All posts tagged: workforce

South Florida Broadband Careers Awareness Day

South Florida Broadband Careers Awareness Day

South Florida Broadband Careers Awareness Day is expected to set the national template for other states

WIRELESSESTIMATOR.COM

South Florida will host the first national Broadband Careers Awareness Day, a broadband industry coalition led by Broadband Careers and supported by Junior Achievement of South Florida and Neptuno USA, Corp.

Open to the public at no charge (REGISTER HERE), the promoters have provided an opportunity for telecommunication companies, education providers, industry associations, and representatives of state, local, and federal agencies to convene on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Junior Achievement of South Florida facilities at 1130 Coconut Creek Blvd, Coconut Creek, FL to brainstorm and discuss the many challenges and opportunities that are arising around broadband deployment. 

There will also be a strong focus on the attractive career paths offered to the youth looking to enter a dynamic, rewarding, and essential workforce.

Junior Achievement serves 80,000 students in Broward and South Palm Beach counties through the efforts of more than 7,000 volunteers.

Commissioner Carr and other dignitaries will be represented

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, an avid supporter of workforce development, will provide virtual opening remarks to attendees that will include Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz; Sean Lewis, Florida’s Chief of Broadband Initiatives; as well as officials from the City of Coconut Creek and representatives of Broward College, Miami Dade Community College, and Learning Alliance.

Representing industry associations will be Dr. Gemma Frock, Director of Workforce Development for NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, and Amelia de Jesus, Vice President of Workforce Solutions for WIA – the Wireless Infrastructure Association.

Miami Tech Works will also be in attendance. They have a coalition of over 200 stakeholders in the “tech” ecosystem that brings together a critical group of business leaders with education and training providers to align academic programs with the needs of employers.

Numerous industry companies like MasTec Network Solutions and SBA Communications Corporation support the initiative.

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South Florida Broadband Careers Awareness Day
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JA Hosts Community Impact Breakfast

JA Hosts Community Impact Breakfast

Storefront Ribbon-Cutting and Community Impact Honoree Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broward County, FL — On October 24, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) will host its annual Community Impact Breakfast to honor JA partners, trailblazing leaders and unveil new and refreshed storefronts in JA World’s simulated cities — JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Every year more than 80,000 local students participate in experiential classroom lessons and JA World simulations, learning financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workplace readiness so they can be prepared for the future.

This event is an opportunity for local leaders in business, education and philanthropy to network and celebrate the impact JA and its partners are having on the lives of our youth.  JA is honored to recognize community leaders and organizations dedicated to empowering and supporting youth through workforce development. The 2023 Impact Honorees are:

  • Stefano Selorio, Carevocacy – Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Michael Fischler – JA Board Impact Leader
  • Broward County – Government Partner
  • Broward Sheriff’s Office – Community Partner
  • TD Bank – Corporate Partner

We are pleased to announce Dr. Peter Licata, newly appointed Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, will be the keynote speaker to kick off the 2023-2024 school year partnership.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to helping our children find their passion and prepare to achieve their career goals,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “JA World is a unique asset in our community that provides an opportunity for students to connect academics and the real world of work. We’re so proud to welcome our new storefront partners, who are providing memorable opportunities for students to explore career pathways and learn valuable skills that will serve them as they enter the workforce.”

The storefronts, which are sponsored by local businesses, serve as fun, experiential learning experiences as our students begin to inform perceptions about brands of choice, career pathways and household/business financial management. Thanks to a partnership with Broward County Public Schools, every fifth grader and eighth grader in Broward County participates in JA’s immersive programs in the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

The 2023 list of new storefront partners to be recognized at this event includes: Aetna CVS Health, Amazon, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Children’s Services of Broward County, It’s A 10 Haircare, Cozen O’Connor, Farris Foundation, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, South Florida Symphony Orchestra and United Way of Broward. Refreshed storefront partners include CITY Furniture, JM Family Enterprises (JM Toyota) and Sea the World, which features various marine industry businesses.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at:

JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion
(1130 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL 33066)
8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
8:15 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Impact Awards Presentation

This is an INVITATION ONLY event. To inquire about sponsorships, please contact Robyn Harper at [email protected] or call (954) 979-7124.

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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 5,100 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.

