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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release       

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
Ch*********@************da.org

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

JA FELLOWS TEAMS PARTICIPATING AT
NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams invited to compete against 13 other student-run companies at the 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that two of its JA Fellows Company Program teams have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) to complete at the Junior Achievement USA 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s “Good Scents” and NSU University School’s “Germ Genie” will be competing for the coveted National JA Company of the Year and other awards.

“We are thrilled to have two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program ® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2019-2020 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

This year’s summit will run from June 15th-18th and will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. JA Fellow company teams from throughout the nation will be competing for JA Company of the Year by showcasing their innovative product or service idea to a panel of judges consisting of top business leaders. Students will also have the chance to attend virtual webinars led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship and business.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders and on their company’s performance.

The students from NSU University School also won the local JA Company of the Year Award during the May 9th Spark Tank Finale. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School came in second place.

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 Career Discovery 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 4.7 million students per year in 106 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 more information.

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Teams to Compete at National Student Leadership Summit
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Virtual Event with Mark Cuban and Brian Hamilton

Virtual Event with Mark Cuban and Brian Hamilton

Business Leaders Offer Insights on Entrepreneurship With Nation’s Teens

We are pleased to share the recording of Why Entrepreneurship Now? A Virtual Event for America’s Teens, featuring Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban and Sageworks’ founder Brian Hamilton, and moderated by Fox News Channel’s Harris Faulkner. The guests answered teens’ questions about startups in the time of COVID-19. Below you will find a recording of this informative and inspiring virtual event.

Please feel free to share this recording with the young people, parents, caregivers, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs in your life.

The event was proudly presented by the Brian Hamilton Foundation, Mark Cuban Foundation, Microsoft and Junior Achievement USA.

Virtual Event with Mark Cuban and Brian Hamilton
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JA + CNBC Virtual Town Hall Recording Available

JA + CNBC Virtual Town Hall Recording Available

Recently, Junior Achievement and CNBC teamed up to present a Virtual Town Hall to answer teens’ questions about the financial impact of COVID-19. Hosted by CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson, this unique interactive event provided across America direct access to some of the country’s most knowledgeable economists, entrepreneurs, psychologists and counselors and ask them top-of-mind questions about how to best adapt to the new normal. The panelists will offer simple, straightforward strategies to help empower participants to strive toward a bright and successful tomorrow – because tomorrows are more important than ever.

This video features teens from across America asking a panel of experts, including former FDIC Chair Shelia Bair and Shark Tank’s Daymond John, about steps being taken to deal with the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic and what that might mean for the future.

The Virtual Town Hall lasts about an hour. Please feel free to share this video with any teens, teachers, parents, or others who you think might find it helpful!

JA + CNBC Virtual Town Hall Recording Available
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Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19

Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19

Funky Buddha Brewery giving back to the community. JA celebrates supportive restaurants.

Junior Achievement of South Florida and the JA Circle of Wise Women are fortunate to have developed outstanding relationships with local restaurants and beverage providers who support our programs as storefronts in JA BizTown and at the annual JA World Uncorked event. Now, it’s time to give back to those who are providing delivery or take-out services during COVID-19. Below are logos linked to the restaurants.

In addition, JA is extremely proud of its partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery, which last year released the exclusive Dreamers of Dreams, a craft beer dedicated to JA’s 60th Anniversary. Funky Buddha has started a new project during the COVID-19 crisis – Beers For The Biz. The project brings aid and awareness to family in the service industry affected by COVID-19. Proceeds from each case of Funky Buddha beer sold in April will be donated to CORE™: CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving food and beverage service employees with children, who are faced with medical diagnosis, illness, injury or affected by a natural disaster and are in need of help.

Click here to learn more about this project.

