The established programs of JA are a success because of volunteers. The curriculum and materials are designed to be taught by business people, parents and community volunteers who can deliver lessons to inspire students to believe in themselves.
The local Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region currently serves Bradley, McMinn, Polk, Meigs and Monroe counties offering interactive lessons designed to generate interest in planning for careers, business ethics and entrepreneurialship.
Topics such as managing finances, economics, ways to contribute to the community, decision making skills, role play, goal setting and more are covered.
According to Cheryl Hysinger, JA education manager for the Ocoee Region, JA consists of passionate people inspiring kids to learn the economics of life through free enterprise education.
“JA enables caring adults to share their life experience with students to show them what it takes to be successful,” Hysinger said. “Without wonderful people to share their time with the students we couldn’t offer our valuable and fun programs.”
All of the JA programs are funded by individuals, businesses and special events. With the assistance of volunteers and Brenda Lawson & Associates, the Junior Achievement’s “JA in a Day” was a success at Arnold Elementary in March and at Blythe-Bower Elementary in May.
“JA in a Day" is a one-day presentation of JA’s programs that reach students at an entire school at a time. Recruited volunteers deliver the presentation aimed to reach every child of every grade over the course of a few hours.
JA volunteer Alesha Noble-Sims said, “JA in a Day is a good opportunity for volunteers to get involved with Junior Achievement without juggling schedule conflicts.”
“The lessons are well planned and easy to follow. The students really enjoy the activities too,” Sims said.
Sims was one of the volunteers who supported “JA in a Day” at Blythe-Bower Elementary School. She, along with 24 others, presented 25 JA programs, reaching 497 students.
Because JA programs are taught by volunteers who want to have a profound impact on tomorrow’s leaders, willing workers are always in need.
Volunteers can work individually or in pairs and are provided with the curriculum and supplies. They can chose the level of time commitment that accommodates their schedules too.
Those with a willingness to help students develop the basic tools for the future can contact JA by phone at 476-6772 or by E-mail at jaocoee@bellsouth.net.
Junior Achievement is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to which contributions are tax-deductible. Donation gifts can easily be made online.