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

JA Hosts Community Impact Breakfast
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Marine Industry Partners Commit to Renew Storefront

Marine Industry Partners Commit to Renew Storefront

The Marine Industry Storefront exists to educate the younger generation about the multitude of career opportunities in the maritime community

Coconut Creek, FL – August 30, 2022- In response to the workforce crisis being faced by marine industry employers, a group of local companies came together to educate young people about the variety of meaningful, good-paying jobs across the industry. The “Sea the World” storefront at Junior Achievement’s educational facility, JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, opened originally in 2019. Since then, almost 80,000 8th-grade students have experienced this interactive, simulated space that allows them to learn about career pathways across the marine industry.

We are proud to announce that the group of companies involved has grown and the storefront sponsorship has been renewed for three additional school years.  This renewal initiative was led by Christine Battles, AMESolutions.com and Sea The World Spear header, and Megan Lagasse, Marine Director at Pier Sixty-Six.

“The maritime community faces an aging workforce, with skilled labor being very hard to find. In an industry where skill sets and specialized career tracks are vital to its prosperity, it is important to expose young people early on to the various career pathways within the industry,” said Christine Battles. “It was quite a challenge to bring the industry and environment alive on the walls of the storefront, but when you visit you will see how we showcased shipyard trade workers, engine room specialists, yachting professionals, and other career specialties like marina management, training, boat building and more.”

Junior Achievement of South Florida provides programs both in classrooms and at JA World that bring real-world experiential education around work readiness skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to almost 70,000 students each year. The JA Finance Park program is focused on providing career exploration and pathway opportunities across industries. It is also focused on personal finance education for every 8th grader in Broward County Public Schools where students learn to manage the income they earn.

One of the 8th grade JA Finance Park students shared, “This program helped me to see what it feels like to be an adult. I never knew I could do what I like which is cooking and being a chef on a yacht or a ship!  And I would make a lot of money! Thank you marine industry for showing me there are other jobs I never knew about.”

“JA is thrilled and grateful the marine industry is represented in JA Finance Park. Students are rarely exposed to the opportunities in this booming South Florida industry and this program is designed to make students aware of the high-wage career pathways. This storefront is a great example of industry leaders coming together to educate and influence future employees,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida.

JA Sea The World storefront partners donated financially to support the program for three years and design and build out the space with exciting and engaging elements. Partners include: Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc./AMEsolutions.com, AERE Docking Solutions, Cliff Berry, Inc., Elite Marine A/C, King Ocean Services, Global Marine Travel, IGY Marinas, Marine Industries Association of South Florida/MIASF, MarineMax, Inc., Maritime Professional Training/MPT, OneWater Yacht Group, Palmdale Oil Company, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, Roscioli Yachting Center, RPM Diesel Engine Co., Safe Harbor Marinas, Seabulk Tankers (Seacor), Thomas Marine Systems, Universal Marine Center, Wards Marine Electric, Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale, Wright Maritime Group. In-kind partners providing web hosting (AdvantageServices.net), promotional advertising (The Triton), branding, and graphic design (Good Label Co.) to raise more awareness about “Sea the World”. www.jaseatheworld.org

There’s still a lot more to be done in the maritime industry across the nation, but we’re grateful that JA Sea the World can continue to be a steppingstone in bridging the maritime workforce gap in Florida. A BIG thanks to the businesses, associations, and individuals who made this possible!

Hear What JA Sea the World Partners Have to Say

“From what we’re experiencing as a nation, now more than ever, our cause is crucial in gearing up our next generation of maritime professionals. It’s exciting to see the progress we have made so far with the Marine Industry Storefront and its impact on the students,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, “Our industry is a gold mine of opportunities for the next generation. I’ve made a personal commitment to inspire their interest in our field to keep the maritime industry as a thriving economic force in the state. Our JA storefront is a major step toward fulfilling this initiative.”

“For more than 60 years, Pier Sixty-Six has been an iconic waterfront destination in Fort Lauderdale and we are honored to be part of the Junior Achievement Marine Storefront. The Marine Industry is a vital economic engine for our community, and it’s our responsibility to protect our position as the yachting capital of the world. We look forward to sharing the many exciting job opportunities with the children who travel through Junior Achievement.” -Megan Lagasse, Marine Director, Pier Sixty-Six Marina

“Maritime Professional Training remains dedicated to improving lives through education. The JA Marine Industry storefront is an important initiative for the entire community, providing insight, opportunity, and promise to the leaders of tomorrow…… enabling them to “Sea the World” as a better place.” -Lisa Morley, Executive Vice President, Maritime Professional Training/MPT

