All posts tagged: careers

Navigating a “Blue Christmas”

How Rising Prices Impact Teen Holiday Spending

Author: Kelsey Matzinger
Junior Achievement USA
Published: November 15, 2023

It’s that time of year again, where the holiday season is upon us. However, for many teenagers, it seems that a “Blue Christmas” might be in store. According to our recent survey conducted by the research firm Big Village, over half of teens report that rising prices have had a significant impact on the number and types of gifts they’ve received during the holidays in recent years.

As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s no surprise that teens, just like their adult counterparts, are feeling the economic pinch. But what does this mean for their holiday spending and what steps can we take to support them during these trying times?

Teens’ Holiday Spending and Concerns

Inflation Concerns

It’s not just the impact of rising prices on their gift-giving that concerns teens. Nearly three-in-four, a whopping 71 percent of them, expressed worries about the effects of inflation on this year’s holiday shopping season. This is a considerable shift in perspective, as inflation typically remains a topic reserved for the financial discussions of adults.

How Teens Fund Their Holiday Shopping

Holiday Spending Money Sources

Teens rely on various sources to fund their holiday shopping. According to the survey, 71 percent of teens say they get holiday spending money from their parents or caregivers. It’s a common and expected source of funds for many teenagers.

What’s intriguing is that 19 percent of teens look beyond their families for holiday cash and opt for a different route—gig jobs or side hustles. These can include anything from delivering groceries to tutoring, illustrating a growing trend among teens to take matters into their own hands.

The Gig Economy and Age Restrictions

However, there’s a catch. Many gig jobs often come with age restrictions that prevent minors from participating. This presents a unique challenge for teens who seek financial independence through these opportunities. While work experience is undoubtedly valuable, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of these restrictions and encourage teens to explore age-appropriate work if needed.

Shopping Trends: In-Store vs. Online

In-Store Shopping

Despite the growth of e-commerce and online shopping, in-store shopping still holds significant appeal for teens. This year, 76 percent of teens plan to shop “in-store” for their holiday gifts. This number marks a slight decrease from 2021 when 81 percent preferred brick-and-mortar stores. The physical shopping experience remains a significant part of the holiday tradition for many teenagers.

Online Shopping

Online shopping has its place in the hearts of teens as well. This year, 67 percent of teens plan to shop online for their holiday purchases. This is a slight drop from the 70 percent who chose online shopping in 2021. The availability and convenience of online shopping options make it an attractive choice for many.

“These survey findings suggest that teenagers are dealing with the practical consequences of increased costs,” said Jack Kosakowski, CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “At Junior Achievement, we urge parents and caregivers to seize this moment by discussing essential topics such as holiday budgeting, savvy shopping, and inventive gift-giving strategies in the face of elevated prices. Also, while we emphasize the value of work experience, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to be cognizant of age restrictions associated with gig jobs and, when necessary, guide their teenagers toward age-appropriate work opportunities.”

How Junior Achievement Can Help

At Junior Achievement, we believe in equipping teens with essential life skills, particularly in the face of economic challenges. Teens today are experiencing the economic realities of higher prices, and we’re here to provide support and resources to help them navigate these challenges.

Our organization offers a valuable resource for money management skills—JA Connect. This free online resource is designed to help teens explore careers, entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, how to manage money. The “My Money” section of JA Connect guides teens through the process of developing a budget and planning their financial future.

In conclusion, the “Blue Christmas” phenomenon is one that we can work together to mitigate. By providing teens with financial education, guidance, and support, we can help them overcome the challenges posed by rising prices and continue to make their holiday dreams come true.

Let’s ensure that the “Blue Christmas” turns into a season of financial empowerment, learning, and positive growth for our teens.

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Teens Are Re-Thinking The Future Of Work

JA/Citizens 2023 Survey of High School Students Reveals Their Career Aspirations; Economic and College Concerns; and Overall Financial Preparedness

Author: Kelsey Matzinger
Junior Achievement USA
Published: Monday, 01 May 2023

Have you applied for any scholarships yet? What are you going to major in? Are you excited for football season? The team is looking really good this year!

These are questions high school students get asked, but none of them are as important as “Are you able to afford college?” or “Are you going into a career field where you can pay off your loans quickly?” In today’s world, teens are increasingly exploring alternatives to the traditional higher education route, making these questions more crucial than ever. That’s why Junior Achievement and Citizens conducted a study to gain insight into where teens’ thoughts are when it comes to the cost of higher education.

