Oracle sees the value of Junior Achievement in classrooms and the value of local professionals mentoring students through the highly vetted JA programs!
Shout Out to Elizabeth Kirchner and her crew of Oracle interns for volunteering to help us with a letter writing campaign.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic goes beyond the disruptions students experienced during the 2020-21 school year and possibly into the current one. The “new normal” America’s youth experienced in education, including the uneven quality of and access to remote, hybrid, and virtual learning, combined with the lack of regular social interaction with peers, teachers, and mentors, may have long-term impacts on countless students’ educational achievement and overall wellbeing.
According to a January 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Education titled The Disparate Impact of COVID-19 on America’s Students, “Emerging evidence shows that the pandemic has negatively affected academic growth, widening pre-existing disparities.” The research also notes that “Nearly all students have experienced some challenges to their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, and many have lost access to school-based services and supports.”
To better understand teens’ perspectives on the new school year, Junior Achievement USA conducted a survey of 1,003 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 in conjunction with the research firm ENGINE Insights. The survey occurred between July 8 and 13, 2021, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.
The focus of the survey was to gain a better understanding of how teens felt the pandemic impacted them and what could be done to support them as they make the transition into what is hopefully a more predictable school year.
The survey results show that nearly 2-in-5 (39%) teens feel that they are behind educationally because of the pandemic. Of those, more than a third (37%) feel they are behind permanently.
Much of this could be attributed to the quality of educational delivery models schools, teachers, and students struggled with due to restrictions associated with COVID-19. Most teens (56%) rated the quality of education during the pandemic as “fair/poor,” while the rest (44%) rated it as “excellent/very good/good.” Teen interest in participating in online-only classes in the future was split down the middle, with nearly half interested (46%) and almost half not (48%).
Even though survey participants reported that they are looking forward to in-person classes and interaction with friends during the school year, a third of teens (34%) expressed concern about attending school in-person this year, compared to two-thirds (66%) who have little to no concern.
Most teens (91%) say they need additional support this coming school year. This support includes being able to interact in-person with teachers and fellow students (53%), the ability to attend school entirely inperson (44%), and more individual attention from teachers to help with learning (32%).
More than a third of teens (34%) say they need “emotional support” from teachers, parents, counselors, and other caring adults to help their “mental wellbeing.” These “caring adults” include mentors and role models that teens may not have otherwise had access to during the COVID restrictions.
While Junior Achievement is not a mental health organization, there are elements of its delivery model that can be beneficial when it comes to students’ sense of purpose, self-esteem, and general wellbeing.
First, JA volunteers act as mentors and role models. Online mentoring platform Guider cites several studies from the Mental Health Foundation, the nonprofit Mind, and The Advocacy Project that show mentors can positively impact mental health and overall wellbeing. These include reducing a sense of isolation, increasing belief in self, and fostering hope for the future.
Second, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has been demonstrated to result in positive outcomes when it comes to mental health and overall wellbeing, resulting in positive short-term and long-term outcomes, as noted in research by the nonprofit Education Development Center. Elements of SEL that can be found in Junior Achievement learning experiences include goal setting, interpersonal communication, problemsolving, and self-motivation.
A 2020 survey of JA alumni by research firm Ipsos highlights some of the reported benefits to those who participated in Junior Achievement as students. According to Ipsos, 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%). 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%).
Men and women JA alumni are equally likely to say they were positively impacted in some way by the JA program (92% of men and 87% of women). Black (96%) and Hispanic (95%) JA alumni are equally likely to say that the JA Program positively impacted their future choices and perceptions as their white counterparts (93%).
While Junior Achievement’s goal is to promote competencies around work and career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship amongst students, its delivery model – which combines caring volunteers with proven programs – has been shown to promote self-belief and a sense of purpose in students. These outcomes go beyond the individual aspects of knowledge, attitude, and skills to foster a holistic “I Can” mindset, helping young people gain confidence in their ability to feel they have more control of their lives. Promoting this mindset is especially important as young people search for emotional support and positive reinforcement in what are hopefully the waning days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partnering with Girl Empowerment Network(GEN), we along with our dedicated volunteers, Jen Ream, Debra Sherrill, Jing Osborn, and Dina Smither delivered JA It’s My Business!® to the young people attending the GEN camp, Own Your Power: Find Your Voice.