“The success of Seacor Island Lines’ future is founded on good people. Our dynamic environment coupled with the diversity of our employees makes Seacor Island Lines an exciting place to build a successful career.” -Charles Gittens, President, Seacor Island Lines

“Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center is pleased to partner with JA and the Sea the World exhibit to illustrate and showcase our industry’s opportunities in a unique way to help educate and attract future talent into our booming industry.” -Tim Sargent, COO International – Safe Harbor Marinas

“Introducing middle school students to a booming local industry assists in the long-term success of our community. AERE is a family-owned company and our son will be looking for qualified employees as he takes over operations.” –Vicki Abernathy, Chief Operating Officer, AERE Marine Group

“The Junior Achievement Marine Industry Storefront is going to make an enormous positive impact to 50,000 kids per year in South Florida by showing them the vast and unique opportunities that exist within the Marine Industry.   In the long run, our business Elite Marine A/C and other businesses alike will have more prospects to fill more and more job opportunities. The Junior Achievement Marine Industry Storefront is a huge win-win for both the community and the Marine Industry.” -Benjamin Koppenhoefer, President, Elite Marine A/C

“MarineMax is proud to partner with Junior Achievement on this wonderful project. Educating the next generation is extremely important no matter the industry. But we all share a love for the water, and it’s exciting to share opportunities in the marine field with up-and-coming generations.” – Chuck Cashman, MarineMax Chief Revenue Officer

“The Water Taxi is proud to partner with the JA Marine Industry Storefront and educate generations to come about this field. The marine industry is essential to Fort Lauderdale’s economy and lifestyle, and this storefront will help strengthen that for the future.” -Bill Walker, Owner of the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi

“The Marine Industry is one of the largest industries here in South Florida and it takes a huge amount of people and resources to sustain it. Palmdale Oil Company is thrilled to support the Marine Industry thru Junior Achievement. We are excited to show the children who visit the center all the different opportunities that exist within the Marine Industry, opportunities that exist right in their own backyards.” – Mallory Cheatham, Palmdale Oil

“Our goal, as a founding member of Sea the World, was to create another way to reach the future technicians, managers and supporters of our industry. The Marine Industry Storefront clearly identifies the myriad of opportunities that exist in the Maritime sector, as sea-going crew members or shore-based support staff. We look forward to seeing the storefront exhibit grow and continue to provide students with options and opportunities to succeed in our dynamic and exciting industry.” – James Brewer, Managing Director. Roscioli Yachting Center

“We are excited to be a part of the effort to help future generations thrive in an industry that has been a part of our family for two generations. Full speed ahead! “John C. Thomas, President, Thomas Marine Systems Inc.

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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

Marine Industry Partners Commit to Renew Storefront
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MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives $1.9 Million

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (August 22, 2022) — Through her philanthropic giving, MacKenzie Scott continues to change lives and strengthen nonprofit organizations. She recently donated $38.8 million to Junior Achievement USA, making it the largest single gift in the organization’s 103-year history.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of 26 areas to be selected by Scott, receiving $1.9 million. This generous contribution will help to sustain the critical work of preparing every young person to navigate their future, drive our economy and lead our communities. This gift will serve as a lead gift to JA’s $15 million comprehensive campaign, “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow”, helping JA secure its community impact well into the future.

“The lack of skilled talent in the pipeline is one of the top concerns of employers today. To successfully compete and sustain our local economy, we must develop talent that is educated and trained to handle the demand of skilled and technical jobs. The only way to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified talent in the future is to develop the mindset and skillset of every child,” said President & CEO Laurie Sallarulo.

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s momentum has been extraordinary – reaching more than 69,000 students a year during the 2021 school year. “It’s not just about the number of students served, it’s about the depth of the impact JA programs have on students,” said Sallarulo. Through the unique partnership with Broward County Public Schools, JA compliments academics with real-world education in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to ensure that all children are ready and able to succeed in tomorrow’s world. “There is still much work to be done, and this gift will allow us to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and continue to innovate,” Sallarulo added.

Andrew Koenig, JA Board Chair and CEO of CITY Furniture shares, “As a business headquartered in Broward County, we have invested heavily in our future workforce by partnering with JA. This will require an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving schools, parents, businesses, government, funders and philanthropists. This contribution from MacKenzie Scott is a testimony to the importance of our work and the need for us to invest in workforce and financial literacy education. I encourage you to join our mission.”

