All posts tagged: Junior Achievement

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®

Coconut Creek, FL – Today, Junior Achievement USA, with the support of Discover, is announcing the launch of JA Finance Park Virtual®. The program is designed to help Middle and High School students better understand how to manage money by assigning them simulated life-scenarios and challenging them to successfully manage their finances.

The program, which aligns with national and state educational standards, is delivered by a teacher, with the support of a volunteer from the local business community. This can be done either in-person, online, or in a hybrid model. Students then use a laptop or mobile device to participate in the JA Finance Park Virtual simulation. The program helps teens gain a better understanding of how to assess difficult financial situations and weigh their options.

“Many Americans’ first experience with managing finances is as adults when getting something wrong can have life-changing implications,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “With JA Finance Park Virtual, teens can try, and potentially fail, in a safe environment that includes lessons on money management. We greatly appreciate Discover’s support in helping us get these lessons to as many young people as possible through online delivery.”

“JA Finance Park Virtual gives students the opportunity to learn money management skills needed to make important education, career, and financial decisions, said Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President at Discover, and also a Junior Achievement of Chicago Board member. Helping people achieve brighter financial futures has long been Discover’s mission and we believe that mission extends to the classroom. The lessons learned through JA Finance Park Virtual will benefit teenagers long after they leave school.”

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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND DISCOVER LAUNCH JA FINANCE PARK VIRTUAL®
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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow

Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
Why JA? And Why Now?

By Junior Achievement USA

The Realities of Economic Inequity  

Economic inequity has been a reality in the U.S. throughout its history, and it continues to this day. For instance, research by the Pew Research Center shows that the U.S. has the highest income inequality among G7 nations. Despite a narrowing of income and wealth gaps in recent decades, there continue to be vast disparities, especially between white and Black households. In 1970, for example, there was a 78 percent gap in income between white and Black households. And even though that gap marginally improved over time, it was still 64 percent as of 2018. A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution shows that the median net worth of white families in America is ten times greater than that of Black families.

Hispanics and Latinos in the United States face similar challenges, according to research from the Economic Policy Institute. Hispanic men earn nearly 15 percent less than their white counterparts for similar work requiring comparable skills and education. For Hispanic women, it is 33 percent less. At the same time, while Hispanics and Latinos are making greater gains in postsecondary education, that success isn’t reflected in the commensurate reduction of the wage gap compared to working white Americans.

Other research shows that the overall wealth gap more than doubled between America’s richest and poorest families, regardless of race, between 1989 and 2016. To address economic inequity, substantial systemic changes need to occur that are well beyond the mission of an organization like Junior Achievement. They need to happen on the legislative, legal, policymaking, and institutional fronts. But the pressure to eliminate these barriers needs to happen from both ends of the spectrum; not only from those in positions of oversight, but also from those who aspire to break through color lines, cultural divides, and glass ceilings. 

Lasting institutional change is only possible if the people most likely to benefit are prepared with the information and skills necessary to navigate a changing landscape. Knowledge is power, and Junior Achievement’s proven approach will give today’s young people that power in the form of financial capability, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. These skills will not only improve their lives but will bolster their families, their communities, and our nation.

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Economic Empowerment for a More Equitable and Just Tomorrow
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This 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur Is Helping To Make Travel Germ-Free

This 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur Is Helping To Make Travel Germ-Free

Forbes, October 5, 2020
By Lois Alter Mark 

When 17-year-old Henry Hurowitz fell asleep on an airplane tray table and woke up with a severe rash on his face, he was determined to find out what happened and started doing research.

It turns out that the germs on those tray tables last way longer than the snacks and beverages they hold, and Hurowitz decided to do something about it.

And that was before the pandemic hit.

He and his Junior Achievement of South Florida club members created Germ Genie™, a travel kit filled with TSA-compliant essentials for staying germ-free, including tray table placemats which have become their signature item – and which have become even more important since COVID-19.

Here’s what Hurowitz has to say about making germ-free travel simple and accessible to everyone.

