educators Archives - Junior Achievement of South Florida

In line with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ workforce education goals, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has expanded its pre-apprenticeship training programs. Graduating participants will publicly announce their career path selections at a declaration celebration on May 31.

COCONUT CREEK, FL — The declaration celebration is being hosted in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor nationwide Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW), which takes place May 5-11, with events throughout the month of May.

JA’s pre-apprenticeship program offers students an alternative to college by providing them the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications and work for local companies in the marine and construction industries.

There has been a recent resurgence of pre-apprenticeship opportunities both nationally and statewide as educators, politicians and entrepreneurs fight to give young people new pathways for success. Taking on costly student loans to attend universities is out of reach for many young Americans; pre-apprenticeships offer a proven method to advance students to well-paying careers.

Hiring pre-apprentices is a win-win scenario for both the students, who enter the program at no cost, and to industry employers, who are struggling to fill vacancies in their workforces caused by the “silver tsunami” of retiring workers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized the importance of pre-apprenticeship opportunities when in 2019 he publicly set a goal of making Florida the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. He then passed the 2021 Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH 2.0) Act to increase pre-apprenticeship opportunities across the state.

JA currently offers six pre-apprenticeship pathways including: yacht service technician, marine technician, electrician, plumbing, roofing and HVAC, with additional career tracks in broadband/telecommunications and water waste operations coming soon. Students can earn tuition-free certifications in Mercury Technician Essential Knowledge (M-TEK), OSHA 10 (Maritime and Construction), CPR/first aid, forklift operation and Florida Boating Safety Care. They also can earn $600 in milestone incentives.

The success stories from this program are remarkable. For example, Ryan Rosas, a graduate of the program, came to JA as a product of the foster care system and a ward of the state. He had few options for his future. At the time he was working three different jobs just to stay afloat. Now he is working for DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, making more than he had made at all three of his previous jobs combined.

“The program allowed him to establish his independence and sidestep the pitfalls that a lot of students from the foster care system hit, where when they age out, they disappear into the abyss,” said Felix Collazo, JA’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program Director. “The program was life-changing for him.”¬¬

Media professionals are invited to attend the Declaration Celebration on May 31. Opportunities to interview students and industry professionals participating in the pre-apprenticeship program are available at any time. Please contact Senior Marketing Manager Christopher Miller at [email protected] or (954) 979-7110 to arrange.

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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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INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, and American teens are no exception to this trend. The impact of AI on American teens is both positive and negative, with both opportunities and challenges arising from this technology.

One of the most significant positive impacts of AI on American teens is the increasing availability of educational resources. AI-powered learning tools and virtual assistants can provide personalized learning experiences, making education more engaging and effective. Additionally, AI can help identify students who may be struggling and provide targeted support to help them succeed.

On the other hand, AI can also pose challenges for American teens. One major concern is the potential for job displacement as AI automation replaces many routine jobs. This can lead to economic inequality and social unrest, particularly for those without the skills needed to work with or develop AI technology.

Another potential impact of AI on American teens is the growing concern over privacy and security. AI algorithms are becoming increasingly adept at collecting, analyzing, and using vast amounts of personal data, which can be used for targeted advertising or even surveillance. This raises concerns about the safety of personal information, particularly for teens who are more likely to share personal information online.

Furthermore, AI can also have an impact on mental health. For example, social media platforms that use AI algorithms to curate content can create filter bubbles, reinforcing existing biases and creating echo chambers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, AI is transforming the world around us, including the lives of American teens. While there are opportunities for AI to improve education and provide new career paths, there are also concerns about job displacement, privacy, and mental health. It is essential for policymakers, educators, and parents to work together to ensure that the benefits of AI are maximized while minimizing its negative impacts on the next generation.

– Introduction Authored by ChatGPT AI Introduction

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JA Joins Nationwide Pre-Apprenticeship Week Celebration

In line with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ workforce education goals, Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has expanded its pre-apprenticeship training programs. Graduating participants will publicly announce their career path selections at a declaration celebration on May 31.

INTRODUCTION