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About “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” Comprehensive Campaign
Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to unlocking the true potential of every child, regardless of their background and circumstances. This 5-year, $15 million campaign is an opportunity for everyone to ensure every child, today and in the future, can learn to be resourceful, innovative, collaborative and resilient. This will give them a chance to lead a successful and prosperous life and will also secure the future of our community and economy.

“Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” will help sustain JA’s critical mission and help ensure that every child receives the resources, training, education and experiences they will need to face the challenges of succeeding in a complex and unpredictable world. Almost 70% of the students JA serves are from low-income families and will likely not have the opportunity to learn the skills that will allow them to be self-sufficient through employment or entrepreneurship and contribute to the future of our local economy. There are four specific fund opportunities: Capital Investments, Program Innovation Expansion and Scholarships and Endowments. Contact Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer, at [email protected] or (954) 979-7100.

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

MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA
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Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers

Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Sea the World Storefront Seeks to Continue the Next 3-year School Year Term

Coconut Creek, FL – April 15, 2022: Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Marine Industry Storefront “Sea the World” seeks to continue the next 3-year school year term. Each year more than 20,000 8th grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties visit the Marine Industry Storefront to learn about the multitude of career opportunities in the maritime community. The storefront exists to keep the industry thriving with a new generation of workers.

On April 20, 2022, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s (JA) Marine Industry Storefront will hold a Champagne Reception. Guests will tour the Patten Family Finance Park at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion and learn more about the community-strengthening cause. The reception is from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Our nation, across all industries, is experiencing a workforce crisis. We are facing unprecedented challenges in finding enough workers to fill open jobs. Research shows that the most critical and widespread challenge facing businesses is the inability to hire qualified workers for available jobs they need to fill. That’s where Junior Achievement comes in.

JA engages with students in a comprehensive classroom curriculum about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings, and credit. Not only does the JA teach financial literacy, but it also works towards inspiring the students that enter its walls to get excited about joining the workforce using immersive simulation experiences.

“Sea the World” storefront space originally came together in April of 2019. Understanding the need to keep the marine industry booming, Christine Battles with Advanced Mechanical Enterprises and 23 marine industry companies joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida to create the Marine Industry Storefront.

The storefront inspires students to join Florida’s 12.5 billion-per-year economic engine that provides the tri-county area with 149,000 careers/jobs. “Sea the World” has already impacted 150,000 students, several of whom are now high school juniors.

Three years after cutting the ribbon on the space, we’re working towards keeping this momentum going. Junior Achievement and maritime professionals are gearing up for the next 3-year school term and are seeking new partners. Both founding and new partners will contribute to leasing the storefront space and adding maritime elements to bring the “WOW factor” to students. The financial ask is $5k yearly for a 3-year commitment (May 2022 – April 2025). All donations are tax-deductible.

“What keeps port industry executives up at night? It’s not the economy. It’s not their competitors. It’s knowing if there will be a workforce in place to carry on for them and continue to serve the needs of the industry. Junior Achievement of South Florida maritime development program serves to do just that! Students are introduced to a great career field and well-paying, sustained, interesting and diverse jobs for their future. At the same time, Junior Achievement lays the groundwork for a plentiful maritime-specific educated and trained workforce for the next generation,” said Lori Baer, Executive Director, Port Everglades Association.

“From what we’re experiencing as a nation, now more than ever, our cause is crucial in gearing up our next generation of maritime professionals. It’s exciting to see the progress we have made so far with the Marine Industry Storefront and its impact on the students,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, “but there is still a lot to be done. If you believe in fueling our industry with new talent, we encourage you to become a partner and join the cause.”

“The marine industry plays a vital role in the South Florida economy and like all high-growth industries, needs a strong workforce pipeline. We are proud of our partnership with the companies that support the Sea the World storefront in the Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park. Preparing young people for work and success requires the support and partnership of the business, nonprofit and education community.” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida.

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. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

Sea the World Educates Youth About Marine Industry Careers
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Comcast Newsmakers: Training the Next Generation of Workers

Comcast Newsmakers: Training the Next Generation of Workers

COMCAST NEWSMAKERS
Hosted by:Nathalia Ortiz Produced by: Florida Newsmakers Team
Posted: December 06, 2021

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Florida’s unemployment rate jumped to as high as 14%. While things have improved since early 2020, organizations like Junior Achievement of South Florida have proven vital in assisting the next generation of talent by getting them ready for the workforce. Organization President and CEO Laurie Sallarulo talks about their programs.

