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JA Career Bound Students Begin Their Summer Youth Employment Journey  

For 350 JA students, summer begins with more than a break from school — it begins with a job, a paycheck, and a first step into the workforce. Through JA’s Summer Youth Employment program, students are being placed with more than 100 companies across Broward and South Palm Beach Counties, gaining real workplace experience that will help build confidence, independence, and a stronger vision for their futures. 

Summer Youth Employment Orientation at JA World’s Career Discovery Park marked the start of this exciting journey. As a successful next step from JA’s Career Bound program, students and families gathered to prepare for what, for many, will be their first job experience. 

Throughout the orientation, students focused on the real-world skills that matter in the workplace, from resumes and interviews to communication, personal presentation, responsibility, punctuality, and understanding expectations on the job. The energy in Career Discovery Park was a powerful reminder that work readiness begins before the first day on the job. 

Parents and students filled the space with excitement, questions, and anticipation as young people prepared to take what they learned through Career Bound and apply it in real workplaces across the community. With opportunities at companies throughout Broward and South Palm Beach Counties, students are stepping into environments where they can discover strengths, build professional skills, and begin shaping their future goals. 

This is only part one of their story. Over the summer, these students will gain experience, overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and create workplace stories that are still unfolding. Through Career Bound and Summer Youth Employment, JA continues to help young people take practical steps toward opportunity — one resume, one interview, one first job, and one future at a time.

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Melanie’s 3DE Journey Shows the Power of Real-World Learning 

When Melanie joined JA’s 3DE program as a freshman, she was not entirely sure what to expect. Encouraged to try something new, she stepped into a classroom experience that would help shape her confidence, interests, and future goals. 

Through 3DE’s unique learning model, Melanie has grown by applying classroom lessons to real-world business challenges. Case challenges with partners like The Home Depot and Arby’s gave her the opportunity to think critically, work with a team, present ideas, and see how academic subjects connect to real careers and real decisions. 

3DE by Junior Achievement is a groundbreaking high school model that brings real-world relevance into the classroom. Students learn core academic subjects through case-based challenges designed in partnership with businesses, helping them understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters. Through this approach, students build critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills while gaining exposure to career pathways and real workplace expectations. 

Over time, Melanie began to see new possibilities for herself. She explored career pathways, strengthened her communication and teamwork skills, and even launched a successful business — proof that entrepreneurship, confidence, and future readiness can grow when students are given the right tools and opportunities. 

Now entering her senior year, Melanie’s potential is boundless. Her story is a powerful reminder that JA programs do more than teach lessons — they open doors students may not have known existed.  

And the impact is growing. Following the success of graduating the first two four-year 3DE classes at McArthur High School and Charles W. Flanagan High School, 3DE is doubling in size and will now be offered at four Broward County Public Schools, including South Plantation High School and Deerfield Beach High School. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking educational experience helping students connect learning to life, careers, and the future.

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Networking With Purpose at Empire Social Las Olas 

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s The League brought connection, community, and purpose together during an inviting networking mixer at Empire Social Las Olas. Hosted by Empire Social Las Olas and supported by Hugh’s Catering, the evening offered The League members and guests a chance to enjoy cocktails, cigars, conversation, and meaningful connection — all in support of JA’s mission. 

More than a social gathering, the event reflected what makes The League such a meaningful engagement opportunity. It creates a space where professionals and community leaders can build genuine relationships, give back from the heart, and support JA’s work in a fun, welcoming, and mission-driven setting. 

Throughout the evening, conversations flowed, introductions were made, and connections grew stronger around a shared belief: students deserve opportunities to discover and build their futures. The League continues to expand JA’s reach by bringing together people who want to make an impact while enjoying experiences rooted in purpose, generosity, and connection. 

Junior Achievement is grateful to Empire Social Las Olas for sponsoring and hosting this special evening, and to Hugh’s Catering for their support. Together, these partners helped create an experience that reminded everyone in the room that networking can be more than exchanging business cards — it can be a powerful way to open doors for the next generation. 

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The Moment Students Stood Up for Their Futures 

At the JA Pre-Apprenticeship Declaration Day Dinner, students did more than attend a ceremony — they stood proudly and declared a pathway toward their future. Surrounded by families, mentors, educators, and supporters, each student rose as their selected career pathway was called, creating a powerful moment of purpose, pride, and possibility. 

The energy in the room was unforgettable. Families arrived in droves to witness and celebrate this meaningful milestone, cheering as students shared the informed choices they had made after exploring each available pathway. These were not random selections; students had already been exposed to career opportunities, hands-on learning, and real-world connections that helped them discover where they felt inspired and where they could see themselves growing. 

From the students standing tall to the thoughtful table centerpieces featuring miniature scenes of each career pathway, every detail of the evening reflected the heart of JA’s work readiness mission. The event brought student voice, family engagement, and program impact together in a highly visual and emotional way. 

