All posts tagged: JA Fellows

Sun Sentinel June 2020: Comerica Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

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.

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South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

South Florida Business and Wealth July 2019: JA’s Entrepreneurial Students Offer Consulting Services

By Sally Ann O’Dowd
July 2019 Issue

From learning the ropes of supply chain management to studying the latest in big data, Geomani Brooks was not a typical high school graduate. His evening routine of researching companies likewise showed exceptional rigor for his age.

But such are the interests and habits Brooks developed during his two years in Junior Achievement of South Florida, as a junior and senior at South Broward High School. From there, he earned a 2018 summer internship at City Furniture, whose president, Andrew Koenig, is a JA board member.

“I was shadowing the global logistics team for two months,” recalls Brooks, who will enter his sophomore year at Broward College in the fall. “Each day , I would shadow a different person, and learn how they do things as individuals and as a team. It was amazing, how much went into sourcing fabrics; they were very aware of where they got products from and child labor laws. That was one of the first questions I asked them.”

Click to Read Full South Florida Business & Wealth Article

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Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

For Immediate Release
June 25, 2019

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

Junior Achievement Teen Entrepreneurs Receive Scholarship

Two Junior Achievement of South Florida teams compete against 13 other student-run companies at National Student Leadership Summit. Pure Serenity places in top 3.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – On Wednesday, June 19, in Washington, D.C., the teen entrepreneurs of Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School company team, “Pure Serenity”, won second place among 15 JA student companies. Teams competed to win the JA Company of the Year at Junior Achievement’s (JA) 2019 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

The South Florida teens representing their student company in Washington D.C. were awarded a scholarship. The scholarships provided to the five students represent each of the top three finishing teams. Pure Serenity team members were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Achievement Foundation.

The annual JA Company of the Year Competition is a contest of business skills, ingenuity and innovation that focuses on the accomplishments of U.S. JA Company Program^® students, ages 15-18. Reaching more than 10,000 U.S. students during the 2018-19 school year that created nearly 500 start-up companies, JA Company Program gives teens the skills to start and run their own businesses under the mentorship of local business volunteers. The teens develop a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer or community need/service, they secure investments, produce, source, market and sell their product or service.

Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to have two JA Fellow Company teams selected as part of 15 finalist teams to compete in Washington, D.C. for four consecutive years.

“I am very proud of our team! The JA Fellows Company program has allowed us to learn how a business operates, and we have gained firsthand experience in running a profitable business. Thanks to Junior Achievement of South Florida, our teacher and mentor advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets that provide a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

In addition to Pure Serenity, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s NSU University School company team VIBEzzz was invited to the National Student Leadership Summit. VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to keep drivers from falling asleep behind the wheel.

“Congratulations to the JA Fellows students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and University School for being selected as two of the top fifteen teams in the country! Both teams did an incredible job representing Junior Achievement of South Florida and our community and special congratulations to Pure Serenity for bringing home second place. We are proud of the deep impact this program has on over 500 students in 25 high schools across Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO. “These students have developed the skills it takes to run a company, including consensus building, fostering relationships, team work, accountability, perseverance, hard work and adaptability. This program is nothing short of transformational!”

The student companies competing at the JA NSLS were assessed on their financial performance, individual team members’ personal and professional development, on a self-produced commercial about their product or service, on their team’s live presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance at an Entrepreneurship Expo on Capitol Hill attended by Members of Congress.

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)
Celebrating its centennial in 2019, 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 107 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.

Junior Achievement 2019 National Student Leadership Summit

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JA Fellows Teams at NSLS 2019 on ABC News

ABC7 Sarasota Coverage of NSLS 2019

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Two Schools Compete at National Student Leadership Summit

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2019

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

Marjory Stoneman Douglas and NSU University School Students to Compete at Junior Achievement’s National Student Leadership Summit

Two local groups of teen entrepreneurs will go head-to-head against 13 other teams in Washington, D.C., June 16-20.

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – For the fourth consecutive year, Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce two JA Fellows student companies have been selected as part of 15 finalist teams (out of 700+ across the U.S.) to compete at the Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) in Washington, D.C.

The Junior Achievement of South Florida student teams Pure Serenity (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School) and VIBEzzz (NSU University School) are two of the 26 teams that participated in our local JA Fellows Company program. Students, teachers and their advisors will be traveling to the nation’s capital for the three-day event, June 16-20, to compete with other teen entrepreneurs for the National JA Company of the Year.

This 10-month program provides an opportunity for high school students to start and run a real business enterprise under the guidance of business mentors from the local community. The teens devise a product/service designed to fill an unmet consumer need/service, they secure investments, and produce and market their product or service.

“The JA Fellows program has allowed us to learn how business operates, and we have been able to gain firsthand experience in running a profitable business. We have strengthened our sales and communication skills and learned more about customer service and engagement. Thanks to Junior Achievement, our teacher and advisors for this incredible experience,” said Lexi Ofstein, President of Pure Serenity, at the recent Light Up The Night event.

Pure Serenity produces and markets fashionable lava bead diffuser bracelets. It provides a simple and convenient way to maintain well-being and reduce stress through the power of essential oils. Some of the proceeds from sales were donated to Parkland Cares, a local resource to help individuals cope with tragedy.

VIBEzzz is a smartwatch that connects to a user’s cellphone via Bluetooth and detects heart rates, tracks exercise and most importantly, vibrates to wake up drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.

“We are so proud of this program and the deep impact it has on over 500 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallaurlo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These students have discovered firsthand how to apply their education to the real world of business. We are thrilled to have two teams competing again this year. We look forward to seeing them shine on the national stage and in the years to come.”

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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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/.

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.

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“It doesn’t feel like volunteer work, because you are having fun too! Thank you Junior Achievement of South Florida for allowing RVG & Company the opportunity to volunteer at JA World and be part of your family.” – Brittany Nehring, RVG & Company Employee.

Each year, more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community help teach core principles around financial literacy, career skills and entrepreneurship, to students in the classrooms and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. These mentors include working and retired business professionals, corporate teams, parents, and college students. We have a wide range of opportunities from a few hours in JA BizTown guiding 5th-grade students as they learn how a real city operates or JA Finance Park helping 8th grade students on how to manage their personal finance through budgeting to classroom experiences that range from once a week to 15 sessions with high school students in JA Fellows as they operate their own real business throughout the school year.

Watch Brittany’s testimonial and be inspired to volunteer your time for any worthwhile organization, like JA, that has a lasting impact on our community.

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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.

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