Taylor Vogelsang Becomes the Next President of Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Austin, TX, Release: November 1, 2019. For Immediate Release

The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Central Texas is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Vogelsang as President effective immediately. Vogelsang previously held the position of Director of Programs of Junior Achievement of Central Texas.

“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Junior Achievement of Central Texas than Taylor Vogelsang,” said Joe Cestari, Junior Achievement of Central Texas’s Board Chair of the Board of Directors and Vice President of Integrated Engineering Services. “Taylor is a proven leader with management skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. Her vision for bringing Junior Achievement to more students is exactly what Junior Achievement of Central Texas needs as the organization enters its next chapter of expanding the reach of JA.”

Taylor first joined Junior Achievement in 2013 in Tampa, Florida. During her time there she was the Programs Manager overseeing multiple counties. In 2016 Taylor was named Junior Achievement’s Rising Star, one of three in the nation. In 2017 Taylor accepted the position of Programs Director in the Junior Achievement of Central Texas office. Her role as a leader in the organization blossomed along with her vision of what Junior Achievement looks like in Central Texas.

“We have connected with so many students, schools and community partners but there is more for us to do,” Taylor said. “The opportunity ahead for Junior Achievement of Central Texas is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring more of our programs to more young people in Central Texas.”

“Having worked with her during this transition, I know that Taylor is the right leader at the right time for Junior Achievement of Central Texas,” said Jen Smith, Vice-Chair of the Junior Achievement of Central Texas Board and Corporate Partner at DLA Piper, “I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the Junior Achievement of Central Texas staff, and I know their passion and hunger for getting Junior Achievement programs to more young people will only grow stronger under Taylor’s leadership.”

Junior Achievement of Central Texas is a local arm of a global non-profit, Junior Achievement that was Founded in 1919. Junior Achievement is the worldwide leader in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness education that helps young people realize their full potential.

Contact info:

Name: Taylor Vogelsang, President of Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Organization: Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Company URL: www.jacentex.org

Address: 206 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664

Phone: 1.512.710.5437

Getting to know Taylor

Where did you go to college? Texas A&M University

Where does your JA story start? My JA story starts at twenty-one. I was fresh out of college and working at Junior Achievement in Tampa. My parents did a great job instilling in me a sense of work ethic and managing my money, but this was the first time I had to balance everything on my own. After my first few months on the job, I took home a worksheet from our 8th grade JA Economics for Success program, sat on my living room floor surrounded by bills and set my first real budget. I may not have been a JA kid, but I am a JA Adult.

What benefits have you seen in the students that you serve? The biggest change I see in our students really is confidence. Yes, they learn about how to build a budget or start a business, but throughout their JA experience, I get to watch students come out of their shell, build self-confidence and really see that they are capable of anything.

What is some advice you would give your high school self? Step out of your comfort zone, you don’t have to know what you are doing, be open to trying new things. If you shy away from things that intimidate you, you will miss out on a lot.

Alta Y. Alexander - JA Alumna & Supporter

Altatudes owner, Alta Y. Alexander, answers a few questions about her store, her journey and shares some sage ‘tude’ advice.

Tell us a little about Altatudes.

Altatudes, located in the heart of historic East Austin near 12th and Chicon, features high-end women’s apparel and accessories from over 25 labels. I have carefully curated my boutique with special items that oftentimes are carried exclusively in Austin at Altatudes.  I also offer a limited selection, up to four of each piece, ensuring customers will be adding something unique to their wardrobe.
Altatudes opened doors in September 2017 and I purposefully selected the East Austin neighborhood.  The revitalization of this cultural corridor was important to me, as I am the first and only African-American who owns an upscale womenswear boutique in Austin.  I hope to continue positively contribute to the community and the East 12th corridor, helping forging an emerging commerce, and helping others to find and embrace their “tude”.

How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

I love to fashion, so that to me was a no brainer!  I have people ask me on a daily basis how I came up with the name.  It’s apparent that ‘Altatudes’ is a play on my name, but it is also a play on the word ‘altitude’.  I want folks to identify with my concept that the name in and of itself, just like to apparel, is exalted!

I’ve had so much of what Altatudes is in my mind since I was a little girl, by the time the opportunity presented, my head was exploding with ideas!  It became a project, just to keep things in some type of order so I wouldn’t get too ahead of myself! I did not note at the time that I would be counted among a very few as a trailblazer and a role model, but I humbly wear these hats and am proud to do so!