Declaration Day was more than a dinner. It was a visible step forward for students preparing to build skills, explore careers, and pursue futures filled with opportunity

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A Legacy That Lives Through Every Student

Legacy giving is one of the most meaningful ways a donor can create lasting impact — not only for today’s students, but for generations still to come. At the recent Huizenga Legacy Society Reception, Junior Achievement of South Florida welcomed many of South Florida’s philanthropic leaders who understand that giving is more than a moment; it is a value to be lived, modeled, and passed forward. 

The evening also celebrated extraordinary leaders whose commitment reflects the power of character, legacy, and student opportunity. Junior Achievement proudly recognized Senator George S. LeMieux as the Melissa Aiello Character Award honoree, Austin and Christine Forman with the Huizenga Legacy Award, and Kayla Howell as the 2026 Youth Laureate. 

Many guests made the evening even more meaningful by bringing their children — their own legacy — to experience the power of philanthropy firsthand. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that when families share a commitment to giving, they help ensure generosity continues, impact grows, and future generations understand the importance of investing in others. 

We are grateful to these South Florida rainmakers who not only support philanthropy, but live it. Through their commitment to Junior Achievement, they are investing in the next generation in one of the most impactful ways possible: education that matters, education that prepares young people for real opportunities, and education that creates lasting change. 

Through planned giving, donors help ensure JA’s mission continues to prepare young people for success in school, work, and life well into the future. Each dollar invested in Junior Achievement helps create opportunity, confidence, and future readiness for students who will carry that impact into their families, careers, and communities. 

The Huizenga Legacy Society reminds us that a true legacy is not measured only by what we leave behind, but by what we make possible. By choosing JA, families can build a legacy rooted in education, opportunity, and the belief that every student deserves the tools to shape a successful future.

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The Experience Gap

By Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida 

We’ve spent years talking about achievement gaps, opportunity gaps, and skills gaps. But I wonder if we’re missing something.. Some of my favorite memories growing up were my summer jobs. I worked as a lifeguard at a summer camp and later waited tables at a waterfront clam bar. Like most teenagers, I was excited to earn a paycheck, have a little independence and spend time with friends. Those jobs weren’t just about a paycheck. They taught me responsibility, how to show up on time, work with others, communicate with customers and solve problems. They helped me discover what I enjoyed and what I didn’t. Without realizing it, I was building skills that would shape the rest of my career. Back then businesses were willing to take a chance on a high school student. They didn’t expect us to know everything. They expected us to learn. They invested time in teaching us and giving us a chance to prove ourselves.

Today, those opportunities aren’t as common. Despite employers saying they need talent, many young people struggle to get that first opportunity. Youth unemployment remains significantly higher than overall unemployment, and for many teenagers, getting a first job, internship, or meaningful work experience has become harder than it was for previous generations. Maybe we’ve been looking at this the wrong way. We’ve spent years talking about the achievement gap in education. But I wonder if one of the biggest challenges we face today is an experience gap. Not every young person has the opportunity to build a résumé before they need one. Not every student has access to a first job, a mentor, an internship or someone who can open a door.

An experience gap exists when people have the ability and the desire to succeed but haven’t had the opportunity to build the real-world experiences that employers value. They haven’t had the chance to work, shadow someone in a career they’re interested in, solve real problems, serve customers, or simply learn what it means to be part of a team.

Summer is one of the few times young people have the freedom to gain experiences that schools often can’t provide, working their first job, exploring careers, volunteering, shadowing professionals, starting a small business or learning a new technology. That’s why creating those opportunities has never been more important. At Junior Achievement of South Florida, we’re working alongside employers to help close the experience gap by

connecting students to summer internships, year-round jobs and pre-apprenticeships. Because sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to change the direction of a life.

Experience builds confidence. It builds judgment. It builds the communication, resilience and adaptability that can’t always be taught in a classroom.

The good news is this is a gap we can close.

Whether you’re an employer, educator, parent or community leader, each of us has a role to play. Here are a few ways we can help close the experience gap:

• Hire a young person for a summer or part-time job.

• Offer paid internships, apprenticeships or job-shadowing opportunities.

• Volunteer to mentor or speak with students about your career journey.

• Open your workplace for tours or career exploration experiences.

• Encourage young people to volunteer, lead a project or start a small business.

• Help students build professional networks before they need them.

• Support organizations creating pathways between education and employment.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to build the confidence and skills that come from real-world experiences. One opportunity, one employer willing to say “yes,” or one summer job is all it takes to change the trajectory of a life.

Summer may last only a few months, but the experience can last a lifetime.

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1. Build (or Update) a Resume If your student doesn’t have one – now is the time. If they do, help them add what they accomplished this year: JA program participation, any leadership role, a skill they developed. JA programs like 3DE, Career Bound, and the Pre-Apprenticeship Program belong on a resume. College application season will be here before you know it.