Germ Genie™ is such a great idea. How did it come about?

After falling asleep on an airplane tray table in July 2019, I woke up with a terrible rash on my face. I looked into it and was shocked to discover that they are actually eight times dirtier than a toilet flush button. Studies show that tray tables have contained cold viruses, human parainfluenza viruses, norovirus, the superbug MRSA and, most recently, COVID-19. But there were very limited solutions, which led to the idea of the Airplane Tray Table Placemat.
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This 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur Is Helping To Make Travel Germ-Free
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In Memory of Rick Case

In Memory of Rick Case

Dear Friends,

On September 21st, the community lost one of Florida’s most innovative leaders and courageous businessmen, Rick Case. While building his automotive empire, Rick Case Automotive Group, along with his wife Rita, Rick always found time to support the community personally and also advocated on their behalf to get others involved. He supported so many organizations including Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Rick and Rita were inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 2006 (video below) in recognition of their significant impact in their industry and community. Rick embodies the very values Junior Achievement teaches young people and was an outstanding role model not only for his own children, but did thousands of others.

Something we can all learn from Rick is to be passionate, get involved and take risks. As you drive around South Florida you may see the legacy of Rick, physically, through the establishments of his dealerships, but you will also see the legacy and deep mark he left on our community. He will always be remembered here at Junior Achievement. Our thoughts go out to Rita and the Case family.

Junior Achievement of South Florida

In Memory of Rick Case
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Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA LAUNCHES  
JA WORLD REMOTE LEARNING PROGRAM 

 JA provides a safe and secure environment for 
K-8th grade students during COVID-19  

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has partnered with Community After School (CAS) to re-open JA World Huizenga Center at the Lilian S. Wells Pavilion, a 60,000 square foot learning center, as a safe place for students to learn and thrive as they participate in e-learning this fall.  

Opening August 31, the JA World Remote Learning Program is for students with parents who need to return to work or work from home uninterrupted while their students participate in school learning, as well as other activities to keep them engaged.  

“We know this is a stressful time for parents. Our team hears the stories of parents who lost their jobs or are unable to afford private care for their children while they return to work. Junior Achievement is proud to be a resource to our community, especially for struggling families during times of crisis,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “Despite the risks, opening JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion in Coconut Creek is the right decision for the families that need us.” 

“As a working parent and unable to work at home, I have no place to send my child during school hours so I can return to work. Unfortunately, my employer has threatened to terminate my employment. This program literally saved my job and my family,” said one of the parents registered for the Remote Learning Program. 

The first Remote Learning Program session is August 31-October 2, excluding Labor Day (September 7), and additional 5-week sessions will be added based on the Broward County Public Schools’ schedule during COVID-19. This program is available for students who are enrolled in Broward Schools and families whose income is within the sliding scale. Costs range from $5-$400 per student for each 5-week session depending on individual family household incomes. The hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

In addition to the students’ daily schoolwork from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., JA will be providing them traditional financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs via virtual platforms, as well as enriching activities from 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. offered by our partner CAS. 

All CDC guidelines will be strictly enforced. These include social distancing, daily health screenings, proactive hand hygiene and face covering practices, strict stay at home policies to ensure the safety of the students and professional staff.  

The Remote Learning Program is also creating jobs. JA is hiring a Learning Program Director position and 24 additional Learning Pod Leaders to provide guidance to the students and assure safety measures are followed closely. 

For more information about the JA Remote Learning Program, including student registration, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/RemoteLearning or call (954) 979-7100. 

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. 

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Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program
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JA Alumni Report – May 2020

JA Alumni Report – May 2020

Introduction

A new survey of 1,002 Junior Achievement alumni conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Junior Achievement USA – an organization that aims to develop work-place readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in students through volunteer-led talks, exercises, and programs – finds that the Junior Achievement (JA) program had a strong impact on JA alumni’s professional and personal development into adulthood and the working-world.

