Mission: Junior Achievement gives children, from kindergarten to Grade 12, the knowledge, tools and inspiration to be successful and money-smart for life. The three pillars of JA programs are financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurism.
Background: JA of Southwest New England reaches about 30,000 children in seven Connecticut counties (all except Fairfield County.) JA programs are delivered during the school day in 50 towns and cities by more than 2,000 business and community volunteers who work in partnership with the regular classroom teachers.
JA programs teach young people the importance of staying in school, getting a good job, spending money wisely and saving for the future. In short, JA students learn to make good decisions in their lives and to become responsible citizens.
Major Fundraiser: JA has several major fund-raising events each year:
• The JA Business Hall of Fame, which will be held in March 2010, honors three local business leaders for their professional and community achievements and a corporation for its commitment to education in the region.
• The Governor’s Golf Classic, which will be held June 7, 2010, at Tumble Brook Country Club.
• Achieve-a-Bowl (bowling events), various dates scheduled for fall 2009 and spring 2010.
To learn more about these events, please contact Mary Jane Lund, vice president-special events, at mjlund@jaconn.org.
• Partners in Achievement Breakfast, which will be held in May 2010, is an opportunity for JA supporters to hear directly from students who have been impacted by JA programs.
Volunteer Needs: JA needs volunteers to provide programs in local schools, especially at the middle and high school level. Most programs contain five to seven lessons which are roughly 45 minutes in length. All volunteers receive training and curriculum materials ahead of time and classroom teachers remain in the class at all times. Please contact Roslynn Hooks, director of education, at rhooks@jaconn.org to volunteer or for more information.
Leadership:
Chair: Marlene Ibsen, Travelers;
Vice Chair: Brendan Lynch, Travelers Life & Annuity, retired;
Treasurer: James Bolduc, Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority;
Secretary: Hugh Manke, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy;
President: Louis J. Golden
Contact information:
Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
1 Asylum St., Suite 601
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 525-4510
www.jaconn.net
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Louis J. Golden is president of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.