This camp’s focus was on igniting the belief in one’s own abilities and discovering the leader in you! During the camp these elementary and middle school girls worked with the GEN staff on crafting, yoga, a talent show, singing, games, and more. JA contributed the opportunity to work with local professional mentors to ideate, plan, and present a business pitch for a company concept of their own creation with the JA It’s My business program!
There were a bunch of great ideas! The students worked hard and really put entrepreneurial thinking into action. Some of the concepts included an animal rescue house, an app for all things animals including a pet locator, rescue information, what to do if your pet is hurt, etc… Another app was called, KnockKnock - a drone delivery service. Another group pitched a safety watch for children featuring a locator and the ability to call their parents. Last but not least, the 8th graders presented a new spin on glasses. They were all the things you could ever want. they were customizable, sustainable, fashionable and embedded a social impact by included a buy a pair and they will donate a pair to someone in need.
In partnership with SAFE Alliance, Girl Empowerment Network, and the City of Austin - Junior Achievement and our volunteers contributed important tools for the young people of the Summer Youth Employment Program to reach their full potential. During this week long leadership initiative, we delivered a curated program focusing on entrepreneurial thinking- growth mindset vs fixed mindset, work readiness- resume building, and JA Personal Finance- learning about the importance of and how to create a budget.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers- Mellisa Cogswell, Peggy Pleasant, Linda Moore-Cohns, Khalida Abdi, Jenna Mejia, Miriam Almanza, Caitlan Fletcher, Vicki Vesa, and Massa Kourouma!
#OpportunityIsForEveryone
(Austin, TX) – Junior Achievement of Central Texas (JACTX) consolidates operations and joins Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas (JASET) as a district office. The merger allows our organization to leverage the extensive resources and experience of JASET so that we can continue to scale our ability to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. JACTX will continue to provide Junior Achievement’s signature programs to students throughout central Texas and maintain its local Board of Directors and JA staff.
Heading up the Houston-based organization is Joe Burke, JASET President. “Merging these two JA areas will allow JACTX to be more efficient and increase the impact in the local community. I am very excited to be working with the JACTX team,” said Burke. Joe Cestari, JACTX Board Chair added, “We are fortunate that both organizations are committed to enabling the success of Texas youth and both organizations have talented and passionate employees and Boards of Directors. The merger will allow the JACTX team to be able to reach even more central Texas youth through the support and collaboration with the JASET team.”
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to providing students, grades K-12, with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success. JA programs are delivered, free of charge to schools, by corporate and community volunteers. JA programs provide important and practical supplements to the standard classroom curriculum through our three pathways focused on financial literacy, workplace readiness, and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1919, JA annually reaches almost 5 million students in 107 markets throughout the US. Internationally, JA is provided in 100 countries reaching 10 million students.
For more information on how to get involved with Junior Achievement as a volunteer, sponsor, or school, please call 512.710.5437 or go online to www.jacentex.org.
Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School(GTES) is a sweet-spirited school in North Austin dedicated to their students’ academic experience. With the support of #SchwabVolunteerWeek and our dedicated volunteers, we were able to virtually serve the students of Guerrero-Thompson.
GTES is 97.7% Economically disadvantaged and 81.3% English language learners. A special shout out to our Spanish-speaking volunteers! Because of them, we were able to break down the language barriers and give access to JA programs to ALL of the GTES students. We at JA of Central Texas are dedicated to reaching ALL young people in an effort to break the cycle of poverty. We believe you are never too young to start cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, smart money management, and forward career thinking.
Thank you to Guerrero-Thompson educators, Schwab, and all of our volunteers for making this virtual JA learning experience possible.
“I really enjoyed reaching out to these students. It was a commitment to dedicate some time in our busy days. It is very satisfying to know you might just make a difference to one student. I know it might be challenging but very rewarding to do this job and give back to the community.”
~Moses Rodriguez, JA Volunteer & City of Austin employee
Click the button below to learn more.