Do you think entrepreneurship education is important and why?

Most certainly! Not everyone’s aptitude is accommodative to working for/within the corporate arena or business sector. An entrepreneurship education is critical to those who may have a predilection to opening their own business, providing their own service and/or product.   

What is your history with Junior Achievement?

I am a proud Junior Achievement Alum! Being apart of this program gave me insight and confidence that I would have not otherwise not received had not been in Junior Achievement!

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

YES! There’s a part of me that’s always dreamed of having my own business, so when the opportunity arose, I dove right in - head first! Don’t get me wrong, I was apprehensive, but it was a great time in my life to launch and here we are!
How do you handle adversity and doubt?

My first go-to is prayer!  My God is everything and can handle anything, so when doubt rears its ugly head, prayer is my first go-to! My husband has had his businesses for over 35-year, so I bounce tons of issues off him.  He has a tremendous business acumen and he’s a tell-it-like-it-is kinda guy, so I know he’ll keep it ! I am also blessed with a wonderfully insightful “tribe” of dynamic women, and men, who help me move past adverse situations and snuff-out doubt! Even when you’re a sole entrepreneur, you need to have a handful of intelligent individuals you trust and can go to for sound advice - especially in adversity.

What are some of the mistakes you wished you could've avoided? 

Actually, the more life I live, the more I welcome the mistakes I’ve made and make.  Without mistakes, there could be no failure - without failure, there could be no success.  So, my mistakes help me learn in order to be successful!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Embrace the ‘fear’!  You will be afraid, you will be scared - push through the fear and when you come out on the other side you will have even more confidence to tackle the next scary task - and trust me, they will come one after the other.  At this point, I’m starting to look at them like blessings!

What is some advice you would give your high school self?

Enjoy the moments!  I was a worry-wart type kid.  I am the oldest in my family, so that might have had something to do with it.  But, it’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to!

What makes a successful entrepreneur?
1. Be concerned about yourself/your business! 
2. The willingness to face your fears and do the work! 
3. Have the understanding and discernment to know that everything is not going to be perfect every time, but it will work out ... and, that’s usually going to be the best thing for you and your business!

How can the Austin entrepreneurship community be more equitable?

Learn how, when and where to collaborate! You’ve heard the adage: “We’re stronger together”!
I am the President-Elect for the East 12th Street Merchants Association and I’m looking forward to our corridor coming together, learning from one another and working towards making our respective business and in turn our corridor better and more successful!

The Scariest Four Letter Word

A finance friend told me a story about a client who was trapped in consumer debt - large credit card balances with high interest rates. It was big, spooky, ‘keep you up at night’ kind of debt. After meeting with her and devising a plan, he received an email. The woman thanked him for his help, and shared that prior to their meeting, the debt was constantly on her mind, and it made her feel lost, helpless, and hopeless.

Debt can be scary. It can accumulate quickly, it can put a strain on a marriage, it can cause your assets to dwindle, or worse yet, impede you from building any assets at all. Consider the following: 

• A credit card balance of $10,000 at an interest rate of 18.99%, adds a whopping $5,575 in interest, if paid down over five years. 

• Carrying debt and having delinquent payments reduces your credit score leaving individuals with limited options when it comes to future borrowing. I know of a person whose options were so limited that when her car finally broke down for good she had to accept an auto loan at a rate of 25% - in a 2% interest rate environment. That $20,000 car is costing her $35,000.

• Not understanding the terms of a loan can lead to nasty surprises down the road. One person I know thought that they had a fixed rate mortgage on their home, only to find out five years later that they actually had an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) when the payments suddenly skyrocketed. He found himself in a struggle to keep the house that he thought he could afford. 

There are some fundamental things you can do to protect yourself from these debt surprises: 

1. Build a foundational emergency savings account. Do you have enough set aside to handle the cost of an expensive car repair? Can you cover expenses for a few months if you were to suddenly lose your job? This type of cushion can help you to avoid difficult debt situations in the future. 

2. Examine and understand your total current debt situation. Do you have any resources that can be used to make a dent in that debt now? Are you carrying the best debt right now, or can you make improvements by refinancing to a lower rate, better term or another type of loan? Do your research to avoid paying as much interest as possible and devise a payoff plan that aligns with your overall goals. 

3. Get educated when you do need to leverage debt. Not all debt is bad, but nobody wants a bad debt surprise. Understand what the marketplace is offering, and shop around. More than likely, if even one lender is willing to lend you money, you’ve got options and should consider all of them before signing on the dotted line. 
   

