All posts tagged: Broward County

JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards

JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2109

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

Junior Achievement of South Receives Two Distinguished National Awards for Top Performance

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida has been awarded, for the first time in its 60 year history, the Peak Performance Team Award. This award recognizes superior annual performance by a JA Area team in achieving growth in students reached or contact hours delivered, while sustaining financial and operational soundness. The nonprofit organization was one of 17 JA Areas (out of 107 total) to earn the 2017-18 Peak Performance Team Award.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida has been focused on creating deep impact programming that meets the needs of its local school district, employers and community organizations. In addition, the organization has worked hard to build its brand awareness and credibility. Congratulations to Laurie Sallarulo and the entire team,” said Jack Kosakowski, JA USA President & CEO.

In addition, for the second year in a row, Junior Achievement of South Florida received one of Junior Achievement USA®’s (JA USA) highest ratings: the 4 Star Award. The purpose of the Star Award is to recognize staff and boards of JA Areas that meet Junior Achievement’s national standards in operational efficiency. Recipients must demonstrate growth in student impact and superior fiscal performance. Achievement against these criteria is certified through JA USA and audited financial statements.

In 2017-18, Junior Achievement of South Florida served nearly 47,000 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties. The number of combined hours of impactful instruction provided to students was a record 1,050,975. This wouldn’t be possible without the help of a record-breaking 7,150 volunteers and mentors. In addition, Junior Achievement of South Florida will reach a significant milestone this year, its 60th anniversary, of serving 1 million students since its inception in 1959.

“These accomplishments cannot be achieved without an exceptional team, dedicated Board of Directors, our partners, teachers, the thousands of volunteers and business mentors and our donors, who truly believe in our mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President/CEO. “We set very ambitious goals for the organization, and we’ve worked hard to achieve these milestones and to be honored for our dedication and teamwork. We are dedicated to being part of the solution to the workforce challenge.”

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.

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 4.8 million students per year in over 100 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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JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards
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JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired

JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired

For Immediate Release
March 8, 2019

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

JA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS AND 1 MILLION YOUTH INSPIRED AT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting its Diamond Anniversary Celebration to honor 60 years of inspiring and preparing youth for the future. In addition, the organization will celebrate the milestone of serving 1 million students. The Diamond Anniversary Celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines, will be on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

This highly anticipated event will also celebrate South Florida business leaders who have made a significant impact in their industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence courageous leadership and community responsibility. The 2019 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates are James Allen (Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming); Bob Birdsong (OK Generators); Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (Celebrity Cruises); and Steven Sadaka (StevenDouglas).

This year’s special award honorees are Lorraine Thomas and Lori Chevy (Bank of America). Lorraine Thomas, who’s loyal dedication to Junior Achievement of South Florida runs deep. She will receive the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award, created in honor of the late Marti and Wayne Huizenga in 2016. Lori Chevy will receive the Melissa Aiello Character Award, created in 2015 in recognition of Melissa Aiello, the former CEO & President of Junior Achievement of South Florida who lived her life with integrity and honor.

“We are so thankful to the incredible leaders who have supported our mission, past and present, over the last sixty years,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These milestones are only possible to achieve when visionary leaders come together to embrace a mission.”

The JA Diamond Anniversary Celebration is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, JM Lexus, DEX Imaging, TD Bank, Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, BBVA Compass, Consolidated Credit, Debt.com, Rick Case Automotive Group, Nova Southeastern University, BBX Capital, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and StevenDouglas.

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.

JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired
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2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program

2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program

More Than 2,000 Students Will Attend JA Inspire –  An Interactive Career Exploration Program

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – On Friday, February 8, starting at 8:15 a.m., Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting JA Inspire, an interactive career exploration program, in partnership with educators and industry leaders. The event will be held at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Foundation Pavilion and will begin with a community breakfast with community and business leaders.

At the community breakfast, there will be a press conference to highlight the JA Fellows Company entrepreneurship program. The community will hear from the JA DHSP Enterprises team representing Dillard High School, about their unique product, “DHSP Safe Block,” that was inspired by the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Hear about how their product, which covers door windows to deter a shooter, may be a potential solution to keeping students safe in the classroom during a safety threat.

“It is very time consuming for teachers in an emergency situation to find tape and paper to cover their windows,” said DHSP team representative. “Our product can help teachers prepare quickly in an emergency.”

More than 2,000 students will be participating in the JA Inspire program. During the simulation at JA World, students will be introduced to high growth/high paying careers in industries including construction, health, marine, aviation, finance, automotive, technology, hospitality and government.

“JA Inspire is designed to have a deep impact on the students as they begin to explore their future career choices. Before the day of the simulation, students participate in 3 hours of career readiness curriculum. This combination or classroom curriculum and interactive simulation is what makes JA programs unique,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President/CEO.

More than 40 exhibitor partners will participate and have the opportunity to connect and inspire students through an interactive experience. Business representatives will also share information about their industry, career paths, job responsibilities and business culture.

JA Inspire is sponsored by BBVA Compass, Body Tek Enterprises, City of Pompano Beach, TD Bank and United Way of Broward County. The current confirmed exhibitors include Allegiance Crane and Equipment,  Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., AT&T, Atlantic Technical College, Broward College, Broward Health, City of Coconut Creek SWAT, City Furniture, City of Margate Fire Rescue, City of Pompano Beach, Cliff Berry, Inc., Construction Association of South Florida, Construction Executives Association, Exotech, EY, Florida Atlantic University, Humane Society of Broward County, Jazwares, JM Family Enterprises, Kaufman Rossin, Marine Industries Association, Microsoft, Moss Construction, Nova Southeastern University, Publix, SalesForce, Stiles Corporation, Stryker, Suffolk, Suntrust, TD Bank, Wells Fargo, Wild Lime Adventures, WPLG, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Corps.

