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Junior Achievement Fills the Gap From Education to Employment

Junior Achievement Fills the Gap From Education to Employment

For Immediate Release 

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

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

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is looking for South Florida businesses to host 150 JA trained interns for the summer of 2021. The overall goal 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 program, a cutting-edge, skills-building leadership program for high school students to learn the skills necessary to succeed in today’s workforce. The program 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. 

“I would like to say thank you to Junior Achievement, first and foremost, for helping me get the internship at WinterFest. This was my very first experience in a job. I don’t think I will ever be able to get similar advice or have a similar experience anywhere else,” said Phara Sylvain, summer employee. 

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 pays the wages for each intern in the program. 

“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. 

This past summer, JA’s Summer Employment Program was a success. It placed 52 students in jobs with 27 companies. The employers had a 100% positive feedback about the program and 80% of the internships were extended from three to five weeks. In addition, three of the students were hired by the company upon completion of their internship. 

“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 Peluso, Centuric. 

For more information on how you can host a trained student intern 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 Fills the Gap From Education to Employment
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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

Coconut Creek, FL – Today, Junior Achievement USA, with the support of Discover, is announcing the launch of JA Finance Park Virtual®. The program is designed to help Middle and High School students better understand how to manage money by assigning them simulated life-scenarios and challenging them to successfully manage their finances.

The program, which aligns with national and state educational standards, is delivered by a teacher, with the support of a volunteer from the local business community. This can be done either in-person, online, or in a hybrid model. Students then use a laptop or mobile device to participate in the JA Finance Park Virtual simulation. The program helps teens gain a better understanding of how to assess difficult financial situations and weigh their options.

“Many Americans’ first experience with managing finances is as adults when getting something wrong can have life-changing implications,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “With JA Finance Park Virtual, teens can try, and potentially fail, in a safe environment that includes lessons on money management. We greatly appreciate Discover’s support in helping us get these lessons to as many young people as possible through online delivery.”

“JA Finance Park Virtual gives students the opportunity to learn money management skills needed to make important education, career, and financial decisions, said Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President at Discover, and also a Junior Achievement of Chicago Board member. Helping people achieve brighter financial futures has long been Discover’s mission and we believe that mission extends to the classroom. The lessons learned through JA Finance Park Virtual will benefit teenagers long after they leave school.”

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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®
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Entrepreneurs: Get Ready to Enter “The Arena”

Entrepreneurs: Get Ready to Enter “The Arena”

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

“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.

Episode 1

Episode 1 featured our very own Romy Peretz from JA Fellows Company Team, Germ Genie. Coaches and special guests included Tracy Tutor, Melinda Emerson and Brian Hamilton.

Episode 2

“The Arena” continues on December 2, 2020 at 1:30 PM EST. Coaches and special guests include: Dave Sparks (Heavy D), Kate Rogers and Brian Hamilton.  To register click here.

Entrepreneurs: Get Ready to Enter “The Arena”
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National Mentoring Day Discussion

National Mentoring Day Discussion

October 27 is National Mentoring Day! It’s the perfect time to think of a mentor who shaped you into who you are today.

The more than 54,000 students who participate each year in Junior Achievement of South Florida’s programs are better equipped to succeed in the workforce thanks to over 7,100 community volunteers and mentors who share their passion and expertise.

The benefits are endless for both our students and mentors. For students, they improve communication and personal skills, develop leadership and management skills, boosts confidence and much more! Mentors, doesn’t it make you feel good to give back and make a difference in the lives of others? Thanks to your efforts, our future leaders are learning essential entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy skills that will last them a lifetime.

We want to know about your mentorship experience!

JA Fellows Volunteer Gail Auguston-Koppen Shares the Importance of Mentoring

Whether in-person or virtual, you can volunteer or become a mentor with Junior Achievement and make a profound difference in the youth of our community.

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National Mentoring Day Discussion
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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow

Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
Why JA? And Why Now?

By Junior Achievement USA

The Realities of Economic Inequity  

Economic inequity has been a reality in the U.S. throughout its history, and it continues to this day. For instance, research by the Pew Research Center shows that the U.S. has the highest income inequality among G7 nations. Despite a narrowing of income and wealth gaps in recent decades, there continue to be vast disparities, especially between white and Black households. In 1970, for example, there was a 78 percent gap in income between white and Black households. And even though that gap marginally improved over time, it was still 64 percent as of 2018. A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution shows that the median net worth of white families in America is ten times greater than that of Black families.