Many teenagers see a successful future when it comes to their confidence in their ability to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. In fact, 57% of teens expressed confidence in their skills to do so. However, financial concerns are top of mind for many, with 70% indicating worries about the costs associated with pursuing education after high school.

Interestingly, the survey also found that the majority of teens believe an Associate’s or Technical Certification is sufficient to get a good job, with 76% in agreement. This indicates that teens are not necessarily prioritizing a traditional four-year degree as a means to achieving their goals.

The survey also found that teens are open to non-traditional paths to success, with 61% stating they would rather start their own business than have a traditional job. This preference for entrepreneurship is an interesting development and may suggest that teens are becoming more interested in taking control of their own careers.

Another trend that emerged from the survey is the growing influence of social media. With 40% of teens considering a career as a social media influencer, it is clear that this is a profession that is increasingly attractive to young people. As social media becomes more important in modern marketing strategies, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow.

However, the survey also highlighted the rising cost of living that is impacting families across the country. Over 60% of teens (63%) reported that their families have had to do without due to rising prices. This is a concern that may influence their education and career choices, as many may feel they need to prioritize immediate financial stability over pursuing their long-term goals.

It is clear that financial barriers are shaping the decisions teens make about their futures, and that the cost of pursuing education may be deterring some from pursuing their dreams.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

The survey suggests that teens are confident in their abilities but are grappling with the costs and practicalities of achieving their goals. As such, it is more important than ever to provide young people with the resources they need to navigate these challenges and realize their full potential.

One way to support young people in achieving their goals is by providing them with access to affordable and quality education. With the rising cost of higher education, it is important to explore alternative options, such as trade schools and community colleges. These institutions often provide high-quality training in specific fields and can lead to well-paying jobs with fewer financial burdens.

Another way to support teens is by promoting financial literacy and providing them with the tools they need to manage their money effectively. This can include offering information through JA Connect on budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as resources for managing student debt.

Additionally, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing mentorship and resources for starting a business can help teens achieve their goals while also providing them with valuable skills and experience. This can include JA Connect activities or programs like JA Launch Lesson or JA Company Program.

Ultimately, it is important to recognize the unique challenges that teens face in today’s economic landscape and to provide them with the resources and support they need to navigate these challenges successfully. By investing in the education and well-being of young people, we can help ensure a bright and successful future for all.

To learn more about JA financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs, please visit jausa.ja.org/programs/index.

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MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives $1.9 Million

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (August 22, 2022) — Through her philanthropic giving, MacKenzie Scott continues to change lives and strengthen nonprofit organizations. She recently donated $38.8 million to Junior Achievement USA, making it the largest single gift in the organization’s 103-year history.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of 26 areas to be selected by Scott, receiving $1.9 million. This generous contribution will help to sustain the critical work of preparing every young person to navigate their future, drive our economy and lead our communities. This gift will serve as a lead gift to JA’s $15 million comprehensive campaign, “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow”, helping JA secure its community impact well into the future.

“The lack of skilled talent in the pipeline is one of the top concerns of employers today. To successfully compete and sustain our local economy, we must develop talent that is educated and trained to handle the demand of skilled and technical jobs. The only way to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified talent in the future is to develop the mindset and skillset of every child,” said President & CEO Laurie Sallarulo.

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s momentum has been extraordinary – reaching more than 69,000 students a year during the 2021 school year. “It’s not just about the number of students served, it’s about the depth of the impact JA programs have on students,” said Sallarulo. Through the unique partnership with Broward County Public Schools, JA compliments academics with real-world education in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to ensure that all children are ready and able to succeed in tomorrow’s world. “There is still much work to be done, and this gift will allow us to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and continue to innovate,” Sallarulo added.

Andrew Koenig, JA Board Chair and CEO of CITY Furniture shares, “As a business headquartered in Broward County, we have invested heavily in our future workforce by partnering with JA. This will require an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving schools, parents, businesses, government, funders and philanthropists. This contribution from MacKenzie Scott is a testimony to the importance of our work and the need for us to invest in workforce and financial literacy education. I encourage you to join our mission.”

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About “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” Comprehensive Campaign
Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to unlocking the true potential of every child, regardless of their background and circumstances. This 5-year, $15 million campaign is an opportunity for everyone to ensure every child, today and in the future, can learn to be resourceful, innovative, collaborative and resilient. This will give them a chance to lead a successful and prosperous life and will also secure the future of our community and economy.

“Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” will help sustain JA’s critical mission and help ensure that every child receives the resources, training, education and experiences they will need to face the challenges of succeeding in a complex and unpredictable world. Almost 70% of the students JA serves are from low-income families and will likely not have the opportunity to learn the skills that will allow them to be self-sufficient through employment or entrepreneurship and contribute to the future of our local economy. There are four specific fund opportunities: Capital Investments, Program Innovation Expansion and Scholarships and Endowments. Contact Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer, at [email protected] or (954) 979-7100.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 69,000 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 JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

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“The Great Resignation” has been in the news lately.

There has been significant turnover of young workers, many citing burnout and job dissatisfaction for their reasons to seek other opportunities. For this Labor Day and beyond, Junior Achievement has developed a thought leadership piece and video focusing on the importance of aligning interests, talents, and passion with jobs and how JA learning experiences are one way to do this.

Much has been made in recent months about “The Great Resignation,” the tendency of young workers, primarily Millennials and Generation Z, to quit their jobs to pursue higher-paying, higher growth opportunities. According to a recent survey by Adobe, factors contributing to turnover include pandemic-related burnout, the repetitiveness of duties, poor work/life balance, and general job dissatisfaction. Additional research from Gartner shows that while most HR professionals realize an improved employee experience should be a priority for employers, only 13 percent of current employees are “fully satisfied” with their employment experience. This could help explain why 3.9 million Americans quit their jobs in June of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The question is, “What can be done about this?” It’s not like this is the first time employees have had work/life balance issues, for example. In fact, according to ADP, the concept goes back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when two-income Baby Boomer families were juggling responsibilities at work and home. Since then, there have been many studies that show similar trends with Generation X and older Millennials. As for job satisfaction, for the past two decades, only about half of Americans have expressed satisfaction with their work, according to the Conference Board. And even in the early 1990s and late 1980s, when job satisfaction was at its peak, around 40 percent of Americans were still dissatisfied. The big difference now is what is driving employees to act on these concerns and quit at historic levels?

One factor could be a disconnect between employee’s interests, talents, and the fields in which they work. There’s a common saying attributed to everyone from Marc Antony to Mark Twain to ancient proverbs that goes: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Regardless of who said it, there’s probably some truth to it, given the enduring nature of the sentiment.

The most common denominator behind “The Great Resignation” may be that most people simply don’t like what they are doing for a living. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, of the six most popular college majors, only 27 percent of graduates in those majors continued working in their fields of study following their initial employment out of school. Additionally, the Adobe survey notes that most Gen Z-ers struggling with burnout focus on those aspects of their jobs that they are passionate about to continue working. It’s entirely possible that what’s missing is the alignment of employees’ passions to what they do for a living that can’t be solved by employer perks like occasional free lunches and fitness benefits.

This isn’t to discount contributing factors that cause people to quit jobs, such as bad pay, a toxic workplace, and a lack of growth opportunities. But the fact that it is now happening on such a large scale that it’s become a societal trend should prompt consideration of broader underlying causes, such as the way we think of work and help our young people prepare for it.

At Junior Achievement, part of our focus is to help students become work- and career-ready. We do this by helping them understand the relevance of what they are learning in school to future success. We assist them in exploring their interests and talents as they relate to jobs and careers. Most importantly, we help students understand that higher education isn’t an end unto itself, but instead a means to help them achieve their potential as adults, whether that higher education takes the form of college, trade school, on-the-job training, or some other postsecondary pathway. As a result of this approach, our research shows that 88 percent of adult JA Alumni are satisfied with their careers.

We believe job satisfaction comes from the purpose and meaning derived from that work. That is accomplished by aligning passion, talents, skills, and competencies with that work. When all of this comes together, employee satisfaction has a chance to grow.

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JA Welcomes Universal Insurance Holdings to Finance Park

New storefront in JA Finance Park teaches students about insurance careers and financial literacy

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WELCOMES UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS TO PATTEN FAMILY FOUNDATION JA FINANCE PARK

Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce a partnership with Universal Insurance Holdings (UVE), which has a new University Property & Casualty Insurance storefront at the Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park.

“Universal recognizes that Junior Achievement is at the forefront of guiding the next generation with their financial literacy, particularly in disadvantaged communities that benefit from the programs. As a financial services institution, we value partnering with key community organizations that align with our company mission and provide financial literacy curriculum to our youth,” said Stephen J. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer.