With the help of Navarro Early College High School(NECHS) educator, Medina Willis, JA volunteers, and sponsor, Allstate Foundation - the students of NECHS had the opportunity to participate in the JA Personal Finance® program. Through this program, students learned to identify how their personal finances affect their quality of life.
This year, as tough as it was, Whole School Sponsor, Experian, believes the need to inspire young people is more important than ever. Experian puts into action the understanding that together we can make a difference.
Not only did Experian sponsor all of Patton Elementary’s students to receive JA's life-changing programs but many of Experian’s employees also stepped up to be virtual volunteers. These volunteers not only got past the hurdles of teaching virtually but made actual connections and inspired their students!
“I had a great experience at Patton Elementary. Volunteering with JA made me appreciate the amount of time and effort the teachers have to put into educating the children. The fact that the kids were engaged throughout the different lessons is a testament to the JA curriculum. I look forward to volunteering again in the future. ~Prenon Islam, Sales Engineer at Experian Partner Solutions
After our week of virtual JA at Patton, Experian representatives/volunteers, JA staff, and members from Patton’s administration gathered to say Thank You to Experian for giving the gift of JA to the young people at Patton Elementary.
Click the video below to see more.
The Patton students loved the time with their volunteers - learning about needs and wants, communities, how to start a business, and more! Students, now more than ever, need to know that their community is rallying around their education to keep inspiration alive. We are so grateful to Experian for being leaders in creating a better tomorrow for the young people of Central Texas.
“I love that you care about our education and you care about us so much.”
~Nathan, Patton Elementary 2nd grade student
“Ms. Culligan, I love to learn new things every day, and just maybe I will grow up to be a businesswoman.”
~Sophia, Patton Elementary 4th grade student
“I want to thank you for teaching us about business…I am going to make a lemonade stand in the summertime.“
~ Joseph, Patton Elementary 4th grade student
JA’s elementary school programs are the foundation of its K-12 curricula which include hands-on activities that work to change students’ lives by helping them understand business and economics.
We could not do what we do without partners like Experian!
#ReachandRebuild #ExperianLife #ExperianCares
Educators said that their students were engaged and excited about their volunteers joining their Zoom classroom all while learning a lot and having fun!
Business and community volunteers worked to teach them about the fundamentals of financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship through JA’s life-changing curriculum! Volunteers enjoyed their experience and were pleasantly surprised by the students’ level of engagement, Zoom wiggles and all.
Here is what JA volunteers are saying…
“I had a great experience at Patton Elementary. Volunteering with JA made me appreciate the amount of time and effort the teachers have to put into educating the children. The fact that the kids were engaged throughout the different lessons is a testament to the JA curriculum. I look forward to volunteering again in the future.”
~Prenon Islam, Sales Engineer at Experian Partner Solutions
“The kids at Patton were awesome! Truly a super fun and rewarding experience.”
~Jess Mullen, Economic Development Officer at PeopleFund
“Thanks for letting me be a part of the event at Patton as my first JA engagement. I really enjoyed the lessons and certainly learned a few things myself.”
~Ted Warhoe, Senior Product Manager at Vrbo
“I had a great experience- I really appreciate the opportunity and would love to volunteer again in the future.”
~Stephen de Man, Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers! Thank you to the Patton staff for organizing and giving this gift to their students!
A BIG SHOUT OUT to Patton’s Whole School Sponsor, Experian, for truly believing in building a better tomorrow!
#ExperianCares
JA’s elementary school programs are the foundation of its K-12 curricula which include hands-on activities that work to change students’ lives by helping them understand business and economics.
JA High School Heroes launches at Wooten Elementary School. The students and the educator alike enjoyed having these high school students teach the elementary school curriculum to their 3rd-grade class.
This program benefits high school students by offering a community service opportunity while serving elementary students in their district.
This program gives 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to volunteer at an elementary school in a one-day event called JA in a Day. The high school students facilitate programs that focus on basic financial literacy concepts, entrepreneurial thinking, and community responsibility.
