Area business leaders are sporting superhero attire as they promote the super efforts of local business volunteers and financial supporters who give so generously to make JA of Michiana possible.
This week area businesses will be receiving requests to support the JA of Michiana operation. These requests will be followed up by personal telephone calls Dec. 7 and 9 by volunteer JA board members and community leaders.
“Junior Achievement is fortunate to have community leaders who are willing to donate their valuable time to support a noble cause,” said current JA board chairman Michael M. Bell. “The success of JA of Michiana is directly attributed to the area support of businesses, individuals and foundations. The real winners here, however, are the children of our community.”
Last school year, JA of Michiana served students in elementary, middle and high schools as they provide programs in 336 classes, reaching 7,763 students. JA of Michiana provided programs in Berrien, Cass, Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. The New Prairie United School Corporation in LaPorte County is also supported by JA of Michiana.
JA volunteers act as mentors and leaders to young people across the communities, and 246 volunteers served to teach young people about business, economics and the free enterprise system. For example, third grade students learned how to plan a city as part of Junior Achievement’s “Our City” program, and high school students learned basic concepts of managing a business through Junior Achievement’s online program, “JA Titan.”
“Junior Achievement programs could not have the profound impact they have on young people without the support of volunteers from the business community,” Bell said.