Junior Achievement Alumni Business Owners

Half of JA alumni have started or owned a business in at least one point in time in their lives (53%) according to survey results. One-third report they owned or started one business (35%) and 18% say they owned or started multiple businesses. About three-quarters of JA alumni business owners say their businesses are still operating today (72%). This is far higher than the nationwide average – according to the U.S. Census, just 6%
of Americans are self-employed. Those who are both JA alumni business owners and who report that they worked in the same field as their JA volunteer are more likely to say their business is still operation (82%) than the other JA entrepreneurs. Over half report having small to mid-size businesses that had 50 or fewer employees (63%), while 38% said they owned larger businesses with 51 employees or more.

• Men and women JA alumni are equally likely to say they have started or partnered in multiple
businesses. This makes women who are JA alumni slightly more likely than the national population
to own a business. In 2017, 39% of all U.S. firms were owned by women.

• Younger JA alumni are more likely to say they have started multiple businesses (23%) than those
ages 35-54 (15%) and those ages 55+ (13%).

• JA alumni from the South are more likely to say they have started one business (41%) compared to
one-third of those in the Northeast (30%), Midwest (31%) and West (31%).

Impact on Future Decisions

About 4 in 5 JA alumni report that the JA program played a somewhat important or very important role in their decision to pursue further education (79%), their professional development (79%), and their personal development (78%). Fifty-one percent (51%) of JA alumni have college degrees, much higher
than that nationwide average of 33%. Eighty-five percent (85%) of JA alumni say the JA program played an important role in fostering the belief that they could achieve their goals, and 83% say it also played an important role in boosting their confidence in new situations. Three-quarters say it played an important role in their career path (75%). Those who ended up in working in the same field as their JA volunteer are even more likely to say that the JA program played an important role in their career path (88%), their confidence (90%), the belief they could achieve their goals (92%), their professional development (88%), their personal development (87%) and their decision to pursue further education (88%).

• Women and men JA alumni are equally likely to say the JA program played an important role in their decision to pursue further education, personal development, helping them believe they could achieve their goals, and giving them confidence in new situations. While strong majorities of both men and women report that the program played an important role in their professional development (82% and 74% respectively) and their career path (78% and 69% respectively), men were more likely to say the program was important in shaping those aspects of their lives.

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JA Alumni Report – May 2020
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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM TO HELP
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS BROWARD COUNTY

City of Coconut Creek, FL – On Saturday, July 11th Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) will be distributing backpacks from 10 am to 1 pm at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Parkway in Coconut Creek. The backpacks will be filled with youth financial education materials, books, healthcare information, gift cards, snacks and other relevant items.

JASF has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition and other nonprofits who serve families in need to receive the backpacks. Farm Share, Inc. will be on site to provide fresh fruit to families registered to pick up backpacks

There has never been a more important time to stress the critical need for financial literacy than now. Since the day schools closed due to COVID-19, JASF provided free online resources to BCPS, teachers, students and parents so they had the tools to continue to educate our children on the importance of making informed financial decisions that can have a lasting impact.

Now that schools are closed for the summer, JASF stepped up once again and implemented an initiative to reach thousands of children with financial literacy education. Also, through a joint effort with community partners, the backpacks will include reading and health literacy information.

“In school, out of school and at home, learning never stops,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JASF, “That’s why JA has launched the Books, Bucks & Backpack initiative. The goal of this powerful movement is to financially educate children and families who need it most, so they may be empowered to have a more prosperous future. It is also to bring much needed awareness and importance around financial literacy as a cornerstone of education and a strategy for economic recovery.”

Books, Bucks and Backpacks partners currently include American Express, Hudson Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Community Care Plan, First Horizon Foundation, TD Bank, Kemet, Office Depot, Citrix, Rick Case Automotive, Health Foundation of South Florida, Ultimate Software, Truist Bank, Nova Southeastern University, PNC Bank, Bank of America, e-Builder, CrewFacilities.com, Dickinson-Wright, Broward College, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, JetBlue, GL Homes, Broward Health, Miami Book Fair, Chick-fil-A, Florida Panthers and numerous individual donors.