Each year, more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach counties participate in JA Finance Park, where they learn how career pathways and financial decisions impact their lives. Students explore various educational pathways that can lead to rewarding careers and practice managing personal finances such as expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture, and groceries.

The program consists of both career exploration and financial literacy curriculum that teaches them about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings, and credit, while helping students recognize that their education decisions affect their career options and have an impact on their potential income and quality of life. With the guidance of experienced volunteers, paired interactive in-school curriculum and live simulation experience at JA World, students connect the dots between what they learn in school, and the real world.

“Our hope is that the Universal storefront will provide immersive learning that gives students exposure and a deeper understanding of the insurance industry. From owning home insurance to pursuing great career opportunities within the industry and everything in between,” Mr. Donaghy said.

“One of JA’s core values is to ‘Deliver the WOW’. We can’t wait to see what fun, informative and interactive features will be available in Universal’s storefront for students, teachers, and volunteers. Thank you UVE for supporting our mission of empowering our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy and lead our community,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

UVE joins 15 other storefronts sponsors in JA Finance Park that help equip youth with knowledge to budget, save and invest. Learn more about the JA Finance Park program at www.jasouthflorida.org/ja-finance-park.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, home of JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, on Wednesday, October 20. More details will be available soon.

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 Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Universal Insurance Holdings (UVE) is a holding company offering property and casualty insurance and value-added insurance services. We develop, market, and write insurance products for consumers predominantly in the personal residential homeowners lines of business and perform substantially all other insurance-related services for our primary insurance entities, including risk management, claims management and distribution. We sell insurance products through both our appointed independent agents and through our direct online distribution channels in the United States across 19 states (primarily Florida). Learn more at UniversalInsuranceHoldings.com.

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Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

New Generation of Youth to be Introduced to the Plethora of Careers Available in South Florida’s Most Lucrative Job Market

Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 19, 2019: South Florida’s marine industry is a 12 billion/year economic engine that provides the tri-county with 142,000 careers/jobs. In an industry where the skilled trades and specialized career tracks are crucial to its vitality, the maritime community is facing a workforce that’s aging out with skilled labor being very hard to find. Understanding the need to keep the industry thriving with a new generation of workers, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM, and 23 marine industry companies have joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida.

On May 1,2019, Junior Achievement of South Florida will unveil the Marine Industry Storefront, Sea the World, in the Patten Family Finance Park located at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion. Each year more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties learn how financial decisions will impact their lives. These include expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture and groceries.

Prior to visiting JA Finance Park, students engage in a comprehensive classroom curriculum that teaches them about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings and credit. This program helps students recognize that their education decisions affect their career options and have an impact on their potential income and quality of life. At the end of the classroom instruction, students visit JA Finance Park and put what they learned into action by managing a real world inspired personal budget based on local careers in a simulated city. Students are guided by trained volunteers.

“As an owner/operator of a small business invested in the maritime world, I’ve seen first hand how difficult it is to find skilled labor to meet our business growth,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM. “Our industry is a gold mine of opportunities for the next generation. I’ve made a personal commitment to inspire their interest in our field, which, will in turn, maintain the maritime industry as a thriving economic force in the state. Our JA storefront is a major step towards fulfilling this initiative.”

Sea the World is composed of nine walls representing engine room specialists, yachting professionals, shipyard trade workers and other areas like marina management, boat sales, boat building to name a few. Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM with the following 23 companies, raised over $130,000 for the buildout and curriculum development: Maritime Professional Training, Pier 66 Marina, The Triton (newspaper), IGY Marinas, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Palladium Technologies LLC, Aere Marine Group, FB Marine Group, Derecktor Shipyards, Global Marine Travel, Lauderdale Marine Center, Luxury Home Consultants, AdvantageServices.Net, MHG Insurance Brokers, Palmdale Oil Company, RPM Diesel Engines Co., Viking Crew, Ward’s Marine Electric, Water Taxi, Wright Maritime Group, Roscioli Yachting Center, Elite Marine AC and Universal Marine Center. The participating parties are now transitioning into phase 2 of the execution process which will possibly involve custom boat tables, piling with rope, a fighting chair, and other marine themed elements to complete the look and feel of the Marine Industry Storefront.

Media: Please join us May 1, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for a tour through the space, photo opportunities, and a reception with champagne, light appetizers and announcements.

“We are so thrilled to have such a vital industry represented in JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion,” Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Contact: Joanna Ramirez
(954) 764-2678
[email protected]

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