Hispanics and Latinos in the United States face similar challenges, according to research from the Economic Policy Institute. Hispanic men earn nearly 15 percent less than their white counterparts for similar work requiring comparable skills and education. For Hispanic women, it is 33 percent less. At the same time, while Hispanics and Latinos are making greater gains in postsecondary education, that success isn’t reflected in the commensurate reduction of the wage gap compared to working white Americans.

Other research shows that the overall wealth gap more than doubled between America’s richest and poorest families, regardless of race, between 1989 and 2016. To address economic inequity, substantial systemic changes need to occur that are well beyond the mission of an organization like Junior Achievement. They need to happen on the legislative, legal, policymaking, and institutional fronts. But the pressure to eliminate these barriers needs to happen from both ends of the spectrum; not only from those in positions of oversight, but also from those who aspire to break through color lines, cultural divides, and glass ceilings. 

Lasting institutional change is only possible if the people most likely to benefit are prepared with the information and skills necessary to navigate a changing landscape. Knowledge is power, and Junior Achievement’s proven approach will give today’s young people that power in the form of financial capability, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. These skills will not only improve their lives but will bolster their families, their communities, and our nation.

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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
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In Memory of Rick Case

In Memory of Rick Case

Dear Friends,

On September 21st, the community lost one of Florida’s most innovative leaders and courageous businessmen, Rick Case. While building his automotive empire, Rick Case Automotive Group, along with his wife Rita, Rick always found time to support the community personally and also advocated on their behalf to get others involved. He supported so many organizations including Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Rick and Rita were inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 2006 (video below) in recognition of their significant impact in their industry and community. Rick embodies the very values Junior Achievement teaches young people and was an outstanding role model not only for his own children, but did thousands of others.

Something we can all learn from Rick is to be passionate, get involved and take risks. As you drive around South Florida you may see the legacy of Rick, physically, through the establishments of his dealerships, but you will also see the legacy and deep mark he left on our community. He will always be remembered here at Junior Achievement. Our thoughts go out to Rita and the Case family.

Junior Achievement of South Florida

In Memory of Rick Case
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JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee

JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee

For Immediate Release  

For More Information Contact:  

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

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Junior Achievement of South Florida, the go-to expert for entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy programs for 50,000 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties, welcomes its newest Board Members, and its Executive Committee for 2020-2021. 

Congratulations to the following community leaders on their election to JA’s Board of Directors: 

  • Jeni Chokron, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager & Broward Commercial Team Lead, First Horizon 
  • Jessica Lerner, President and CEO, Community Care Plan 
  • John Goff, Vice President, Retail Operations, Miami Division, Publix 
  • Kenneth deBritto, CEO, AiMediaGroup 
  • Kim Swears, Managing Partner & Owner, FB Marine Group 
  • Major Kevin Granville, Broward Sheriff’s Office
  • Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Relations Officer, Kelley Kronenberg 
  • Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Campus President and Vice Provost, Academic Services, Broward College North Campus 

Serving on the Executive Committee and Committee Chairs are: 

  • Andrew Koenig,  Board Vice Chair – CITY Furniture 
  • Bob Birdsong, Governance Committee Chair – OK Generators 
  • Brandon Hensler, Marketing/PR/External Affairs Committee Chair – Nova Southeastern University 
  • Brenda Horner, CEO Compensation Committee Chair – Consolidated Credit Solutions 
  • David Greenberg, Innovative Initiatives Committee Chair – Greenberg Capital 
  • Franki Schmidt, Secretary –  American Express 
  • Joel D. Mayersohn, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair – Dickinson Wright 
  • Mark Walter, Audit Committee Chair – The Legacy Companies 
  • Meaghan Ryan, Programs Committee Chair – Seminole Gaming 
  • Tim Hogans, Community & Government Affairs Committee Chair – NextEra Energy/ FPL 
  • Tim Rubin, Board Chair, Executive Committee Chair –  Kaufman Rossin & Co. 

JA’s Board of Directors is composed of 72 local community leaders with a strong and balanced blend of skills and experiences and who provide guidance to the JA staff and support the mission. 

“We are proud to have such a strong, forward-thinking and committed Board who exemplify our mission of training the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers. This group of dynamic leaders understand our goal to bridge the skills gap of today’s students seeking tomorrow’s jobs and teach essential financial literacy skills to prepare our youth for any situation in life so that they have a better future,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. 

In addition to serving on several committees, JA’s Board of Directors also volunteer their time planning and implementing fundraising events and networking opportunities. Learn more about the JA Board of Directors at www.jasouthflorida.org/board-of-directors.  

“Congratulations to the newest members of our Board of Directors. Despite what obstacles are thrown our way, I look forward to another prosperous year helping Junior Achievement become a thought leader and solution provider in our greater community,” said Tim Rubin, Board Chair. 

