portion of sales to Junior Achievement of South Florida and a charity of their choice.

When asked why NobleMasque was selected as the mask supplier for this event, Jill Reipsa, Junior Achievement’s Director of Classroom and Community Programs and Martha Rios, Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives agreed. “We chose to work with NobleMasque because of the quick response time, the professional communication we received, and their ability accommodate our needs.  It was such a pleasure working with Javon Peter from NobleMasque.  I loved that they offered their suggestions on placing our design on the masks.  The payment process was very easy.  We look forward to receiving our masks and sharing them with our girls that attend the Girls Rule event.” they added.

“Having this opportunity means a lot to us. We have worked really hard throughout these past months and we are extremely grateful that NobleMasque is able to complete this huge order for the Girls Rule event held by Junior Achievement,” said Vincenzo Alfonso Feliz.

Student Alejandra Meneses feels they were selected because NobleMasque emphasizes quality work and customer service. “All year our company strived and excelled in all areas from getting the best quality mask to packaging and delivery. We pride ourselves on our customer service and having our customers satisfied by resolving any problems they may encounter and making their purchase an enjoyable one,” she said.

NobleMasque has not let the pandemic slow them down. As taught to do in uncertain times, they “pivoted” from in-person sales and shifted their focus to the internet. They have been very active on social media and created their own website to sell their products.

The promotion has paid off. Arif Ali said “We take great pride in being selected for this big order. It has increased our connections and given us the opportunity to put the company’s name out there giving us an advantage over other companies,” he said.

“This year’s ATC Junior Achievement Fellows student-led company, NobleMasque, formed a timely, affordable business model to offer a product everyone needs in these COVID-19 times, a mask,” said Sandra Welch, Commissioner, City of Coconut Creek and Junior Achievement Fellows mentor who worked with the students almost weekly along with Ken Wingerter and Andrew Mazlin both of Wells Fargo.  “The students were focused on a mask which was eco and skin friendly.  I couldn’t be prouder of all of them, and how they came together to work as a team,” she said.

“What a great way to end the year for this hard-working group of young business professionals as they get set to graduate in June.” said Karen Jurgens, Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School Instructor and Lead Teacher for Junior Achievement Fellows.

For more information about NobleMasque, click here.

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.

About JA Fellows:
JA Fellows is the “GO TO” business incubator through a learning-by-doing entrepreneurial and business experience for middle and 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 communication, financial management, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills, just to name a few. Mentors work in teams of 4-6, coaching 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 award, and a chance to compete in a national competition, National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS), in Washington, D.C. in June. JA is proud to have two teams compete nationally in 20172018, and 2019. Alpha Solutions was named 2017 National “Company of the Year,” Pure Serenity was “Company of the Year” 2nd place in 2019 and Germ Genie” was “Company of the Year” 2nd place in 2020 during the first virtual NSLS competition. Learn more at https://jasouthflorida.org/ja-fellows/.

High School JA Business Receives Biggest Sale of Year
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Girls Rule Celebrates, Empowers and Inspires Women and Girls

COCONUT CREEK, FL – Junior Achievement of South Florida launches Girls Rule – one amazing initiative and two exciting virtual events that celebrate, empower, and inspire women and girls.

Girls Rule with Title Sponsor Comerica Bank and Presenting Sponsor Bluegreen Vacations, kicks off with The Girls Rule Launch Event on Tuesday, March 16, from noon-1:15 p.m. “We are bringing together today’s resilient and forward-thinking women together to connect around a common vision to transform and advance the world for future generations of women,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

The Launch Event is reserved for sponsors, their guests and supporters and will provide an intimate and real-life opportunity to network. Guests will be inspired by Kara Goldin, Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc. Her company is best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water, with more than 150 employees and $150 million in sales. She also has a podcast and new book entitled, “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters”.

