Junior Achievement and Staples Launch National Partnership Focused on Work and Career Readiness for America’s Youth

Two-Year Collaboration Will Support Work and Career Readiness Initiatives Across the Country, as well as National Student Events and Programming for Teens Through Young Adults

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Junior Achievement USA (JA) and Staples announced the creation of a new two-year partnership that will deliver work and career readiness learning experiences to JA students ranging from Middle School to Young Adults. This partnership will encompass local program support and volunteer engagement in eight communities served by JA, along with support for two national student events, aligning with Staples' philanthropic and community engagement priorities. The national partnership will also include collaboration on programming and curriculum for teenagers and young adults graduating out of the JA program and preparing to take their first career steps.

At the local level, investments will be made in eight selected local communities where both JA and Staples have a strong presence. This will include the engagement of Staples employees as volunteers and mentors for JA youth in communities Staples serves.

The eight communities are:

· Boston, MA

· Orlando, FL

· Chicago, IL

· Dallas, TX

· Des Moines, IA

· Atlanta, GA

· Philadelphia, PA

· Denver, CO

According to research by the Social Science Research Council, more than 4 million young Americans are “disconnected youth”, those between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not working or in school. One key objective of the JA and Staples national partnership is to help engage teenagers and young adults and help them better understand the connection between what they learn in school and future job and career opportunities.

“Junior Achievement has had a great collaboration with Staples on a community level for many years,” said Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA. “This national partnership will open the doors of opportunity for so many more teens and young adults due to Staples’ commitment to work and career readiness education. We greatly appreciate their support to inspire and prepare the next generation in the communities both of our organizations serve.”

“As experts in the world of work and as a company of caring people, Staples is proud to continue our legacy of community involvement through our partnership with Junior Achievement USA,” said John Lederer, CEO, Staples, Inc. “JA students have very bright futures ahead as entrepreneurs, leaders and business experts, and we’re pleased to play a role in building the experts of tomorrow.”

About Staples

Staples serves millions of customers, from businesses of all sizes to entrepreneurs, remote workers, parents, teachers, and students. Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Staples operates through eCommerce, direct business-to-business sales, and approximately 1,000 retail stores across the United States. Explore more at a local Staples US Retail Store, online at Staples.com or in the Staples App.

JA of Georgia Partners with Bank of America

Bank of America Joins JA of Georgia in Their Goal to Spread Financial Literacy  

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with Bank of America, reinforcing their mission to spread financial literacy to students across the state. With Bank of America’s generous support, JA of Georgia will continue to equip students with essential knowledge for the real world, such as understanding interest rates and the implications of taking out loans. 

“We believe that financial literacy is a cornerstone of future success,” said Max Oligario,  global commercial banking market executive at Bank of America Atlanta. “Our partnership with Junior Achievement of Georgia highlights our commitment to investing in the youth of our community. The hands-on experience for students creates an impact that will carry them into their future to help build key financial skills for success.”The relationship between JA of Georgia and Bank of America spans many years, marked by Bank of America’s commitment to the cause. They have been steadfast partners, with a sponsored storefront location at the JA Chick-fil-A Discovery Center in Atlanta. Their support extends to 3DE by Junior Achievement, JA’s innovative high school program, among other initiatives. 

Moreover, Bank of America consistently brings volunteers who are vital to our programs. Throughout the year, their employees volunteer their time and expertise, breathing life into JA of Georgia’s educational efforts. These business professionals provide students with valuable insights into new career pathways and adult responsibilities, sharing personal experiences to help the younger generation learn, grow, and step into adulthood better prepared. 

Bank of America is a role model in volunteering at JA of Georgia. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the financial literacy of students across Georgia. 

To learn more about how you can volunteer with JA of Georgia, visit our website at georgia.ja.org/volunteer. 

About Junior Achievement of Georgia 

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that successfully develops key mindsets and skills for students to lead meaningful and successful lives. JA’s high-impact programs drive long-term outcomes in areas of financial literacy, career readiness, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, and are they delivered by corporate and community volunteers. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, with a focus on middle and high school students, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement. JA of Georgia serves more than 110,000 students statewide in an average year. JA of Georgia has offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Evans, Dalton, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, and Savannah. For more information, visit georgia.ja.org 

JA Resume Fill-in-the-Blank Activity

Does your student know how to complete a resume? A resume is often the first impression they make on an employer, school, organization, and more. In a pile of other resumes, how can they stand out among the crowd? With Junior Achievement, let’s prepare your student for the real world!

Instructions:

1. Start by asking your student for the requested word to fill in the blank.

   *Just like a very famous road trip game!

2. After completing the resume, read the profile together.

   1. Would you hire that person?

   2. What is missing? What else would you want to know?

   3. What were you impressed with?

3. Have your student fill out the resume on their own merit, with their own skills.

   *This is optional, but a great opportunity for your student to shine.

   The JA Resume Fill-in-the-Blank Activity can be completed electronically or printed out. Let’s get started and help your student create a resume that stands out!

HERE is your Canva Template Link.

For more information about what JA of Georgia can do for you, visit our website!

Did you know JA of Georgia offers homeschool opportunities? Learn More HERE!