2. Informational Interview Practice Challenge your student to request and conduct one informational interview this summer with a professional in a field they’re interested in. Help them draft the outreach message, prep 5 questions, and follow up with a thank-you note. This is the exact skill that JA Career Bound students develop – and it opens real doors.

3. Set a Financial Goal and a Plan to Hit It Whether your student is saving for a car, college expenses, or just wants to build the habit early – help them open or review a savings account and set a 90-day goal. Ask them: “What will you do differently to hit it?” Financial independence starts with this question. It’s a conversation worth having every summer.

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1. The Summer Budget Challenge Work with your child to create a simple summer “budget” for something they want – a pair of shoes, a video game, a trip to an attraction. Help them map out how many weeks until they need it, what they’d need to earn or save each week, and what trade-offs they’d make. This is real-world financial planning. JA Finance Park (now JA Career Discovery Park) teaches exactly this thinking – keep it going at home.

2. The Business Idea Pitch Ask your child to identify one problem in your neighborhood or household and pitch a business idea that solves it – in 2 minutes or less. What would they charge? Who’s the customer? What would it cost to start? You don’t have to fund it. The pitch itself builds the skills. Bonus: record it and watch it back together.

3. Career Shadow (In Person or Online) Arrange for your child to spend a day, a morning, or even a 30-minute video call with someone in a career they’re curious about. Can’t find someone? LinkedIn, YouTube, and even TikTok have professionals sharing “day in the life” content across hundreds of fields. Have your child come with 3 questions prepared. The goal: learn something about a career that surprised them.

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1. The Job of the Day Game Pick a place you visit this summer – a grocery store, a gas station, a restaurant, a beach stand. Ask your child: “What jobs do you see? What do you think those people learned to do that job?” Let them guess, then look it up together. Over the summer, aim for 10 different “job discoveries.” JA programs like JA BizTown and JA Career Discovery Park start here – with simple questions that spark big thinking.

2. Lemonade Stand (or Any Micro-Business) The classic works because it teaches everything at once: pricing, costs, customer service, and what it feels like to earn. Help your child set up a simple stand or service (selling drawings, watering neighbors’ plants). Give them $5 to start and ask them to track what they spend vs. what they make. Bonus: have them decide what to do with the profit.

3. “What Would You Buy?” Budget Game Give your child a pretend $20 and a store circular or website. Ask them to plan a meal, a day trip, or a birthday party within budget. Younger kids can use actual coins. The goal isn’t perfect math – it’s the habit of asking: “Do I have enough? Is this worth it?”

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The Next Great Business Idea Could Be Sitting in a High School Classroom 

What happens when students are challenged to think like entrepreneurs, solve real-world problems, and pitch their ideas to business leaders? 

The answer was on full display at Junior Achievement’s recent student entrepreneurship competitions, where talented young innovators took center stage to present their business concepts, showcase their brands, and compete for top honors. 

The atmosphere was electric as student teams confidently pitched their ideas before panels of judges and industry professionals, demonstrating not only creativity and business acumen, but also the communication and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s economy. These young entrepreneurs did an outstanding job representing their brands and pitching their products. Thank you to everyone who shopped and supported their businesses throughout the event. 

As part of Junior Achievement’s programs, students are immersed in real-world business challenges that connect classroom learning to authentic experiences. Participants were challenged to apply entrepreneurial thinking, identify opportunities, develop solutions, and present compelling business cases—all while thinking like founders and future business leaders. 

Throughout the competition, students showcased impressive market research, financial planning, branding strategies, and growth plans. Their presentations reflected months of critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, proving that innovation has no age requirement. 

For many students, the experience was more than competition. It was an opportunity to build confidence, sharpen public speaking skills, and gain valuable feedback from business professionals. Standing before a room of judges and peers, students demonstrated poise and professionalism that rivaled seasoned entrepreneurs. 

The event also highlighted the power of partnerships between education and industry. By bringing business leaders into the classroom experience, Junior Achievement helps students understand how the skills they are developing today can translate into future careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and economic success. 

Several teams earned special recognition for their outstanding achievements: 

• Best Annual Report: Think Safe – Marjory Stoneman Douglas 

• Best Commercial: Comfort Critters – Everglades 

• Best Trade Booth: Motivate – NSU University School 

• Best Pitch: Think Safe – Marjory Stoneman Douglas 

• Company of the Year: Think Safe – Marjory Stoneman Douglas 

A special congratulations goes to the JA Fellows team from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Think Safe, which has earned the opportunity to advance to Future Bound at Boston University. Congratulations to their outstanding teacher, Mitch Albert, and the entire Think Safe team on this incredible accomplishment. 

While winners were ultimately selected, the true victory was the growth displayed by every student who participated. Their ideas, determination, and confidence served as a powerful reminder that the next great business idea—and the next generation of innovators—may already be sitting in a South Florida classroom. 

Through experiences like these, Junior Achievement continues to inspire students to think bigger, dream bolder, and discover what is possible when entrepreneurship meets opportunity. 

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