High School Heroes…
Give back to the community
Teach valuable lessons and life skills
Are role models to elementary students
Inspire young students
Build upon leadership skills
Enhance public speaking skills
Gain field experience
Work collaboratively to teach programs
Earn required service hours
Read below what the Lehman High Students enjoyed and learned from their participation as JA High School Heroes.
High school heroes for me was an incredible experience. When one joins and has their first meeting or event, it’s pretty scary because you’re afraid of messing up or not doing it correctly. It’s an experience that changes your perspective in many different ways, because you see things differently, and it’s a good impact on you. I liked everything about it, the way teachers would communicate with you, the resources available, and especially the students. The students made an impact because they demonstrated their abilities. Being smart, courageous, engaging, smart, and funny. If your planning to join JA High School Heroes, go ahead, it’s amazing, fun, everything. You challenge yourself to do things that you didn’t think were possible, you learn along the way, and the students are what make it special. – Sandra M., Senior Lehman High School
I am really thankful to Junior Achievement for giving us the opportunity to experience teaching. JA helped me discover that I want to one day be an educator. High School Hero's is a great experience and has lessons to teach virtually. I would recommend anyone to join HSH, it is a great opportunity and the staff is amazing. - Joana E., Junior Lehman High School
JA High School Heroes was really good for me. It was a great experience to interact with students in a virtual world. I liked how they have lessons written out for you with notes to teach from, it makes it so much enjoyable to teach without scrambling around to gather materials. I would highly encourage others to join because it’s a great experience! -Amy L., Senior Lehman High School
My experience with Junior Achievement was amazing, I loved working with the 3rd grade class. It was an amazing way to experience virtual teaching and gave me a taste of how teachers have to adapt to different situations. Once I logged in both the students and the class welcomed my partner, Amy and I. All the students engaged with the lesson and were very cooperative, as well as the teachers helping us get their attention or guiding the lesson. - Paulina U., Senior Lehman High School
Thank you to the students at Lehman High School for giving back to their community while learning important skills. Thank you to Lehman High School educator, Christine Garcia, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher and Education & Training Coordinator for giving this opportunity to your students!
To learn more email programs@jacentex.org
The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge educates high school students about investing and trading in the stock market in a hands-on, high-tech simulation of the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The program included the JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum prior to the JA Challenge Event where they had $25,000 of virtual funds to trade through the PayGrade stock simulation platform.
We had a goal to reach 50 students for our first JA Stock Market Challenge. We are excited to say we reached approximately 230 students from 11 different schools!
Shout out to Ashton Wong, Liberal Arts and Science Academy student and C.F.O. of Junior Economics Club of Austin, for partnering with us to make this event a great success!
Thank you to our teachers, volunteers, and sponsors! We could not do what we do without folks like you!
1st place individual winning prize of $100 with a portfolio balance of $ 40,230, representing a $15,230 increase goes to Gabriel M.-D.!
2nd place individual winning prize of $50 with a portfolio balance of $ 32,736, representing a $7,736 increase goes to Adison L.!
3rd place individual winning prize of $25 with a portfolio balance of $28,197, representing a $2,112 increase goes to Sadhana K.!
1st place winning team prize of $500 goes to Team de Boisblanc from Experian with a final portfolio balance of $258,426, representing a $158,426 increase! Congratulations to Jacob, Sam, Alex, and Matin!
2nd place winning team prize of $250 goes to Team Rivera with a final portfolio balance of $101,997, representing a $1,997 increase. Congratulations to James, Audrey, Isel, and Makoya!
Say Thanks, Austin, January 4th - 29th - the annual event that directs our community's collective attention to a group of incredible, selfless givers who have made amazing impacts for those around them! We are working hard for Thank You votes for Bill Taylor, and we need your help to get us a step closer to the $10,000 pay-it-forward donation awarded to the winner.
Bill Taylor, 3M retiree, started his JA journey in the Houston area before moving to the Austin area where he insisted that he must continue his weekly volunteering for Junior Achievement. Luckily 3M said yes, now 35 years later Bill Taylor has offered a lifetime of experience and mentoring to the next generation!