RESTAURANTS PROVIDING DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT SERVICES

Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Innovation

The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Innovation

Presented by Junior Achievement USA

A Guide to How Entrepreneurs and Businesses are Responding to COVID-19

COVID-19’s Impact on Business Unlike other viruses, such as the seasonal flu or common cold, the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is considered a “novel,” or new, virus because humans have had little exposure to it. Hence, we don’t have readily available treatments, like a vaccine, to prevent people from getting sick from COVID-19. As a result, the first line of defense against the disease is called “social distancing.” This means people are being encouraged not to be around other people unless it is necessary.

In many cities and states, officials require so-called “non-essential” businesses to either reduce their operations or close completely to promote social distancing. While these businesses are referred to as non-essential, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t important. But it does mean that their closure will help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Businesses affected include restaurants, which in many cases must close their dining areas, even though they can still prepare food for delivery or take out. Others that must close completely include hair salons, clothing stores, and various retail establishments that don’t offer what are considered “essential” products or services, such as food or medicine.

Due to these restrictions and closures, businesses large and small have had to release many of their employees. This means people who worked for these businesses lost their jobs either temporarily, through a furlough, or permanently, through a layoff. Many of these people are eligible for unemployment benefits, which means that they will receive some amount of money from the government to help pay basic expenses like rent, house payments, and food. The hope is that non-essential business closures will only last a few months and that people will be able to go back to work in the not-too-distant future.

Click here to read the full report

The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Innovation
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Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19

Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19

Presented by Junior Achievement USA

A Guide to How COVID-19 is Affecting People and the Economy and What It All Means

Making Sense of It All

A lot has changed in a very short amount of time. At the beginning of 2020, the U.S. stock market was at an all-time high, the economy was experiencing an historic milestone of growth and things seemed to be going well for many people. Then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in the United States and in a very short amount of time everything changed.

While things may seem uncertain, and maybe a bit scary, know that what we are experiencing with COVID-19 won’t last forever. We at Junior Achievement (JA) have some explanations about what’s happening, as well as answers to some of your questions when it comes to the financial impact of COVID-19.

What Makes COVID-19 Different from the Flu or a Cold?

COVID-19 is referred to as a “novel”, or new, coronavirus. This means it is new to humans, though it has probably been around in animals, such as bats, for a long time. It is believed that COVID-19 was first transmitted to humans from animals in Wuhan, China in late 2019. Because human immune systems – the human body’s way of fighting disease – haven’t had much experience with COVID-19, people who get it tend to be sicker for longer, though most people will recover from the disease.

To help put COVID-19 into perspective, think of leveling up in a game. If it’s a level you’ve never experienced before, it may be harder and take you longer to beat it. But with enough time, you will win. For most people’s immune systems, COVID-19 is like a new level of a game. Eventually human immune systems will get used to battling COVID-19 and will win more easily, most likely through a combination of vaccines and an increase in natural resistance. But this won’t happen right away.

Click here to read the full report

Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19
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JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

Junior Achievement’s highest priority is the health and safety of our donors, sponsors, partners, honorees, staff and volunteers.  It is with this priority in mind that we have decided to postpone the 2020 JA Business Hall of Fame event on Friday April 24, 2020.This decision is in line with the directive issued by Broward County regarding high attendance gatherings.

We look forward to bringing our business leaders together in the near future to recognize the visionary leadership of our Hall of Fame Laureates and Honorees and, in light of these challenging times, to celebrate the collective courage and resilience of all our community’s leaders.

We would like to take this time to thank all those who support this event each year and the mission of Junior Achievement to prepare our young people to be your next consumers, employees, business owners and job creators. Junior Achievement will continue to play its part in driving workforce training and experience for young people. We hope that all of you will plan to join us on the new date for a well deserved celebration!

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s leadership will continue to monitor the COVID19 situation as it evolves. We encourage you to visit the JA Business Hall of Fame webpage (https://jasouthflorida.org/events/) to check on the status of the event.

If you have any additional questions or need further information, please contact me at La****@************da.org or Robyn Harper, Development & Event Director, at Ro***@************da.org or call (954) 979-7124.  We look forward to celebrating with you soon to empower over 50,000 young people each year to own their economic success.