Comcast Newsmakers: Training the Next Generation of Workers
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The Payoff Behind Time Management

The Payoff Behind Time Management

How to build a necessary life-skill

Author: Hannah Henry
JSA USA BLOG

Panic rushes over you. You’re late. The alarm didn’t go off, and now you’re scrambling to start your day. As you nearly drip toothpaste down your shirt, you can’t help but wonder, “how did I let this happen?!”

The Cambridge Dictionary defines time-management as “the practice of using the time that you have available in a useful and effective way….” But where do these skills begin? And what is the real benefit?

Basics of Time Management 

From the start of life, we learn how to prioritize daily events. From waking up to dinner time to bedtime, we become accustomed to routines. Time management, or what some may say “personal management,” follows the same guidelines, only we adjust our day to fit the non-routine elements better. While this soft skill benefits children of all ages in their learning, it has the long-term impact of benefiting them once they are in the workforce.

Understanding the basics behind managing time can reduce stress, increase performance, and all-around enhance work-life balance. Here are the steps to help manage the time in your day better:

  1. Prioritize
    Start your day off with making a list, identifying which items need to be done first and which tasks take a lower priority.
  2. Organize
    If a big project can’t be accomplished in a day, be sure to set deadlines for more bite-sized pieces to ensure success. A great way to do this is by identifying the components needed for the project and then spreading them out on your calendar to be accomplished along the way.
  3. Reduce Distractions
    Eliminating all distractions is unrealistic. We will always face a phone ringing, an email landing in our inbox, or the unexpected colleague drop-in, but being able to resume work promptly or putting a non-urgent call or email on the backburner is key.
  4. Eliminate Multitasking
    We live in a world where we are trained to jump back and forth between homework assignments or work projects. In our minds, it’s the performance idiom we all know, “kill two birds with one stone.” Yet, when we split our attention, our work tends to suffer. In fact, psychology professor David Meyer, PhD, found that even quick shifts between tasks can cause someone to lose as much as 40% of productive time.
  5. Take Breaks
    Giving your mind a break helps replenish your energy and focus, but only after you have finished a task. Before continuing your to-do list, be sure to get up from your desk for a short time to stretch and refresh your mind.
  6. Reward Yourself
    By managing your time better, you will face opportunity costs. These costs are things that you could have done instead of spending your time on the prioritized tasks you identified. Not to mention, high productivity can be exhausting! Be sure to disconnect from work when your workday is done and participate in a hobby or activity you enjoy. You’ve earned it!

The Payoff for Employees and Employers 

While some may depend on procrastination to give them the willpower they need to meet deadlines, this method rarely results in high-quality work. Employers know the value of an employee with the soft skill of time management and what it means for their team and company. Employees who possess and practice better control of their time often excel in many aspects, including:

  1. Ability to work under pressure of deadlines
  2. Dependability on projects and in meetings
  3. Organization skills in all areas of work

But the payoff doesn’t stop with employers; research from 158 studies of 50,000 people over the past 30 years found 72% of people had greater life satisfaction when they could structure and manage their time. Researchers believe this is due to the sense of self-accomplishment after completing their schedules day-to-day around tasks that align with their internal motivators (values and beliefs).

The proof is in the time stamp when it comes to managing the hours in your day wisely. Not only does it pay off to learn these skills young and perfect them in school, but they also transfer into your value in the workforce and personal fulfillment.

The Payoff Behind Time Management
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JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

Junior Achievement’s highest priority is the health and safety of our donors, sponsors, partners, honorees, staff and volunteers.  It is with this priority in mind that we have decided to postpone the 2020 JA Business Hall of Fame event on Friday April 24, 2020.This decision is in line with the directive issued by Broward County regarding high attendance gatherings.

We look forward to bringing our business leaders together in the near future to recognize the visionary leadership of our Hall of Fame Laureates and Honorees and, in light of these challenging times, to celebrate the collective courage and resilience of all our community’s leaders.

We would like to take this time to thank all those who support this event each year and the mission of Junior Achievement to prepare our young people to be your next consumers, employees, business owners and job creators. Junior Achievement will continue to play its part in driving workforce training and experience for young people. We hope that all of you will plan to join us on the new date for a well deserved celebration!

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s leadership will continue to monitor the COVID19 situation as it evolves. We encourage you to visit the JA Business Hall of Fame webpage (https://jasouthflorida.org/events/) to check on the status of the event.