“There has never been a more important time to share financial literacy education. That is why American Express is supporting Junior Achievement’s Books, Bucks and Backpacks campaign. We want to help spread this knowledge to children and families,” said Franki Lupo Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager, American Express.

For more information on how others can support this campaign, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/GivingToLiteracy, contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or email [email protected].

 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.

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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families
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Why JA? And Why Now?

Why JA? And Why Now?
Why JA? And Why Now?
A Response to the Uncertainty and Inequity Facing Gen Z

By Junior Achievement USA

Growing Up in a Time of Uncertainty

The economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis has impacted everyone. But it has been particularly challenging for women, African-Americans and Hispanics, those lacking education beyond high school, and, most notably, the young. Generation Z, including the class of 2020, has been dubbed the” Pandemic Generation,” and the “Lockdown Generation.” This is due to the sudden and dramatic decline of economic opportunity for those graduating high school and college amidst a historic pandemic. There are already concerns that if something isn’t done to bolster its prospects soon, Generation Z is at risk of becoming a “lost generation,” illprepared to achieve its potential in a world that is already challenging to navigate for the young.

Confronting Inequity

At the same time, economic inequity has been a reality in the U.S. throughout its history, but it continues to this day. For instance, research by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows the U.S. has the highest income inequality among G7 nations. Despite a narrowing of income and wealth gaps in recent decades, there continue to be vast disparities, especially between white and black households. For example, in 1970, there was a 78 percent gap in income between white and black households. And even though that gap marginally improved over time, it was still 64 percent as of 2018. A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution also shows that the median net worth of white families in America is ten times greater than that of black families. Other research shows that the overall wealth gap more than doubled between America’s richest and poorest families between 1989 and 2016.

At this moment, this generation’s perceptions of our country and what it stands for are being shaped in ways that will define their entire lives. The question is, will those perceptions be of hope, opportunity, and unlimited possibilities? Or will they be something else entirely. To ensure the former, this means addressing the uncertainty and inequity in our country. Undoubtedly, there are substantial systemic changes that need to happen that are beyond the mission of an organization like Junior Achievement. These changes need to occur on the legislative, legal, and policymaking fronts, and they appear to be taking place. The hope is these changes will once and for all eliminate structural barriers to progress for everyone aspiring to reach their potential in this country.

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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs

For Immediate Release      

For More Information Contact:

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

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RECEIVES $2,932 DONATION FROM FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

JA Fellows Company Program team Germ Genie wins $1,000 donation to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and adds $1,932.56

Coconut Creek, Florida- Junior Achievement of South Florida is proud to announce that NSU University School’s Germ Genie won the JA Fellows Company Commercial People’s Choice Award. The prize was a $1,000 donation to Germ Genie’s benefiting organization, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

The People’s Choice Award was an online competition for individuals to vote for their favorite JA Fellows Company Program commercials. Twelve one-minute commercials were produced by the JA Fellows teams. Germ Genie received the most votes and was announced the winner during the virtual JA Fellows Spark Tank Finale on May 9th.

“It is so thoughtful of the students to direct the proceeds from their incredibly prophetic product, and also their award funds, to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,” said Kevin Janser, chief development officer at the children’s hospital’s nonprofit foundation. “Congratulations to them for their creativity and success. It’s very encouraging to see these brilliant young entrepreneurs giving back in such a meaningful way.”

In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Germ Genie won the JA Company of the Year locally and was one of two teams invited to compete at the JA USA National Student Leadership Summit on June 15-18. There, the team captured 2nd place in the JA National Company of the Year Award, as well as received the ICE NYSE Best Financial Performance Award and Delta Social Impact Award.

“Our success has helped us to better support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, whom will receive 10% of our overall profits. We are fortunate to be able to help those children who are most at risk of contracting an illness from unwanted germs,” said Henry Hurowitz, CEO of Germ Genie.

