Representative: Amanda Griffin
Junior Achievement (JA) offers K-12 programs that inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. The JA Company Program helps students fill a need or solve a problem by creating, launching and operating their own start-up business while developing the skills needed to pursue possibility and collaboration.
What is the focus of your organization?
We help young people identify, navigate, and achieve a fulfilled future.
How did your organization start?
In 1958, a group of community leaders saw the need for local youth to plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Familiar with Junior Achievement’s distinguished reputation and its unique approach to helping young people thrive, they founded Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas (JACC). Since its inception, Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas has collaborated with tens of thousands of local business and community volunteers across the Charlotte-Metro region to positively impact well over one million K–12 students.
What is the issue you’re addressing?
All young people want to be successful, but often can’t access the opportunities they need to help them get there. Alongside our many volunteers and mentors, Junior Achievement offers hands-on programs that help youth unleash their own boundless potential and achieve a fulfilled future.
Where did your passion for this cause come from?
I am very passionate about the work at Junior Achievement. I started as a volunteer and was instantly captured by the innovative curriculum. Our curriculums offer sustainable solutions to some of society’s most pressing issues.
Why is your work so important?
We believe every individual possesses boundless potential and an innate desire to live that out in a uniquely fulfilling way. Without access to ways to identify and navigate this, young people are lost and hopeless about their futures. All people need mentors and opportunities to live a fulfilled life and future, and we have seen time and again that Junior Achievement offers this to young people.
What are you most excited for as it relates to the SEED20 process?
In all honesty, the SEED20 opportunity has forced me completely out of my comfort zone; yet; it has given me the much needed exposure to promote The JA Company Program. SEED20 has forced me grow professionally and personally. This program offers development with much needed support.
What have you already learned from this process?
The SEED20 process has opened my eyes to the many non-profits in Charlotte that are doing great work. I excited to be among such innovative, passionate leaders who are making a difference in our community.
What do you hope to get out of SEED20?
It is my hope that SEED20 is an opportunity pathway to promote awareness of Junior Achievement and the JA Company Program. In general, there are so many people who are familiar with Junior Achievement, but may not be fully aware of the many programs that we provide to serve our youth and support needed to carry out our mission.
@JACenCarolinas
SEED20 Onstage is on March 25, 2019. Tickets available soon.
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