On Wednesday, March 31, from 3-5 p.m. is the Girls Rule – Ignite Your Super Power Main Event that will connect hundreds of high school girls with powerful women. Students who might not have the opportunity to be influenced and mentored by strong women role models, will engage with inspiring and exciting keynote speakers, attend breakout sessions led by experienced women leaders paired with young female JA Alumni and receive a swag bag.

The event keynote speaker is Ari Chambers, a multi-media journalist, sports host, and social media manager based in New York City. Ari works for highlightHER and has grown its followers to over 70,000 and is considered the fastest growing women’s sports platform. Her message: “Women’s Potential is Limitless”.

Breakout session topics will cover self-care, goal setting, financial wellness, self-invention, personal branding, making responsible choices, building positive relationships, self-acceptance, effective teamwork, the power of positivity and effective communication/public speaking.

“We are honored to serve as the title sponsor of Junior Achievement Girls Rule,” said Mo Corker, Comerica Bank Florida External Affairs Market Manager. “Historically, women have played a vital role in our country’s economic recovery and growth, which is why it is important that we invest in girls’ and women’s empowerment. Our bank is committed to equipping the leaders of tomorrow with the tools and money skills needed to navigate the increasingly complex financial landscape. Partnering with JA on this initiative, creates a path to economic freedom for girls who traditionally would not have access to these resources.”

Other Girls Rule partners include Bluegreen Vacations, CITY Furniture, Rick Case Automotive, Castle Group, JM Family Enterprises, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Office Depot, Valley Bank, Jeni Kampeas Chokron, Laurie Sallarulo, Peter Woolf, Hoffman’s Chocolates, KEMET Electronics, Chaisteli Insurance Group, Holy Cross Hospital and Miller Construction Company.

In addition to sponsoring the event, women can join the Women Ignites Futures Movement, powered by CITY Furniture. For a donation of $50, women can submit a 2-minute video sharing their superpower, which will be shared on all social media platforms. For $100, they can also receive a copy of Kara’s book “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters”.

For more information about Girls Rule, including sponsorship and facilitator opportunities, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/GirlsRule or contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or [email protected].

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.

About Kara Goldin
Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, Fortune’s Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California. The Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Kara has successfully navigated the world of large companies and startups in many industries including media, tech and consumer products. In addition, she understands retail and direct to consumer well. She is an active speaker & writer and hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and other disruptors across various industries. Kara’s first book, Undaunted, published by Harper Leadership, was released in October 2020. She lives in the Bay Area. Follow Kara on all social handles @KaraGoldin
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Girls Rule Celebrates, Empowers and Inspires Women and Girls
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NBA Legend, TikTok Star and Sageworks Founder on “The Arena”

Young Entrepreneurs…Are You Ready to Enter “The Arena?”

When: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Where: Virtual Webinar
Time: 1:30 PM EST

“The Arena” is an action-packed web series where teen entrepreneurs present their businesses to a group of coaches who are successful entrepreneurs, Olympians, professional athletes and celebrities. It’s not an idea pitch or pitch event; these teens already have a small business and are looking for advice and being able to showcase their businesses as examples for youth across the country. The coaches know what it’s like to be in the arena and will provide advice the young people will need to grow their skills and their venture.

The event will be moderated by JJ Ramberg, former host of MSNBC’s Your Business. Two aspiring entrepreneurs will “Enter the Arena” to get input and feedback from former LA Laker and 3-time NBA Champion AC Green; TikTok star Ryan Shakes; and Sageworks Founder Brian Hamilton.Register to be a part of the audience below!

To view The Arena Episode 1 & 2 view the video below.

Need More Information?

For more information about this event, please contact JA USA!

THE COACHES AND SPECIAL GUESTS

AC Green
Former LA Laker And 3-Time NBA Champion

Brian Hamilton
Founder, Sageworks and Brian Hamilton Foundation

JJ Ramberg
Former Host of MSNBC’s Your Business

Ryan Shakes
TikTok Star


NBA Legend, TikTok Star and Sageworks Founder on “The Arena”
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