Germ Genie’s mission to stop the spread of germs started with their original product, the Airplane Tray Table Placemats. Now their product line includes The Premium Package, a compact, reusable pouch filled with products that provide all the essentials for staying germ free on the go: Airplane Tray Table Placemats, medical face masks, disinfecting surface wipes, latex-free gloves, 62% alcohol based hand sanitizer, and a headrest cover. They also offer upgrade options for kits that include either 1 or 2 N95 respiratory masks for extra protection.

In just six months, the team has generated gross revenues of $45,807 with a net profit of $15,124. Germ Genie is committed to being a socially responsible company as they continue to grow and develop their success. These entrepreneurs will continue to donate 10% of all sales to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, one of the region’s largest hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a child-friendly atmosphere.

About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of South Florida’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one pediatric trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.

The hospital’s nonprofit foundation raises funds to assist patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.

To learn more about the children’s hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

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 PalmBeach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA FinancePark. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

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Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Receives Donation from Future Entrepreneurs
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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards

For Immediate Release      

For More Information Contact:

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

Social Media: @JASouthFLorida

LOCAL JA FELLOWS TEAM GERM GENIE WINS THREE NATIONAL AWARDS

NSU University School’s Germ Genie finishes in 2nd place among 15 student-run companies at JA USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is proud to announce that Germ Genie, the JA Fellows Company Program team from NSU University School, won three awards at Junior Achievement USA’s 2020 National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

In addition to finishing in 2nd Place for the coveted National JA Company of the Year Award, Germ Genie won the Best Financial Performance, Delta Social Impact and EY Innovation awards. Teen entrepreneurs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Good Scents also competed.

“We are thrilled to see these two highly innovative teams represent Junior Achievement of South Florida at this prestigious competition for the 5th consecutive year,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “We applaud the students for their outstanding efforts, their teachers, mentors and our community partners who continue to support our entrepreneurship program.”

This year’s summit ran from June 15th-18th and will was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifteen JA Fellow company teams (out of more than 500 nationwide) were invited to compete at the JA NSLS. The student companies competing 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 virtual presentation to a panel of business leaders, and on their company’s performance.

Germ Genie won the Delta Social Impact Award by creating a solution to address a local, national or global social concern by connecting customers, stakeholders and community; demonstrating great customer service; advancing education in their company and creating value through innovation in all aspects of their business. The teens also had to describe the lessons they learned.

The ICE NYSE Foundation Best Financial Performance Award. The award was presented to the Junior Achievement (JA) student company that performed the best against criteria including profitability, investor expectations, employee earnings, product quality, leadership, and operational efficiency.

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 2019-2020 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.

Good Scents started off with a citrus scented oil to help combat decreased energy and poor moods and to help improve daily functions. Their product line now includes an air freshener and they have expanded their scents to include lemongrass, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon and much more. These students were not only tasked with creating their product, but they also had to budget, plan, market and sell their finished product.

“JA has taught me numerous skills, including marketing a business, project management, and presenting myself professionally. It has allowed me to further enhance and develop my skills in hospitality, finance and marketing,” said Hunter Dorman, President of Good Scents.

Germ Genie came up with an airplane tray table cover to help limit the spread of tray table bacteria and viruses. Their product line has diversified as well, and now includes a travel pack with face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and a head rest cover. This student company has been successful in bringing in revenue and partnering with other businesses to bring awareness to their product.

“After doing much research, we discovered that tray tables are eight times dirtier than a toilet flush-button. There is nothing like our tray table cover on the market. In just four months, we have over $45,000 in revenue. In addition to individual sales, Germ Genie sold in bulk to AutoNation, BBX Capital and PTM Travel. We are currently in discussions with Delta Air Lines, Hudson News, Royal Caribbean and other large companies,” said Henry Hurowitz, President of Germ Genie.

The student companies that competed 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.

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)

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 4.7 million students per year in 106 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 more information.

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Local JA Fellows Team Germ Genie Wins Three National Awards
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