 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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Pictured above: Junior Achievement of South Florida’s newest Board Members (left to right, top row) Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Jeni Chokron, Kenneth deBritto, John Goff, Major Kevin Granville, Jessica Lerner, Michelle Martinez-Reyes and Kim Swears.  

JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee
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JA Circle of Wise Women Announce Virtual Rose Soiree Event

JA Circle of Wise Women Announce Virtual Rose Soiree Event

 For Immediate Release  

For More Information Contact:  

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

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S CIRCLE OF WISE WOMEN ANNOUNCE VIRTUAL ROSE SOIREE EVENT 

 Rose Soiree Honors Susan Renneisen, Pins New Circle of Wise Women Members and Raises Funds for JA Programs and Girls Scholarships 

 Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Circle of Wise Women (CWW) and event Chairs Maureen Canada and Jan Nouss will host Rose Soiree presented by TD Bank on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:00 p.m.-6:15 p.m. 

This virtual event celebrates the 2020 Woman of Wisdom (WOW) Honoree Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It also pins the newest members of the CWW, as well as awards three deserving female students from JA programs with scholarships. 

“Even the JA Circle of Wise Women founding members had no idea how significant their impact would be. Initially, the mission was to support and advocate for JA. But this amazing group of women that created JA World Uncorked and the Rose Soiree have now expanded their reach to provide scholarship opportunities for young women from JA’s high school programs. The Circle continues to look for new and innovative ways to support JA’s mission. You may want to join them,” said Diana Metcalf, JA Director of Development 

 JA’s CWW recognizes Renneisen as this year’s WOW because she is not only hard working and committed but has added much needed value and innovation in her industry. Starting her career in the hospitality industry, she began to establish her reputation as an innovative event planner, caterer and decorator while working with several casinos.  

Her talents range from event production, logistics, marketing, catering, convention services and employee training. She also has dedicated her time and talents to Junior Achievement of South Florida and CWW, including assisting with the production of the 10th Anniversary of JA World Uncorked.  

“Thank you. It is an honor to be recognized as the 2020 Woman of Wisdom. Junior Achievement of South Florida and the Circle of Wise Women have done so much for our community to help today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders. As someone who is philanthropic, I am proud to give back to such great organizations like JA,” said Susan Renneisen. 

The pinning ceremony will recognize six of the newest CWW members including: Grazia Bulte, Grace V Events; Ann Burris, Holland America Line; Brenda Horner, Consolidated Credit Solutions; Anita Paoli Kotler, Law Offices of A. Paoli, P.A; Lisa Morley, Maritime Professional Training; and Caitlin Stella, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. 

Unlike previous years, this Rose Soiree will be a unique virtual event due to the safety concerns of COVID-19. Guests will be receiving a bag of cheer delivered straight to their doors with Rose wine, a delectable charcuteries board catered by Red Chair Catering and a scrumptious dessert from Batch Cookie Company. 

Ticket prices start at $55 per person with VIP ($75) and CWW member ($65) options that include a raffle ticket valued at $25. Raffle tickets for $25 each or 3 for $100 are also available to the public for a Lilly Pulitzer bag filled with Lilly, basket of Rose and other incredible items. Proceeds from this event support scholarships for young women in JA programs entering college or seeking career certifications, summer camps and other initiatives that promote entrepreneurships, work readiness and financial literacy. 

Signature sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor TD Bank,  Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Nauti Dawg Marina Café, CWW Member Hosts Bob and Carole Alden; and partners JA Circle of Wise Women, Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Jan and Ashley Nouss, Batch The Cookie Company and Red Chair Catering. 

For more information about the Rose Soiree, including tickets, raffle prizes, sponsorship and opportunities, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/RoseSoiree or contact Diana Metcalf, Director of Development, at (954) 979-7120.
 

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 the JA Circle of Wise Women 

The JA Circle of Wise Women was founded in May of 2009 at the home of Janet Davis. It originally started with 10 Founding Members and has since grown to more than 100 women. JA’s Circle of Wise Women believe that Junior Achievement programs are a springboard to show today’s youth their potential for success. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $4 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida. The group’s signature event is the annual JA World Uncorked – a culinary showcase where guests sample gourmet bites prepared by leading South Florida chefs and sip premier wines, spirits, craft beers and cocktails from local vendors. In addition, the Circle of Wise Women host social gatherings throughout the year and participate in JA-related events, such as the Rosé Soirée. Learn more at https://jasouthflorida.org/circle-of-wise-women/. 