For more information about JA Inspire, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/programs/ja-inspire/.

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About JA Fellows Company Entrepreneurship Program:

JA Fellows is an in-depth, highly intensive leadership and entrepreneurship program for 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 an entrepreneurial mindset which includes skills such as communication, financial management, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills.

Mentors, in teams of four, coach 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 awards, and a chance to compete in a national competition in Washington, D.C. in June. For more information about the program, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/ja-fellows.

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 7,000 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 on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Over the past 60 years, Junior Achievement of South Florida has served over 1,000,000 students. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

2,000 Students Attend Interactive Career Exploration Program
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII

Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII

Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to be selected as one of Leadership Broward Class XXXVII’s Community Projects. A team of local dedicated leaders will work with JA to create an alumni network. We are looking forward to connecting with  people in our community who participated in JA programs as youth, so they may share their story and the impact this experience had on their lives and careers.

We warmly welcome our LB team (above) Stephanie Marcoux, Jim Hammond, Angie Stone, Kesha Davis, Alex Ernest-Jones, Jarred John, Brian Seidenberg and Carolyn Rose to the JA family!

Leadership Broward is a premier leadership development program, designed for adults who currently hold leadership positions and are involved in their community. The 10-month long program begins with an announcement reception in August, followed by a two-day opening retreat in September. The monthly day-long sessions expose participants to the multitude of issues and resources related to our community.

During the program, each participant will be given the opportunity to develop a wealth of knowledge about Broward County, to build a valuable contact network, to learn facilitative leadership skills and to experience the feeling of making a positive difference in our community through a team community project.

About Leadership Broward Foundation

The Leadership Broward Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Broward County’s premier leadership development training organization with a 36-year history of helping emerging and established leaders to expand their leadership skills, enhance their knowledge of local and state issues, and leverage their individual passions to initiate positive change in the Broward County community.

Its mission, “to develop and inspire individuals to serve our community,” is accomplished through a range of programs starting with its signature Leadership Broward program, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at issues affecting the Broward County in the areas of government, education, business, media, transportation, criminal justice, history, environment, culture, arts, recreation, and health and community services. Youth Leadership Broward and Women Leading Broward round out the organization’s program offerings. For more information, visit www.LeadershipBroward.org or call 954-767-8866.

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 7,000 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 on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII
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SFBW April 2018: Education to Employment

SFBW April 2018: Education to Employment

South Florida Business & Wealth April 2018: Education to Employment
How Junior Achievement of South Florida Empowers the Future’s Workforce

By Andrea Richard
Published April 28, 2018

Eight years ago, student Stefano Selorio began his professional journey, thanks to Junior Achievement of South Florida. It started when he was in the fifth grade and participated in JA BizTown program, which teaches youths how to run companies through hands-on role playing and handle their personal finances. BizTown resembles an indoor business hub with real companies, including BB&T, Lifestyle Media Group and Hoffman’s Chocolates.

“We owned little storefronts, and I was the CEO of Sports World,” Selorio says. “I was in charge of making paychecks, depositing them and hiring people.”

In the eighth grade, he participated in JA’s Finance Park program. He took on the character of a single father with three children, and he learned how to manage a household budget.  JA has a partnership with Broward County Public Schools that requires fifth and eighth graders to attend these programs.

In 11th and 12th grades, he did the JA Fellows program twice and learned how to create, build and develop a small company along with a team of roughly 15 to 20 students. The 8-month program is led by business mentors and culminates with a “Spark Tank,” where students present business pitches to investors. “We had advisers from JA, entrepreneurs and CEOs who came out and helped us with how to take products to market,” he says.

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

SFBW April 2018: Education to Employment
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In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga

In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga

Dear Friends,

This past Thursday (March 22, 2018), the community lost one of the world’s most savvy and successful businessmen and a remarkable community advocate and supporter. Wayne Huizenga helped shape this community and has left a huge mark on so many individuals and organizations.

To say that the largest Junior Achievement educational center in the world would not exist in Broward County if not for Wayne Huizenga, is an understatement. Along with his wife, Marti, Mr. Huizenga was the catalyst in making the vision of JA World Huizenga Center a reality.

Like with all his projects, both business and charitable, Mr. Huizenga took on the creation of JA World with determination, persistence and persuasion. He often used his private helicopter to take community and business leaders to visit other JA facilities around the country. His influence, combined with Marti’s passion to “teach children to fish, rather than give them a fish”, was key to building this unique educational asset on the Broward College north campus and to securing an agreement with the Broward County School Board that every 5th and 8th grader would participate in JA programming.

The mission of Junior Achievement is so aligned with the values and entrepreneurial spirit of Wayne Huizenga. Mr. Huizenga, the only person in history to have founded three Fortune 500 companies, was named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of The Year. Through our JA Fellows entrepreneurship program, with which he was so impressed, we will continue to foster his passion for taking ideas to exceptional levels in our students.

At Junior Achievement of South Florida, we feel a profound loss for this amazing man who had such an impact on our organization. On behalf of the students, board of directors and staff of Junior Achievement of South Florida we feel so fortunate and honored to have gained his continued support, confidence, loyalty and commitment. Mr. Huizenga’s spirit and legacy will live on at JA World.

We express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Huizenga family for their huge loss.

Laurie Sallarulo
President & CEO

In lieu of flowers, the family has named Junior Achievement of South Florida, NSU’s Huizenga College of Business, Boys & Girls Club and Cleveland Clinic to receive donations in Mr. Huizenga’s honor.

Make a Lasting Gift
In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga
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