If you find that you need help, talk to someone who knows what they’re doing, or start with an online resource. Debt can be an embarrassing problem but through asking questions, getting informed, and taking action, we can eliminate the heavy burden of debt and live our best financial lives. 

Jullie Strippoli is a VP and Branch Manager at Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas. She is a regular classroom volunteer with JA and serves on the JA F.E.M. Forum Committee because of her strong belief and support of JA’s mission that Opportunity is for Everyone.  

Austin companies of all shapes and sizes are encouraging financial literacy and equity dialogue by supporting the JA F.E.M. Forum on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. F.E.M. Forum brings together professional women with female students over breakfast for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, the biggest annual fundraiser for JA Central Texas, and is designed for companies and business leaders who believe #FinancialEquityMatters. Learn more about the event and how you can support here.

Q&A with JA company- Rebel Charms

Recently we sat down with the students behind Rebel Charms for a Q&A about their new business

How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

We have been working with our volunteer, Stacy, in our Junior Achievement program to come up with a business idea. At first we wanted to try and sell plushes, but the time to get it started would take too long. We kept the general idea in mind and got the idea to start selling charms. This product is something that was easier to produce and we could get started right away.

What is unique about your business?

All of our charms are hand-made and hand-painted. They are unique because you can attach them to almost anything you want.

What have you learned from Junior Achievement?

We have learned how to start and manage a business, plus you have to learn about expenses and more. Junior Achievement is really fun and we hope to continue with this program while we are still at Travis Early College High School and even afterward.

How can we learn more about Rebel Charms?

Follow us on Instagram @thsrebelcharms and visit our website.

The Warriors Accounting Society Continues to Inspire

In their second annual JA College Inspire Day the Texas A&M Central Texas Warriors Accounting Society hosted students from Killeen ISD Career Center. This year all students that participated were a part of the business and accounting CTE classes at the KISD Career Center Campus. Not only did students get a day on the Texas A&M Campus, but they got to spend the day with college students pursuing degrees that they are interested in. Throughout the day the Warriors led students through Financial Literacy and Career Readiness activities that will prepare these high school students for the “real world”. Students explored budgeting, stock portfolios, potential accounting careers, credit scores, networking and interviewing. When the students returned to campus the mentoring continued with a lightning round of mock interviews. Thank you to Texas A&M Central Texas, the Warriors Accounting Society and Killeen ISD Career Center for coming together for this event. Because of you Junior Achievement was able to bring financial literacy education to a new group of students! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

H-E-B Helping Here - Partner Volunteer Summit

Just when you thought H-E-B could not do any more to help our community, they do! As one of our oldest partners, we are so grateful for your continued support of JA and for the greater Austin community. Thank you for inviting us to join the many other amazing organizations to share our mission at the inaugural H-E-B Helping Here Partner Volunteer Summit!

Debra McClure goes the extra mile for her students!

Travis Early College High School teacher, Debra McClure started bringing JA into her classroom a few years ago. We asked her some questions about her experience with JA.

Why did you bring JA Entrepreneurship programs into your classes?

I was teaching business classes and thought it would be a great fit. JA brought in a great curriculum about entrepreneurship and running a business. 

Why do you think JA is important in your class?

This curriculum helped the students get hands-on experience taking a business idea and actually bringing it to life. Students got to learn valuable entrepreneurship skills of leadership, teamwork, and cooperation. In addition to entrepreneurship skills, JA students also had to learn about finance and how to work with money. Doing so helps them to experience the excitement of selling their products and collecting money. Many difficult challenges had to be faced in terms of splitting the money with their team. An overwhelming majority of student groups often chose to donate part of their profits to a charity. Thinking of others, taking risks, exploring leadership roles, and learning how to handle finances are valuable 21st-century workplace skills.

Why do you have JA in your class and why should other classes bring JA programs in?

I think all students should go through a JA program at least once. It is during the JA business programs that students learn about themselves, that their ideas are important, and that they can do more than they realize.

What growth have you seen in your students?

Some students really blossom with the JA program. I have seen quiet and shy students suddenly get selected to be the president of their company or start their own company and run a sole-proprietorship. I believe this is life-changing for them. By the end of the program, these once quiet and shy students are more confident and vocal. They also have more self-confidence.

What is it like having volunteers in your classroom?