Regards,

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed
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Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

FORT LAUDERDALE COUNTRY CLUB OPENS ITS DOORS TO “GOLF FOR A CAUSE” BENEFITTING JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20

MEDIA CONTACT:
Fran Folic
GPR | Goodman Public Relations
(954) 446-0807/15
fr**@*******pr.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 30, 2020) – Fort Lauderdale Country Club, the oldest private country club in Broward County, will host “Golf For A Cause” on Friday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to beneift Junior Achievement of South Florida, a nonprofit organization that inspires and prepares the next generation of fiscally responsible community and business leaders. This day of philanthropy celebrates the completion of the Club’s significant North Course renovation project.

As part of this charitable initiative, Fort Lauderdale County Club will be opening its doors to non-members to exclusively enjoy a day on the fairways while making a difference in the lives of local kids. The community is invited to gather with friends and reserve a time to play 18 holes of championship golf on either Fort Lauderdale Country Club’s newly renovated North Course or its lushly landscaped South Course.

Last year, Fort Lauderdale Country Club helped to raise nearly $800,000 for various charities in Broward County.

“We are proud to support Junior Achievement’s investment in our youth and the invaluable opportunities the organization provides regarding financial literacy and entrepreneurial training,” said Michael O’Brien, general manager of Fort Lauderdale Country Club. “We encourage members, guests and the community-at-large to experience golfing at its finest while giving back to the community.”

The North Course project, overseen by Kipp Schulties, principal architect of Kipp Schulties Golf Design (KSGD), underwent an extensive renovation including replacement of the greens and the provision of tees between 4,800 yards and 7,100 yards, making the course more enjoyable for both men and women of all abilities. The upgrades created an elevated level of excitement for members adding to the facility’s 18-Hole, Par 72 South Course which was built in 1926, remodeled twice and is often home to many corporate and non-profit events, annually.

In the Broward County area, which has numerous golf courses, Fort Lauderdale Country Club is a select private club that offers 36-holes of manicured championship golf in a forested park-like setting. Visually, the Club is truly a unique oasis as fairways are lined with stately native trees and colorful beds of flowers, as opposed to houses. Inside, the venue provides a variety of room and dining options, an experienced event staff and a unique “inside-outside” Plantation room.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to have the support of Fort Lauderdale Country Club and the golfing community to help fund our programming to over 50,000 K-12 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “This opportunity will help us put key economic and workforce lessons into action while teaching our future leaders the value of contributing to the community.”

The golf fee to participate in “Golf For A Cause” is $125 per person with approximately $90 going directly to benefit Junior Achievement. The fee includes access to golf club amenities including a gold cart, practice facilities, dining areas and locker rooms. Golf club rentals are available for an additional fee. Tee time reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 318-0190.

For more information about membership, please call (954) 318-0190, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Founded in 1959, Junior Achievement of South Florida aims to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. It trains the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. With the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers and mentors, JA delivers over 20 unique programs to 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing two JA BizTowns and JA Career Discovery Park.For more information, call (954) 979-7100 or visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

About Fort Lauderdale County Club (FLCC)

Established in 1926, Fort Lauderdale Country Club (FLCC) is the oldest private country club in Broward County. FLCC offers 36 holes of championship golf on the newly renovated North Course and South Course plus a driving range and multiple practice areas situated on 288 acres of forested parkland featuring rolling fairways dotted with stately indigenous trees and accentuated with immaculately maintained foliage and flowers. FLCC includes a contemporary lakeside clubhouse with a center bar and sumptuous cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef. Golfers and guests can enjoy meals and snacks in the main dining room, Club Side, Men’s Grill or Plantation Room.The clubhouse also houses upscale amenities including a well-stocked Pro Shop, bag storage and a cart barn offering state-of-the-art GPS-equipped electric carts. FLCC is proud to be the home of esteemed PGA teaching professionals and boasts one of the largest women’s golf associations in Broward County. FLCC is conveniently located just five miles from the beaches at 415 Country Club Circle in Fort Lauderdale. For more information about membership, please call (954) 587-4700, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs
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Trade School: A College Alternative in 2019