VOTING IS EASY - Click through the below links to vote. The Form has the biggest impact and is something you can print, fill out then send a scan or a pic to emily@jacentex.org
How to Help and Say Thanks to Bill
“Every day, every way” means that individuals, anyone in the world, can count for 7 Thank You votes each day, by all 7 different methods listed below. Vote every day, in all 7 ways to maximize your gratitude for this incredible person!
WRITE-IN (BIGGEST IMPACT):
Your name, then sign and date where indicated on Bill's Say Thanks form (download here) You can fill out the entire form for the month. Scan and send to emily@jacentex.org or can arrange for JA staff to pick it up.
CLICK:
Bill's VOTE button on the “Vote Say Thanks, Austin” page at RecognizeGood.org
TEXT:
TAYLOR to (512) 456-9244
MESSAGE:
TAYLOR to our Facebook fan page at facebook.com/recognizegood
DIRECT MESSAGE:
TAYLOR to our Instagram page at @RecognizeGood
TWEET:
TAYLOR @RecognizeGood with the hashtag #SayThanksAustin
EMAIL:
TAYLOR in the subject line to saythanks@recognizegood.org
Under the direction of Educator, Coach Nick Lebo and JA Volunteer Mentor, Eric Browne twenty-two students successfully completed JA Be Entrepreneurial® culminating in a virtual pitch competition.
Students presented a Mobile Bike Shop, Custom Masks partnering with local artist, Golfing Counter, Child Safety Alarm and Custom Austin High swag.
Next semester, Coach Lebo’s class will be continuing on to JA Company Program®
Thank you to Coach Lebo, Eric Browne and pitch judges:
Are you looking for stylish glasses that have all the features of your smartphone in a more convenient location?
Do you want economical, healthy meals from a variety of cultures delivered to your home?
Need translation help? Stylish custom face mask? A doggy door with sensors? What about an app to rant?
Or how about a customizable basketball hoop with LED lights, speakers, and a camera built-in?
These are just a few of the innovative ideas the students from Canyon Vista Middle School developed with the help of JA Volunteer mentor and recently awarded RecognizeGood Legend, Bill Taylor. At the end of there JA journey they had the opportunity to presented to Pitch Judges from FactSet and Accenture and received valuable feedback as they will go on next semester to bring one or more of these ideas to life as a real, money making companies through the JA Company Program.
E2 may have looked different this year but we along with our FactSet and Accenture partners wanted to keep the E2 tradition alive to continue empowering young people through entrepreneurship. The future looks bright!
Thank you FactSet and Accenture for believing like us that Opportunity is for Everyone even in 2020!
Friday, November 13, 2020 was a truly inspiring day for all women of all ages. We along with our dedicated committee and sponsors transformed the live event into a multifaceted high value virtual event. It included special Why JA mission moments from our event partners and from a student in the JA Company Program, a panel of financial experts including a live Q&A, student activity breakouts pairing adult attendees/mentors with students to discuss their one, five and ten year professional and financial goals.
Panelist, Angela Shaw, reinforces the most important wealth tool to women is a strong (and fair) starting salary. “Make sure when you get in the door - you LIKE YOUR OFFER.”
JA F.E.M. Forum was created as an educational tool to help to bridge the gap in financial gender equality. “The gender wage gap starts in elementary school - research shows that parents pay boys more than girls for household chores” says Lisa Kottler, JA Board member and panel moderator.
Not only was JA F.E.M. Forum a great learning experience but it raised over $60,000 to help JA of Central Texas continue our goal to bring opportunity to everyone which will help to create more equitable communities!
Thank you to our generous sponsors, brilliant committee members, eye opening panelists, hardworking LASA practicum film students & teacher, JA Job Shadow company - Double Z Productions, our amazing student speaker, and all those adults and students that attended!
WOW, we couldn’t do what we do without you!
After 35 years of volunteering with Junior Achievement teaching just about every program offered, Bill Taylor is an education all-star.
Bill Taylor has made a career out of giving back. He graduated from UT Austin in 1975 with an electrical engineering degree, then spent the first part of his career with petrochemical plants in Houston before a 26-year tenure with 3M focusing on cable product development. Over the span of his career, Bill dedicated time to industry trade organizations and nonprofits like Meals on Wheels, but his real passion was clear – teaching young people.