If you have any additional questions or need further information, please contact me at [email protected] or Robyn Harper, Development & Event Director, at [email protected] or call (954) 979-7124.  We look forward to celebrating with you soon to empower over 50,000 young people each year to own their economic success.

Regards,

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed
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Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

FORT LAUDERDALE COUNTRY CLUB OPENS ITS DOORS TO “GOLF FOR A CAUSE” BENEFITTING JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20

MEDIA CONTACT:
Fran Folic
GPR | Goodman Public Relations
(954) 446-0807/15
[email protected]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 30, 2020) – Fort Lauderdale Country Club, the oldest private country club in Broward County, will host “Golf For A Cause” on Friday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to beneift Junior Achievement of South Florida, a nonprofit organization that inspires and prepares the next generation of fiscally responsible community and business leaders. This day of philanthropy celebrates the completion of the Club’s significant North Course renovation project.

As part of this charitable initiative, Fort Lauderdale County Club will be opening its doors to non-members to exclusively enjoy a day on the fairways while making a difference in the lives of local kids. The community is invited to gather with friends and reserve a time to play 18 holes of championship golf on either Fort Lauderdale Country Club’s newly renovated North Course or its lushly landscaped South Course.

Last year, Fort Lauderdale Country Club helped to raise nearly $800,000 for various charities in Broward County.

“We are proud to support Junior Achievement’s investment in our youth and the invaluable opportunities the organization provides regarding financial literacy and entrepreneurial training,” said Michael O’Brien, general manager of Fort Lauderdale Country Club. “We encourage members, guests and the community-at-large to experience golfing at its finest while giving back to the community.”

The North Course project, overseen by Kipp Schulties, principal architect of Kipp Schulties Golf Design (KSGD), underwent an extensive renovation including replacement of the greens and the provision of tees between 4,800 yards and 7,100 yards, making the course more enjoyable for both men and women of all abilities. The upgrades created an elevated level of excitement for members adding to the facility’s 18-Hole, Par 72 South Course which was built in 1926, remodeled twice and is often home to many corporate and non-profit events, annually.

In the Broward County area, which has numerous golf courses, Fort Lauderdale Country Club is a select private club that offers 36-holes of manicured championship golf in a forested park-like setting. Visually, the Club is truly a unique oasis as fairways are lined with stately native trees and colorful beds of flowers, as opposed to houses. Inside, the venue provides a variety of room and dining options, an experienced event staff and a unique “inside-outside” Plantation room.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to have the support of Fort Lauderdale Country Club and the golfing community to help fund our programming to over 50,000 K-12 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “This opportunity will help us put key economic and workforce lessons into action while teaching our future leaders the value of contributing to the community.”

The golf fee to participate in “Golf For A Cause” is $125 per person with approximately $90 going directly to benefit Junior Achievement. The fee includes access to golf club amenities including a gold cart, practice facilities, dining areas and locker rooms. Golf club rentals are available for an additional fee. Tee time reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 318-0190.

For more information about membership, please call (954) 318-0190, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Founded in 1959, Junior Achievement of South Florida aims to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. It trains the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. With the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers and mentors, JA delivers over 20 unique programs to 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 two JA BizTowns and JA Finance Park.For more information, call (954) 979-7100 or visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

About Fort Lauderdale County Club (FLCC)

Established in 1926, Fort Lauderdale Country Club (FLCC) is the oldest private country club in Broward County. FLCC offers 36 holes of championship golf on the newly renovated North Course and South Course plus a driving range and multiple practice areas situated on 288 acres of forested parkland featuring rolling fairways dotted with stately indigenous trees and accentuated with immaculately maintained foliage and flowers. FLCC includes a contemporary lakeside clubhouse with a center bar and sumptuous cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef. Golfers and guests can enjoy meals and snacks in the main dining room, Club Side, Men’s Grill or Plantation Room.The clubhouse also houses upscale amenities including a well-stocked Pro Shop, bag storage and a cart barn offering state-of-the-art GPS-equipped electric carts. FLCC is proud to be the home of esteemed PGA teaching professionals and boasts one of the largest women’s golf associations in Broward County. FLCC is conveniently located just five miles from the beaches at 415 Country Club Circle in Fort Lauderdale. For more information about membership, please call (954) 587-4700, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs
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Top Soft Skills in the 21st Century Workplace

Top Soft Skills in the 21st Century Workplace

By Hannah Henry, Manager of Marketing & Public Relations, Brand
Junior Achievement USA

City & Guilds CEO, Chris Jones, once said, “Unfortunately, some people believe that soft skills aren’t that important. However, almost every employer I’ve ever talked to about this disagrees. In a world where job roles are changing rapidly, soft skills will be one of the few constants…” When you think about all of the new colleagues you have met over the years, the teams you’ve worked on, and the challenges you’ve faced within your business, soft-skills are at the heart of it all.

