FEATURE Collaboration Connection
Junior Achievement Prepares Students for Careers and Business by Carlienne Frisch Students in kindergarten through high school have the opportunity to prepare for success in a global economy through participation in Junior Achievement. The worldwide organization’s goal is to prepare and inspire students by educating them about work and career readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. This is accomplished through experiential, hands-on programs of five sessions, or lessons, in each grade of elementary school and real-life opportunities in high school. Financial support comes from donors, grants and fundraising events. Program volunteers are an integral part of the organization. Junior Achievement volunteers
are provided with a training session and all materials. Volunteers who teach the Junior Achievement curriculum bring it into a classroom in cooperation with, and often at the request of, the classroom teacher. Each grade’s curriculum builds on what the students have learned the previous year. For example, every kindergarten student receives a piggy bank and learns the meaning of the word “save.” Second graders learn that everyone in the community has a job or role. They learn about community businesses, volunteers, local government and elections. The fifth-grade curriculum includes information on how the free market system serves as an economic engine for businesses and careers. High school programs provide students with opportu-
nities to form a start-up business with the goal of filling a community need or solving a problem in their community. In grades 11 and 12, the Junior Achievement Economics curriculum reinforces the concepts of micro- and macro-economics by having students explore the basic characteristics of the U.S. economic system and how economic principles influence business decisions. It introduces students to consumer issues such as saving, investing and taxation. Junior Achievement classroom volunteers often are made aware of the opportunity by their employer. That was the case with Brown County Verizon employee Cait Henning, who responded to the invitation by teaching the fifth grade Junior Achievement curriculum. This year, she also joined two other
WE’RE MOVING!
Our same commitment to service, now in a new location. The Eide Bailly Center, located in the heart of downtown Mankato, will open this fall. You’ll find us at this new location starting in October. We are proud to continue to serve the Mankato community and provide the resources you need to stay ahead.
507.387.6031 | eidebailly.com
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September | October 2019