Thank you, RecognizeGood for honoring our dedicated volunteer, Bill Taylor, with the Legend award!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors, H-E-B and DLA Piper. A huge shout out to the Dance4JA Committee members, DJ Mel and the moderators, and all those that donated and supported this event. Because of you we raised over 20k!
We danced, played trivia, enjoyed custom mocktails, bid on unique Austin centric silent auction baskets and more! With our usual bowl-a-thons on hold we used some design thinking to pivot to a virtual dance party. We along with host sponsor, H-E-B, wanted to do something fun that would include the entire community so Dance4JA was born.
Thank again to everyone that participated!
Junior Achievement of Central Texas recognizes the following volunteers for their exceptional dedication and service to our schools and, most importantly, to our students this year.
"These volunteers are a valuable part of making Junior Achievement so successful in our Central Texas schools," Taylor Vogelsang, president of Junior Achievement of Central Texas. "They bring their personal and professional experiences to students in this community, and it has helped make the connection between what students learn in school and what they will need to succeed in work and life."
We recognize Kendrick Barnet with City of Austin, Eric Browne with Nimail3 Business Solutions, Stacy Knight with H-E-B and Katherine Sobel with PeopleFund as Emerging Volunteer Leaders. Each one has volunteered for less than three years with JA of Central Texas yet have already made an impact in the classroom and in our organization by taking on multiple classroom assignments and going above and beyond connecting with students. We look forward to building relationships with these volunteers and impacting more students.
Our Excellence in Volunteering Award goes to Ali Wittich with Publicis Sapient, and David Gonzalez of EY. These volunteers have not only taught in the classroom, but have also joined our local planning committees to shape the future of JA of Central Texas. They help to guide our fundraising, planning and outreach efforts. We are grateful for their collaboration.
JA Champion Volunteers have not only dedicated multiple years to JA of Central Texas but also shown distinguished service to the organization. We recognize the following volunteers as crucial to our success.
Jullie Strippoli with Charles Schwab started volunteering with Junior Achievement in middle school classrooms more than ten years ago. Since then she has participated in teaching elementary, middle and high school programs. She helped create and serve as a chair of the JA F.E.M. Forum Executive Committee, an event for professionals and students focused on financial equity for women. Her role with JA has continued to evolve and meet the needs of the dynamic Austin community.
William “Bill” Taylor has been volunteering with Junior Achievement for more than 30 years. When he began his career with 3M he was already a dedicated JA volunteer and stipulated that he needed time to continue to volunteer in the classroom. He has since retired from 3M, but not from JA. He continues to volunteer with elementary, middle and high school students. He has even led an award-winning group of teens with the JA Company Program. This Program unlocks the innate ability in high school students to fill a need or solve a problem in their community by launching a business venture and unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit. Bill is an ever-ready and dedicated volunteer whose kindness and ability to connect with students forms the foundation of our volunteer program.
"All of our volunteers have helped reinforce the value of an education to countless students," Vogelsang said. "These volunteers are a wonderful example of how one person can make such a huge difference in the lives of young people in our community."
Locally, Junior Achievement serves approximately 5,000 students each year in the Austin area. JA volunteers are a part of a national network of business and community volunteers who are helping young people develop the competence, confidence, and character needed for success in school, work, and life.
We couldn’t do what we do without the dedication of our volunteers. Please join us in a round of applause for the 2020 JACT Volunteer Award winners! Congratulations!
Ali Wittich, Marketing Operations Lead, North America with Publicis Sapient speaks with us after being our first virtual volunteer to pilot a virtual JA Company Program.
What is your JA history?
I have been a classroom volunteer with JA for nearly 10 years – in both Washington, DC and now in Austin. I remember being a Junior Achievement student when I was growing up in small town Montana, and my mom was a classroom volunteer when I grew up also- so I have a very strong affinity for JA and the work they do on a national level.
Why do you think JA is important?