The JA volunteers are great. I enjoy working with them to provide our students with an authentic learning experience. I always feel included and part of the team.

What is a piece of financial or general advice you rely on or wish you had learned earlier?

In terms of financial advice, I wish I learned in high school - I wish I learned that I had the capacity to earn my own income at an early age. I also wish I had a JA mentor to help me believe in myself more as a teenager and help me see that there was a world of possibilities out there waiting for me. I think that would have made a huge difference.

JA Inspire Career Day at Travis High School

At the JA Inspire Career Day - ten professionals came to speak and inspire the students at Travis High School about what career opportunities are out there and the path they took to get there. Throughout the morning students rotated through rounds of speakers where they got time to talk with professionals from the health care, hospitality, and business industries. Students were able to make connections and learn more about what it takes to make it to your end goal, and that everyone struggles to get there. We are so excited to continue this program with Travis High School, and look forward to bringing more speakers to share their careers with students. If you would like to get involved in our next event, reach out to us.

Thank you Howard Brooks of Ernst and Young for organizing your brilliant friends to share their stories and advice.

BBVA Gives Back with a Week of Service

During this year’s BBVA Volunteer Week, Junior Achievement was invited to a morning of volunteering at their 5th street location. Twenty volunteers took time out of their busy schedules to not only eat delicious breakfast tacos, but learn more about the mission of Junior Achievement, and help with stewardship projects like creating math manipulative bags for schools as well as rebuilding program kits. We are so proud of our partners like BBVA for continuing to champion JA - resulting in more young people reaching their full potential.

Thank you, BBVA!

Thank you Starbucks on 5th and Lamar in Austin for being today’s coffee sponsor!

Musa Ato Shares His Story with Round Rock High School Fashion Students

As part of an ongoing program Round Rock High School Fashion students have guest speakers come share their story of entrepreneurship and what they have learned along the way. Musa Ato from League of Rebels Mensware spent some time with students sharing his insights and what he has learned from years in the industry.

Ato on…

On how he got started: Two things brought me to this company- school uniforms and studying international business, economics and marketing. I grew up wearing school uniforms and I like the look of suits and jackets. I figured out how to get suits manufactured for myself to get exactly what I want. Then I began a brand to start selling them to other people.

On understanding strengths: I haven’t been to design school, and I have never cut a pattern. I approached my company from the business side- it was an expensive hobby but I understand brand equity and identity. Focus on your strengths and don’t try to learn other peoples jobs on the fly. I tried to learn alterations, but business is what I know. So, you hire where your holes are.

On building a brand: Build the brand any which way and any how. See a brand as a person, create an identity. If this were a person, what type of car would they drive, what color, what interior? Where do they eat for lunch. It helps you narrow the brand. When people come into the store it vibes with them. Quality and craftsmanship come first and over time customers will trust you in whatever you do.

On brand independence: Whatever I do personally doesn’t affect the brand, I am not the brand. I could come or go but the brand survives. Feel confident creating something and letting it run.

On brand loyalty: You want repeat customers, it’s the 80/20 rule; 20 percent of customers provide 80 percent of your business. They are easier to serve and it’s fulfilling to see people come back. Keep them happy.

On why he chose Austin: Austin wasn’t a saturated market, and it was growing. Now, if the big boys come here they have to compete with us. Look for a niche you can plug into. Your product should sell itself so look for an angle, and for whats missing in any situation.

Favorite part of creating your own business: Seeing the project come to fruition

Most complicated part of owning a business: Most complicated is dealing with people, and figuring out how to have employees and work together.

On what kids can do to get started now: Age doesn’t matter, with the internet and emails, no one can tell how old you are. You’d be surprised how much you can do. Don’t overthink things, just start. Don’t sit down and plan 5 years out, start the journey and do what it takes.

Making a Difference for Thirty-Five Years and Counting

Patton Elementary School's JA in a Day

Wooten Elementary School's JA in a Day

Stony Point High School's JA Company Program

Bill Taylor started volunteering with JA in the classroom over 35 years ago when it was first introduced to JA Project Business in Houston, TX. After teaching there for a few years, Taylor was hooked on teaching the students so much so that when he was later was hired on with 3M in Austin he requested that he be allowed to continue teaching JA classes. He has taught just about every program that JA offers. In a typical school year Bill teaches about ten JA classes in the Austin and Round Rock area.

