All posts tagged: florida

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.

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 Ch*********@************da.org 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 Career Discovery 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

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Support will also include work and career readiness and entrepreneurship lessons

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (October 19, 2022) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of five local JA operations across the country participating in a partnership with Synovus Bank. Synovus recently contributed $250,000 to Junior Achievement USA through its Here Matters Community Fund to deliver lessons on financial literacy, essential life skills, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship to thousands of students in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The lessons will educate and empower children throughout their journeys toward a bright and successful future. The Synovus contribution was the bank’s first donation to a nonprofit since establishing the community fund.

Through this partnership, Junior Achievement of South Florida, alongside local Synovus Bank representatives, will determine which learning experiences best meet the needs of the Broward and south Palm Beach communities.

“Our research shows students are eager to learn about money, business ownership, and work and careers, but they often don’t know where to go for help,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “With the commitment of Synovus, we will be able to help thousands of young people gain knowledge in these critical life skills.”

JA learning experiences depend on volunteers from partners like Synovus to help bring lessons to life for the students it serves. As part of Synovus’ community outreach program called Here Matters, Synovus team members will help teach JA programs in local schools.

“At Synovus, our purpose is to enable people to reach their full potential,” said Sean Simpson, Synovus’ FL Division CEO. “JA inspires young people to take charge of their financial futures, and we’re proud to partner with the nonprofit to strengthen communities and positively impact future generations.”

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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 Career Discovery Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About Synovus Bank

Synovus Bank, a Georgia-chartered, FDIC-insured bank, provides commercial and retail banking and a full suite of specialized products and services, including private banking, treasury management, wealth management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, and international banking through branches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Synovus is a Great Place to Work-Certified Company and is on the web at synovus.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

For More Information, Contact:

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

Bank Awards Dillard High Senior Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

By Mary Lou Cruz, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Read the article here

Comerica Bank Florida recently presented Junior Achievement of South Florida Fellow Shatasia Daniels with its $1,000 Gift of Knowledge scholarship during a virtual presentation. The award supports a deserving graduating senior who plans to pursue a business degree in college or as a budding entrepreneur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniels is a member of the Dillard High School class of 2020 who will attend Florida State University in the fall. She is the first recipient of this scholarship in the state.

The JA Fellows company program is an in-depth and highly intensive leadership and entrepreneurship opportunity for high school students. Participants gain real-world business experience where they learn how to conceptualize, capitalize and manage their own small business.

According to Junior Achievement, graduating students are often inadequately prepared to participate in a meaningful way to their community’s success because they lack basic skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. Also, financial literacy is not mandatory or even offered in some traditional education systems; therefore, young people need the tools to make sound financial decisions once they enter the workforce.

Press

Eye on South Florida March 2018: Annual Light Up The Night

Annual Light Up The Night Raises Funds And Awareness For Junior Achievement of South Florida

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida raised more than $30,000 at its recent 5th Annual Light Up The Night event held on Tuesday, March 13, at Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar in Boca Raton, FL.

Three outstanding couples were honored this year for their support to Junior Achievement. They were Ryan and Merideth Leeds, Mark and Sharon Warren, Steve Nudelberg and Michelle Esposito.

“It is a passion for both Michelle and myself to work with the kids Junior Achievement serves. They inspire to be entrepreneurs and are eager to learn. When you get to do what you love with the people you love, that’s what I call success,” Nudelberg said.

The evening also featured: food provided by Rapoport’s Restaurant Group (Henry’s, Deck 84, Burt & Max’s and Prezzo); fashion by Gent Row, Beyond Proper by Boston Proper and Kendra Scott; exotic autos from Excell Auto Group; music; and networking.

Many thanks to the sponsors, including IMI, EY, Capitol Lighting, Coastal-Pacific Wine and Spirits of California, Motiv8, On the Ball Marketing, WZZR Real Radio 94.3, iHeartRadio, Simply the Best Magazine and Eye On South Florida. Also thanks to the committee members: Junior Achievement of South Florida Board Members Chris Cavanagh, Jim Constantine, Alan Gross and Mitch Welin; honoree Ryan Leeds; and Casa de Montrecristo by Prime Cigar owner David Resnick.

“Our Light Up The Night is an effort for us to connect with businesses and leaders in the south Palm Beach County area. It’s was a tremendous fundraiser and opportunity to raise awareness of our three pillars of education – entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO. “We were thrilled to honor these special couples for their dedication to our programs. Thank you to everyone who came to Light Up The Night!”

CLICK HERE to read article on Eye on South Florida.

Press

All posts tagged: florida

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.

Junior Achievement Partners with Synovus Bank to Deliver Financial Literacy Lessons

Support will also include work and career readiness and entrepreneurship lessons

Sun Sentinel June 2020: Comerica Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

Bank Awards Dillard High Senior Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

Eye on South Florida March 2018: Annual Light Up The Night