While some might argue that soft skills hold lesser value to a business, a report from International Association of Admin Professionals, OfficeTeam and HR.com reveals 67% of HR managers reported they would hire a candidate with strong soft skills, even if his or her technical skills were lacking. Why might this be? Employees with strong soft skills have the ability to grow and flourish in any environment due to the fact that they have experience and interpersonal skills that make adapting easier than those who lack such skills.

Soft skills include communications, listening, and emotional perceptivity, such as empathy and sympathy. These skills tend to reside in personal attributes, personality, and character traits, and social cues picked up throughout one’s life. These skills allow people to connect with one another by effectively “reading” those they interact with. These are not skills that are learned in a short period of time, instead, they are acquired, tuned, and even perfected throughout experiences and time.

Building Soft Skills in the Workplace

Research from the Hay Group identified managers that incorporate a range of “soft talent”, those with soft skills, in their leadership approach have been shown to increase their team performance by about 30%. Through the survey work of LinkedIn profiles of people who are getting hired at the highest rates, it was determined: creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and time management were the 5 most in-demand soft skills sought by companies in 2019. How can a company harness these skills in their workplace? The answer is not to find new candidates to fill positions. Training in these areas is available. In fact, research from MIT Sloan determined that soft skills training may improve productivity within an organization. Findings also included that such training returned roughly 250% on investment within eight months post-study.

Finding Candidates with Soft Skills

Hard skills or technical skills are easier to identify when meeting a potential employee. For the most part, the candidate will include their experience and hard skills on their resume, as well as mention them in an interview. Soft skills are not so easy to identify. When you’re looking at a possible candidate for a position, most employers are looking to ensure a person can do the job at hand. They want to have the reassurance that this individual can handle the complexity of the workload and complete crucial projects. But by focusing on only this skillset, also known as “hard skills”, employers are overlooking the underlying skills that determine how a candidate will interact with those around them, be able to connect with their peers, managers, and even clients. Not everyone develops soft skills at the same pace, but experience assists with the development. More experience can equate to building stronger skills at a faster pace compared to those who have not stayed within a position or a company for long.

Interview Questions to Ask

LinkedIn revealed that only 60% of hiring managers agree that screening for soft skills is tough, but crucial as it will determine how new hires will be able to interact with your team. The professional networking platform identified 6 key soft skills and questions to ask to decode how a candidate’s level of soft skills.

1.  Adaptability

Ask the candidate to discuss a time when they were asked to do something they haven’t done before, how they reacted and what they learned.

2.  Culture Fit

Explore what the interviewee is looking for in a job by asking what three things are most important to them in a position or workplace environment.

3.  Collaboration

Have the candidate give examples of when they had to work with someone who was challenging to work with, how they handled working with this particular individual, and what the outcome was.

4.  Leadership

Ask the interviewee to discuss when something significant didn’t go according to plan at work, what was their role in the project or task, and the final result.

5.  Growth Potential

Have the candidate discuss how they handled a crisis or problem when their manager was unavailable and who they consulted with to determine the solution.

6.  Prioritization

Ask the interviewee to tell you about a time when they had to juggle several projects at the same time, how they were able to manage their time and the final result.

To learn more about how students can develop their soft skills to prepare for the workforce, check out JA Career Success®!

In addition, Junior Achievement of South Florida offers its program JA Career Bound to high school students in South Florida. JA Career Bound is a cutting-edge, skills-building leadership program where participants learn the skills necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.

After an opening retreat, students meet once a month for program days focused on specific industries. Students visit some of South Florida’s premier businesses to learn firsthand about the career opportunities and what companies are looking for in future employees. Students learn from top executives who share their journeys to success.

We use interactive JA curriculum to teach key work skills, including communication, critical thinking, goal setting, interviewing, personal branding, problem-solving, public speaking, resume building and teamwork. At the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to put their skills into action by participating in various paid internships with job shadowing. For further details, including registration, CLICK HERE. 

Top Soft Skills in the 21st Century Workplace
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