Many of Taylor’s past students come up to him years later to thank him. One was a student at the University of Texas working at 3M as a co-op student. She thanked him for what she had learned in her JA class at Deer Park Middle School in eighth grade. Another past high school student said, “I learned more from your JA classes than any class in high school.” An elementary student told Taylor, “JA In a Day class was the best day of my life.” Students love “Mr. Bill” as he is often referred to by his students and he loves sharing JA and his own personal knowledge with them.

“Besides being so rewarding, teaching JA also improved my presentation and speaking skills, keeps me younger by working with students, allows me to give back to my community and also keeps me learning. I think by helping students be better prepared for being productive employees and financially literate, we are helping the future be better for everyone.”

If Taylor could bestow one piece of financial advice on his students it would be, “Start saving early, as compound interest is your friend. Heeding this advice gives one financial independence in their retirement years.”

Thank you Mr. Bill for helping so many young people to reach their full potential!

Not only does Bill volunteer for JA he also pays it forward by donating, to ensure that more students have access to JA programs.

If you would like to learn more about how to get involved with JA, click HERE!

#Volunteer #ChangeAgents

H-E-B gets a Standing Ovation at this year’s Broadway Bound Bowl-a-thon!

H-E-B Bowl-a-thon Event Team

William Pollock, Jeff Thomas, Emily Long & Tamra Jones

Lisa Leyva and Tamra Jones

Austin Store # 11

Hutto H-E-B Plus!

Austin Store # 3

Jeff Thomas and H-E-B Round Rock 4 Wizard of Oz

Tamra Jones, Lampasas Store and William Pollock

“What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s happening...” Jesus Christ Superstar’s rock opera lyrics couldn’t be any better to describe the 19th Annual H-E-B Bowl-a-thon benefiting JA of Central Texas! 

On Friday, June 28th approximately three hundred H-E-B Partners got on their best Broadway-inspired costumes and shuffle ball changed their way to Highland Lanes for the H-E-B Broadway Bound Bowl-a-thon. As always, this year was a celebration of community and a reunion of H-E-B Partners that are once again going center stage to educate and inspire the next generation of young people through JA. “...this year’s Bowl-a-thon was the BEST to date! It was so organized, festive – with creative design touches, tasty treats and fun for all!” said Tamra Jones, H-E-B Public Affairs manager for the central Texas region. 

H-E-B Partners really stepped up this year to make the event run so smoothly and to see their vision realized. Not only did they create one or more teams per store to raise money for JA of Central Texas but they also ran the photo booth and helped with set up, break down, registration, photography and much more. H-E-B Partners truly embody the pride of teamwork and giving back to the community. 

“It’s one of my favorite H-E-B events every year. Not just because bowling is super-fun, but because I am a supporter of what Junior Achievement programs are doing for our communities, ” said William Pollock, sixteen year H-E-B veteran and this year’s Bowl-a-thon Chairperson. 

The vibe was palpable at the Bowl-a-thon with cheers and high fives abound not to mention that Jeff Thomas, H-E-B Senior VP and General Manager joined in on the fun! This year H-E-B Partners worked together in their fundraising efforts by having store cookouts and asking friends and family to give which culminated in a total donation of more than $30,000 to JA of Central Texas! 

Thank you, H-E-B for helping provide more JA programs to Central Texas students! 

Thank you to our In-kind donors, Alamo Drafthouse and Esther’s Follies. 

Click HERE to see all photos from the H-E-B Broadway Bound Bowl-a-thon.

And the 2019 Winner of EY’s Young Entrepreneur Award goes to…

Junior Achievement of Central Texas’ (JACT’s) core belief is “Opportunity is for Everyone.” This principle helps to guide the JACT volunteer mentors who work with hundreds of local teens from a variety of backgrounds to start and run real businesses through the JA Company Program. Ernst & Young (EY) is a dedicated community supporter of the JA Company Program and JA serves as the youth entrepreneurship partner for EY.

This year, EY has helped JA Company Program student Yoselin Molina start the path towards realizing her dreams of entrepreneurship by awarding her the prestigious 2019 EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Scholarship Award. 

Although Yoselin just completed her junior year Austin ISD’s Travis Early College High School, this is the second JA student company she has helped to start. Her first experience was during her sophomore year when she served as the Director of Marketing and Social Media at Hope Goals. This JA student company sold lanyards to spread the joy of soccer to children in countries that could not afford to buy equipment. When she returned to the JA Company Program in her junior year, she joined an incubator group where she launched her own enterprise - Yoselin Designs, making handmade leather handbags. Yoselin spent her first few months studying the market, prototyping designs and researching different materials to use. In just one month she went from a felt prototype to a completed product. No small feat considering she cuts, punches and sews everything by hand. 

