The people behind Junior Achievement of New Jersey know education in business and finance can make a difference in a person's life, even at a young age. JANJ is a nonprofit organization committed to teaching New Jersey's young people not only financial literacy and career development, but also how to be ethical citizens. President of Junior Achievement New Jersey Catherine Milone-Richards shares what the organization hopes to do for the thousands of young students it educates each year.
On November 17, Junior Achievement Day, volunteers visited Riletta Cream Family School and taught students K-8 about financial literacy. How did the students respond?
Through the generosity of Verizon and Citizens Bank, Riletta Cream Family School has received the Junior Achievement program every year for the past four years. As always, the students were excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity to interact with prominent business leaders from the community who are always willingly to share their expertise and experiences with the students.
How long has Junior Achievement of NJ been involved in educating youth about financial literacy?
Since 1963 Junior Achievement has been impacting the lives of New Jersey's youth with its state-of-the-art economic educational programs, whose success is derived from our volunteer network.
Do you find that young students are aware of the current economic crisis? If so, how has this affected their interest in financial literacy education?
Young students today are well aware of the financial crisis as their families and communities have been affected. Thus far this fiscal year, we have seen a healthy increase in the number of high school students that volunteer for the JA High School Hero Program (high school students volunteer teaching JA's programs at local elementary schools).
What other qualities does JANJ try to instill in young people?
All JA programs are based on three pillars: financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA helps students understand that hard work results in the rewards of self-sufficiency and helps to curtail the cycle of dependence on government and other outside support. Studies and evaluations performed by JA show that learning takes place when students participate in hands-on experiences, when they are active participants, and when they are involved in decision-making with consequences. JA provides these types of experiences. As a result, the students become better informed citizens, consumers, employees and employers.
How can volunteers get involved with JANJ?
Volunteers can get involved with JA through our in-school, after-school, or Capstone programs. They also can join one of our special event committees or if a good fit, become a part of one of JANJ's Board of Directors. In many cases, businesses/corporations, associations, membership organizations, and other groups seek ways in which they can give back to community through team-building projects.
JA offers its one-day (team-building) program event called a JA Day, which takes place at a local school. Volunteers can visit JANJ's website (https://janj.org) to learn more about JANJ. They can call 609-419-0404, ext. 110 if they would like to learn more about us and how they can give back through the JA cause.
Comments, Pingbacks:
No Comments/Pingbacks for this post yet...
