All posts tagged: elected officials

Buy! Sell! JA Stock Market Challenge Returns

Broward County High School Students Compete in JA Stock Market Challenge

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2024) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is gearing up for the return of its highly anticipated Stock Market Challenge, presented by Fifth Third Bank, taking place from February 28th to March 1st, 2024, at the JA World Huizenga Center, Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. The event features a Stakeholder Showcase on February 29th, which brings together community leaders, elected officials and the School District of Broward County Board Members.

This year’s Stock Market Challenge is set to be the largest yet, with 20 schools and approximately 1,800 students participating in a simulated stock market environment — a fast-paced educational experience that is exciting and filled with energy!

EVENT ITINERARY

February 28 – Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

February 29 – Stakeholder Showcase is 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

March 1 – Two sessions from 8:30 AM-10:30 AM and 11:00 AM-1:15 PM

Students participate in classroom lessons learning about investments like stocks, diversification and the risks, as well as a simulation. During the challenge, student teams compete against each other with $500,000 in imitation currency, making initial stock selections from more than 25 fictitious companies. The team with the stock portfolio boasting the highest net worth at the end of the challenge emerges victorious. The top three overall high school teams also have an opportunity to compete at the national level.

Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JA, emphasized, “The key to triumph in this challenge unfolds as students harness the power of collaboration within their teams, coupled with a profound grasp of the financial impact that real-world circumstances have on the stock market. Stock Market Challenge is just a glimpse into the myriad of programs JA delivers, igniting the passion within our youth.”

This year’s Stock Market Challenge is proudly sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Fifth Third Bank, as well as Broward Sheriff’s Office and Coastal Wealth Community Impact Foundation. JA extends special thanks to its over 5,100 community volunteers for mentoring youth in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness programs, impacting 80,000 students annually.

Julio Ramirez, Market President, Fifth Third Bank, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “As the Presenting Sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge, we’re honored to participate in the program and share in the enthusiasm the high school students of Broward County will experience during this impactful initiative.”

Watch highlights from the 2023 event – CLICK HERE. JA Stock Market Challenge photos are available upon request.

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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 80,000 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.

About Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association, is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com.

Buy! Sell! JA Stock Market Challenge Returns
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Welcomes New Partners

On March 26, Junior Achievement of South Florida held a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally recognize generous gifts made by several donors. Along with 75 community leaders, elected officials and JA supporters, four new partners joined us to cut their ribbons and officially unveil the areas named on their behalf.

“This donation and ribbon cutting signifies so much more than a name change,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of JA. “It’s supporters like the Lillian S. Wells Foundation that allow us to continue our mission in empowering the young people in our community with important career and life skills.”

Thanks to a very substantial gift from the Lillian S. Wells Foundation, JA World’s official building name is now JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. After celebrating the unveiling of the new outdoor sign, guests entered the main doors into the JM Family Enterprises Inc. Atrium, named with a generous gift to support capital improvements of the JA World facility. Only a few steps to the right of the Atrium guests then entered the Falcone Family JA BizTown through the new Moss Family Art Park, a beautiful area designed to expose students to the arts. Finally, guests followed the main street of JA BizTown to the new and exciting  Florida Panthers storefront, where JA students learn about career opportunities in the sports industry.

JA is incredibly grateful for each of these supporters as they help us educate 50,000 students each year. Their support will  help us to bring workforce skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programming to 50,000 students each year and help secure the future of the world-class center. Please enjoy the short video clip of this special morning!

Junior Achievement of South Florida Welcomes New Partners
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