Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is currently seeking individual and group volunteers to help spread the Junior Achievement message to students throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Junior Achievement programs serve students Kindergarten to the 12th grade at both public and private schools, as well as after school programs and special at-risk groups, helping to prepare the next generation of Southwest Floridians for success in future careers via lessons on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
Volunteers are needed to lead both traditional Junior Achievement programs as well as JA in a Day programs. Traditional programs encompass weekly 45-minute classroom visits over a five- to seven-week period. JA in a Day programs include one half-day program, typically offered from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers teach fun-filled, easy to follow lessons, sharing their expertise in business, personal finance and career preparation with the students. Participants of all ages and walks of life are eligible to teach JA’s curriculum in elementary, middle and high school classes in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Volunteers are accepted year-round and are provided with all necessary supplies and comprehensive training.
“Leading the JA program was an awesome experience,” said volunteer Mark Davidson. “The material was easy to understand and fun for the students.”
Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with more than 150 classroom business volunteers during the 2015-2016 school year to provide more than 8,700 students with Junior Achievement programs in more than 360 classes throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties.
“I feel as if I truly changed many young lives,” said volunteer Judith Yevick. “I can’t wait to lead another JA program – it was incredibly rewarding.
In addition to in-classroom volunteers, Junior Achievement is also looking for businesses that are interested in “adopting” a school, grade level or classroom, which involves providing financial support for JA program materials and the option of volunteering to share the Junior Achievement message.
Volunteer opportunities are described in detail at www.JASWFL.org, and individuals who are interested in participating can call the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida office at 239-225-2590. For Lee County volunteer opportunities, contact Lysa Kennedy at lkennedy@jaswfl.org. For Collier County volunteer opportunities, contact John Telischak at jtelischak@jaswfl.org.