Carmen Marttila, Regional Director, Junior Achievement of Washington, was our program on February 12.  

 

 

junior Achievement (JA) is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills needed to own their economic success, plan for the future, and make smart academic and economic choices.  It has been active in the USA for over 100 years and over 100 million students have been involved in the program.  It is designed to show students that what they are learning in school today has relevance in whatever field they pursue.

 

Often the program is delivered in a school classroom but it has been delivered at Boys & Girls Clubs, Housing Hope, and other organizations that support kids.  In 2018-19 there were 5,680 students involved in the program--69,190 state wide.  Support at the state level included over 5,000 volunteers.

 

Carmen was one of the volunteers when she was in banking.  She liked the cause so much that she left banking for a position with JA.  She is over the Northern Area which includes the Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish Counties.  With her was Ellysa Shepard, Snohomish County Program Manager.

 

In addition to going into schools and other facilities operated by other youth organizations, JA of Washington operates two HA Capstone education facilities in Yakima and in Auburn.  Two programs are offered:  JA Biz Town and JA Finance Park.  Those students who attend Biz Town are put into a simulated community with all the challenges of a real entrepreneur.  

 

The program is audited to gauge the impact of the programs.  It shows that 93% of former participants graduate from high school, 67% get advanced degrees with 30% getting at least a bachelors degree.  88% are satisfied with their career choice with 1 out of 3 choosing a career influenced by the experience, and 1 out of 5 choosing the career of the volunteer who facilitated their experience

 

When JA is done in the classroom, it is either a JA volunteer or the teacher has been trained by JA.  Having an adult role model is valuable.  An 'I can" attitude is often the result with the student learning their own potential.

 

 

JA is always looking for funding and for volunteers.  One of the fundraising events is the JA Bowling Classic.  The Northern Washington main event will be in Bellingham on April 17.

 

To learn more about JA, click HERE