Trade School: A College Alternative in 2019

By Hannah Henry, Manager of Marketing & Public Relations, Brand
Junior Achievement USA

A survey conducted by Gallup and Strada Education Network revealed that 36% of those who attended college regret their choice of major. Of those who pursued or completed a bachelor’s degree, findings uncovered that 40% would pick a different field of study. That’s roughly $25,000 a year, for a student who is in-state attending a four-year university, to decide that their degree was not the best choice for them.

According to Mark Danaher, a career counselor at Newington High School in Newington, Connecticut, “My feeling is that high school students don’t have to know the exact career they want, but they should know how to explore careers and put time into investigating them and learning about their skills and interests.”

At 18 or 19, we are expecting teens to know their career-path and putting a hefty price tag on pursuing what they believe is the right option for them. But, are they being given all their options? All the while, some teens may not be exposed to alternatives outside of attending colleges, such as vocational schools.

To assist in the discovery of which path is right for you or your teen, here is an overview of how trade schools could be the perfect fit!

The Difference Between Trade and Vocational Schools

Vocational and trade schools are similar in nature as they both offer an accelerated path to get into a specific career. While most use them interchangeably as an educational institution that teaches individuals for a particular skill set, some identify them as having smaller differentiations. According to the U.S. Department of Education, technical schools teach the theory and science behind an occupation, while vocational schools may take a more hands-on approach to teach skills.

The Unique Perks of Attending a Trade School

Unlike traditional colleges, trade schools focus on one specific area of “trade” learning. This hyper-focus on a specific skill enables trade-schools to offer smaller classrooms with more one-on-one learning opportunities for the students. Additionally, vocational schools educate students of industry-specific rules and regulation, as well as real-work experiences to enable them to get familiar with the type of work they are pursuing.

The amount of time it takes to successfully complete trade school is another perk to this vocational path. While programs vary, vocational training can go from as little as ten weeks. In turn, this makes this educational career path highly appealing to those who are seeking to get into a profession as soon as possible.

With the unique benefits of vocation schooling, this route isn’t just for those who have graduated high school but also for those who are planning to enter a specific industry for the first time, reenter the workforce, and for those who are seeking to change their career path. The diversity amongst trade school students enables them to network and learn from one another, creating an inclusive learning environment.

Current Demand for Skilled Trades in 2019

A large majority, 70%, of construction companies across the country are having trouble finding qualified workers and construction isn’t the only industry suffering. It is estimated that every day for the next decade, 10,000 baby boomers will be reaching retirement age and will be leaving specialized positions in which fewer workers can fill. Luckily for trade schools, their robust skill-focused programs offer a bright future. Careers that will be experiencing more and more demand for skilled labor include:

–     Carpenter

Total new job openings: 83,800

Average salary: $51,120

–     Plumber

Total new job openings: 75,200

Average salary: $58,150

–     Electrician

Total new job openings: 59,600

Average salary: $59,190

Click here to explore possible career paths!

Think the trade-school path is right for you? Click here to learn more!

Program Introduces High Schoolers to Career Paths, Including Skilled Trades

Junior Achievement of South Florida offers its program JA Career Bound to high school students in South Florida. JA Career Bound is a cutting-edge, skills-building leadership program where participants learn the skills necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.

After an opening retreat, students meet once a month for program days focused on specific industries. Students visit some of South Florida’s premier businesses to learn firsthand about the career opportunities and what companies are looking for in future employees. Students learn from top executives who share their journeys to success.

We use interactive JA curriculum to teach key work skills, including communication, critical thinking, goal setting, interviewing, personal branding, problem-solving, public speaking, resume building and teamwork. At the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to put their skills into action by participating in various paid internships with job shadowing. For further details, including registration, CLICK HERE. 

Trade School: A College Alternative in 2019
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