Yoselin’s mentor tells us, “Yoselin puts her whole heart and mind into her company. Not only in the design of her bags but the various details around her business from marketing to finances. Her impressive drive helped take her from a student who was interested in fashion to working Austin fashion week and starting her own handbag company. Not only is Yoselin committed to her own success, but she is always ready to help her classmates with their businesses.”

Her first bag - a hand stitched buffalo leather tote, quickly sold and she re-invested her profits back into her business. This summer Yoselin is designing and producing her first collection of handmade, vegan-leather totes, clutches and key chains with the goal to build enough inventory to launch her first line in the fall.  

Yoselin says: “As I move forward in the future, I want to be able to give back to my community and the harder I work the more I will be able to give.”

Congratulations, Yoselin! We wish you great success in all of your future endeavors.

Thank you to all of our dedicated JA volunteers!

Thank you to EY for their commitment to partnering with JA to create a “Better Working World.”

Twenty years of making an impact that matters ­- Deloitte’s 20th Impact Day

IMPACT Day is an opportunity for Deloitte people to put their passion, determination, and skills to use for the benefit of their communities—leaving behind their laptops, conference calls, and emails to make a difference in the communities they serve. They provide skills-based volunteering and a helping hand to hundreds of not-for-profit organizations where they share their knowledge and expertise.

This summer the Deloitte community volunteered at Wooldridge Elementary School. They delivered JA programs to every student attending the Boys and Girls Club, teaching them about financial literacy and entrepreneurship. In addition to that volunteers wrote countless thank you cards, made phone calls, packed gift bags, and created new kits from recycled JA materials - meaning that Junior Achievement can serve more students with JA programming next year and put the savings directly back into our programs! 

 Thank you, Deloitte!

#ImpactThatMatters

Frost Bank Teaches Financial Literacy at Oak Springs Elementary

“Partnerships matter!”  said Principal Monica Woods as Junior Achievement and Frost Bank volunteers returned to Oak Springs Elementary on April 23 and 25th for two days of financial education during Financial Literacy Month.

“JA in a Day is a great way for our bankers to get back into the community.”

-Betty Davis, Frost Bank Vice President of Community Development.

Following training by Junior Achievement staff, Frost Bank employees from Commercial Lending, Corporate Banking and Relationship Managers spent the day in an elementary school classroom.  “I love teaching the fourth grade curriculum JA Our Region,” said Tyler Jones, Frost Bank Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager. “I teach some fundamental tasks of business ownership through a fun game called Hot Dog Stand Game.  The kids get so excited, they don’t realize they are tracking revenue and expenses!”

Frost Bank has been a financial sponsor of Junior Achievement for many years and chooses to return to Oak Springs Elementary in Austin ISD every year.  This year we had 11 volunteers teaching 11 classes with 187 students.

Love was in the Air during Wooten Elementary School’s JA in a Day, sponsored by 3M

“Had a great day with Miss Weeks' 1st grade class today at Wooten Elementary. She was a fantastic teacher and the class seemed to have a great time.” John Fuex, Deloitte Services.

Martin Miller from CapitalOne with Ms. Lakoski’s Second Grade class.

Joel Longstreth from Brentwood Plastics counts ballots with Ms. Campos’ Second Grade students.

David Johnson with CapitalOne adding up profits from the Hot Dog Stand game.

Shannon Gleeson with A+ Federal Credit Union works with First Graders.

Yulissa Biddy from CapitalOne works with Third Grade students on planning a city.

Angelo San Segundo, Wooten Elementary School’s principal kicked off JA in a Day on April 26th by saying “We love having JA volunteers in our classrooms!”

Thanks to 3M’s generous sponsorship of JA programming at Wooten Elementary, the 500+ K-5th grade students learned hands on about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. This year, Wooten’s JA in a Day happened to coincide with the very same week 3M was moving into a new facility so volunteers from several other firms stepped in to teach the lessons.  CapitalOne Bank, Deloitte Services, A+ Federal Credit Union, TriNet, Frost Bank, and Brentwood Plastics were among the companies who provided volunteers.  Truly a great community collaboration!

Principal San Segundo summed up the successful JA in a Day as follows:

 “Not only are the JA Volunteers trained professionals taking time to inspire our students, but we also love showing the community the great things happening Wooten.”