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JA Circle of Wise Women Announce Virtual Rose Soiree Event
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Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA LAUNCHES  
JA WORLD REMOTE LEARNING PROGRAM 

 JA provides a safe and secure environment for 
K-8th grade students during COVID-19  

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has partnered with Community After School (CAS) to re-open JA World Huizenga Center at the Lilian S. Wells Pavilion, a 60,000 square foot learning center, as a safe place for students to learn and thrive as they participate in e-learning this fall.  

Opening August 31, the JA World Remote Learning Program is for students with parents who need to return to work or work from home uninterrupted while their students participate in school learning, as well as other activities to keep them engaged.  

“We know this is a stressful time for parents. Our team hears the stories of parents who lost their jobs or are unable to afford private care for their children while they return to work. Junior Achievement is proud to be a resource to our community, especially for struggling families during times of crisis,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “Despite the risks, opening JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion in Coconut Creek is the right decision for the families that need us.” 

“As a working parent and unable to work at home, I have no place to send my child during school hours so I can return to work. Unfortunately, my employer has threatened to terminate my employment. This program literally saved my job and my family,” said one of the parents registered for the Remote Learning Program. 

The first Remote Learning Program session is August 31-October 2, excluding Labor Day (September 7), and additional 5-week sessions will be added based on the Broward County Public Schools’ schedule during COVID-19. This program is available for students who are enrolled in Broward Schools and families whose income is within the sliding scale. Costs range from $5-$400 per student for each 5-week session depending on individual family household incomes. The hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

In addition to the students’ daily schoolwork from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., JA will be providing them traditional financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs via virtual platforms, as well as enriching activities from 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. offered by our partner CAS. 

All CDC guidelines will be strictly enforced. These include social distancing, daily health screenings, proactive hand hygiene and face covering practices, strict stay at home policies to ensure the safety of the students and professional staff.  

The Remote Learning Program is also creating jobs. JA is hiring a Learning Program Director position and 24 additional Learning Pod Leaders to provide guidance to the students and assure safety measures are followed closely. 

For more information about the JA Remote Learning Program, including student registration, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/RemoteLearning or call (954) 979-7100. 

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 Launches JA World Remote Learning Program
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JA Alumni Report – May 2020

JA Alumni Report – May 2020

Introduction

A new survey of 1,002 Junior Achievement alumni conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Junior Achievement USA – an organization that aims to develop work-place readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in students through volunteer-led talks, exercises, and programs – finds that the Junior Achievement (JA) program had a strong impact on JA alumni’s professional and personal development into adulthood and the working-world.

Junior Achievement Alumni Business Owners

Half of JA alumni have started or owned a business in at least one point in time in their lives (53%) according to survey results. One-third report they owned or started one business (35%) and 18% say they owned or started multiple businesses. About three-quarters of JA alumni business owners say their businesses are still operating today (72%). This is far higher than the nationwide average – according to the U.S. Census, just 6%
of Americans are self-employed. Those who are both JA alumni business owners and who report that they worked in the same field as their JA volunteer are more likely to say their business is still operation (82%) than the other JA entrepreneurs. Over half report having small to mid-size businesses that had 50 or fewer employees (63%), while 38% said they owned larger businesses with 51 employees or more.

• Men and women JA alumni are equally likely to say they have started or partnered in multiple
businesses. This makes women who are JA alumni slightly more likely than the national population
to own a business. In 2017, 39% of all U.S. firms were owned by women.

• Younger JA alumni are more likely to say they have started multiple businesses (23%) than those
ages 35-54 (15%) and those ages 55+ (13%).

• JA alumni from the South are more likely to say they have started one business (41%) compared to
one-third of those in the Northeast (30%), Midwest (31%) and West (31%).

Impact on Future Decisions

About 4 in 5 JA alumni report that the JA program played a somewhat important or very important role in their decision to pursue further education (79%), their professional development (79%), and their personal development (78%). Fifty-one percent (51%) of JA alumni have college degrees, much higher
than that nationwide average of 33%. Eighty-five percent (85%) of JA alumni say the JA program played an important role in fostering the belief that they could achieve their goals, and 83% say it also played an important role in boosting their confidence in new situations. Three-quarters say it played an important role in their career path (75%). Those who ended up in working in the same field as their JA volunteer are even more likely to say that the JA program played an important role in their career path (88%), their confidence (90%), the belief they could achieve their goals (92%), their professional development (88%), their personal development (87%) and their decision to pursue further education (88%).

• Women and men JA alumni are equally likely to say the JA program played an important role in their decision to pursue further education, personal development, helping them believe they could achieve their goals, and giving them confidence in new situations. While strong majorities of both men and women report that the program played an important role in their professional development (82% and 74% respectively) and their career path (78% and 69% respectively), men were more likely to say the program was important in shaping those aspects of their lives.

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JA Alumni Report – May 2020
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