I think it’s alarming how little the public school system teaches students about the basics of financial literacy – how to make a budget, how taxes work, jobs, skills, interdependence, needs vs. wants, etc. If you reflect back to your time in school you’ll remember tiny tidbits from long classes in geometry, physics, history, etc. But you probably won’t remember anyone teaching you about the basics of how money works. These critical financial literacy & life skills are left in the hands of parents to teach- making the disparity even greater for kids from single-parent or low-income homes. I think JA is so important because for many students, this is the only time they have someone come into the classroom to get them excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead of them.
Why do you volunteer for JA of Central Texas?
I volunteer because I strongly believe in JA’s mission that ‘Opportunity is for Everyone’.
Why did you reach out and want to help a student when the pandemic happened?
I’ve seen first-hand through volunteering in classrooms with JA how school is a solace for many kids, and I wanted to help a young person who was on the right track but had that opportunity taken from them with the quarantine. I reached out to my at JA to see if there was an at-risk, but high potential student who would benefit from mentorship and JA. Through JA’s network, one teacher at Travis High School – Ms. McClure identified a bright student named Michael who had a big idea to launch a polaroid printing business, and then all was put on hold when schools shut down. Over the course of a few months, Michael and I met on Zoom, used the JA “It’s My Business” curriculum, and worked through his business plan – discussing SWOT analysis, budgets, competitive research, etc.
As a way to celebrate his work I asked Austin friends if they would judge Michael’s final pitch in a Zoom “Shark Tank” – something I thought would be fun and get more friends interested in JA.
It was a heart-warming grand finale to all his work and growth – and I was proud to watch the shy kid transform into someone who was confident enough to pitch in front of a group of strangers.
Special thank you to my friends and business leaders who offered amazing feedback and seed funding for Michael on the final pitch.
Eric Browne, Nimali3 Business Solutions
David Gonzalez, EY
Lisa Kotler, Fintech evangelist
Jess Martin, Stronghorn Fitness
Jen Smith, DLA Piper
Natalie Watson, Watson Works
Hayes Whitney, Superior Healthplan
It was great to see the JA team open to quickly pivoting to try virtual mentoring – providing opportunity for a high schooler to launch a business in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s hard to measure what the long-term effects of Michael’s future trajectory will be with this Junior Achievement experience and curriculum, but it’s been great to be part of JA’s shift to virtual programming.
Thank you Ali and all those that jumped in to give this opportunity to Michael!
Looking to be a part of our mission and virtually volunteer with JA this school year? Email: programs@jacentex.org
Research Shows Financial Wellbeing as Big a Concern among Teens as Health
The financial impact and pressure brought by COVID-19 are weighing heavily on American teenagers, with more than two-thirds of teens (69%) saying they are either somewhat or very concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their families and day-to-day lives, according to a new survey by Junior Achievement USA (JA) and Citizens Bank.
The survey of 1,000 U.S. teens, aged between 13 and 18 and not currently attending college, found that nearly three-quarters of teens (72%) say they have had a discussion with their parents or guardian about finances as a result of COVID-19. Almost a quarter (24%) of teenagers say their parents or caregivers have shared with them their concerns about paying bills while nearly one-in-seven (13%) say their parent or caregiver has lost their job due to COVID-19.
Other key findings include:
More than half of the teens surveyed (57%) are concerned about how COVID-19 will impact their plans for the future. The only concerns that worry them more include a family member other than a parent or guardian getting sick (60%) or a parent or caregiver getting sick (59%).
44% of high school juniors and seniors say COVID-19 has impacted their plans to pay for college, with a majority (58%) saying they are now more likely to take out student loans to help pay for college. Meanwhile, 30% said they have had to delay college start date, and 13% said they have changed what school they plan to attend because of COVID-19.
More than a quarter of teens (29%) have a job outside the home, with 46% saying that they or their families depend on their income for living expenses. Most teens who work (62%) say they would need to violate social distancing recommendations to continue working
“Families across America are dealing with the short and long-term challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and teenagers are feeling these impacts, while also navigating being home from school and not knowing what the future holds for them,” said Brendan Coughlin, Head of Consumer Banking at Citizens Bank. “Now, more than ever, it is important that banks help their customers navigate these unique and broad implications and provide economic stability for our communities.