@GHWootenWarrior  #AISDProud

AT&T Inspires Local Students with ASPIRE Program

On April 12th AT&T opened their doors to students from Bertha Sadler Means YWLA to share with them the possibilities that await when they graduate and encourage them to stay in school. The AT&T Aspire program is designed to open students eyes to the world of work around them and to prepare them with essential career readiness skills that they will need to enter the working world.

Over the course of the Job Shadow the students were able to experience the day in a life of an AT&T employee, learn about how to job hunt and build the perfect resume. They also had the script flipped on them when they were put in the shoes to sell a product to a customer. At the end of the day the students were able to participate in a panel discussion with employees from different branches of the company. Having the ability to ask questions of managers and time to hear how these individuals got to where they are is important for students because they begin to see themselves there as well.

I learned that I should be working on my resume now. Even though I am not really looking for a job yet it is good to start keeping track of all of my accomplishments and awards. My resume has all of my volunteer activities as well as the clubs I am a part of, and the awards I have won at school.

-Giselle

We want to thank AT&T for hosting our JA Job Shadow, supporting our students and helping them step out of their comfort zones to learn new skills. Many of these students do not see much beyond their immediate neighborhood, and having the opportunity to meet people from their community that grew up where they did makes a world of difference. These students have a bright future, and it was made a bit brighter because of the mentorship from AT&T volunteers.

Financial Literacy Deep Dive

FactSet Volunteers lead Credit Score Lesson

The school year may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean that the learning is. This week we spent Thursday at Travis Early College High School working with Juniors and Seniors to take a deep dive into personal financial literacy. On a testing day where most upperclassmen spend the day outside of their normal routine, JA took advantage of the schedule change to put on a Financial Literacy workshop.

We asked the students what they wanted to know and built a program around their feedback. Students wanted to learn about how to manage credit cards, interest rates and how to manage the cost of living. This day was tailored to fit exactly what they wanted to learn about.

-Lacy Blakley, Assistant Principal

Junior Achievement brought in volunteers and subject matter experts to lead workshops on budgeting, the difference in credit and debit and how to manage debt. This was our first event like this at Travis High School and we are excited to start planning for next year. Volunteers spent the day in the classroom while students rotated through the lessons. We want to thank our volunteers for spending their day with our students to make sure that they feel better prepared to take on the world. We want to thank FactSet for volunteering and sponsoring this programming. Without the support of our sponsors and volunteers JA would not be able to provide days like these to our students.

Austin-area Women Learn Why Financial Equity Matters at JA F.E.M. Forum

JA of Central Texas kicked off Financial Literacy Month by bringing together over 100 women executives, emerging leaders and students to learn how to improve their own financial wellness and empower others to become more financially literate at the inaugural JA F.E.M. Forum.  Speaker and Panel Moderator Lisa Kottler set the stage for the event when she shared that financial inequity for women can start at an early age - a recent report found parents paid boys twice as much for doing chores per week than girls.

The panel of women experts included Stuart Vick Smith, Tausha Robertson, Tiffanie Harrrison, Kelcy Flores, and Allegra Moet Brantly. During a discussion about learning to make your money work for you, panelist Allegra Moet Brantly challenged the audience by asking "is your money sitting on the couch watching Netflix or is it working out on the treadmill?" Other words of wisdom from panelists included ask for a mentor, always pay yourself first by saving a set amount from each paycheck, don't spend more than you earn and ask the questions that feel on the edge of comfort when negotiating your salary.

“Power is unlimited, we don't have to compete with each other to reach our goals” were the reflections from JA teen entrepreneur and student speaker Lawrel Andry on what she’s learned about how women can be stronger together. The JA F.E.M. Forum culminated with table attendees working together on a JA Financial Literacy Lesson on budgeting. JA-developed lesson plans are engaging and easy-to-follow, allowing JA volunteers to incorporate their unique experiences.

AB PCI Brings Financial Literacy to Travis High School

Thank you to Alliance Bernstein PCI for partnering with Junior Achievement to bring more Financial Literacy programming to Travis Early College High School. This year AB PCI not only sponsored the program financially, but they volunteered with Travis High School to teach students about business basics and financial literacy all school year. These volunteers worked with students in a traditional JA classroom and also made our first ever financial literacy deep dive day possible. We thank you for your passion and drive to make sure that every student is able to handle their finances with confidence.