Connecticut's Next Generation Ready For Success

Connecticut’s Next Generation Ready For Success Inspiring and preparing today’s students for a bright future

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2000’s

In the 2000s, JASWNE launched many new, innovative and high-impact programs including JA Global Connections, JA Entrepreneurial Academy, JA Career Connections for Young Women, JA Career Walk, Be Entrepreneurial Challenge,

and Jr. Apprentice.

TODAY AND BEYOND Today, JA is using technology to deliver blended-learning programs and other innovative experiences to nearly 5 million students across the United States and more than 47,000 students in Connecticut in 2019 - a 40% increase in students served since 2015. JASWNE, though on pace to serve 52,000 students before COVID-19 hit in 2020, has now pivoted to meet schools and students where they are and is prepared to provide virtual programming to students in 2021.

1990’s In the 1990s, JA began to offer programs for every grade K through 12. JA also started offering programs in the former Soviet Union. JASWNE hosted its first JA Golf Classic, its premier golf tournament, during this time.

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JA History Highlights

100 YEARS 1920’s

1940’s

1960’s

1980’s

Throughout the 1920s, JA operated

During the War, JA Companies

During the 1960s, JA grew globally, with

With the creation of the Personal Computer

primarily in the Northeastern

supported the war effort by managing

the establishment of JA-affiliated Young

(PC), JA was one of the first organizations to

United States. Its work was lauded

recycling drives and producing

Enterprise in the United Kingdom. Soon

bring computers into classrooms as part of its

by President Calvin Coolidge.

products, like clothes hangers,

after, JA-associated organizations

Applied Economics program. JASWNE hosted

to support our Armed Forces.

started in other parts of the world.

its first Business Hall of Fame.

1919

1930’s

1950’s

1970’s

Junior Achievement was started in

Like many organizations, JA struggled

After the war, JA began to grow

In the 1970s, JA started offering

1919 as a way to help young people

during the Great Depression.

nationally. JA of Southwest New England

programs in-schools for the first

whose families moved from farms

Fortunately, the business community

(JASWNE) opened its doors in 1951. The first

time with the introduction of its

continued to support the organization

international JA office was also established

Project Business program.

through these trying times.

in Canada during this time.

to the city gain the skills needed to be successful adults.

2000’s

In the 2000s, JASWNE launched many new, innovative and high-impact programs including JA Global Connections, JA Entrepreneurial Academy, JA Career Connections for Young Women, JA Career Walk, Be Entrepreneurial Challenge,

and Jr. Apprentice.

TODAY AND BEYOND Today, JA is using technology to deliver blended-learning programs and other innovative experiences to nearly 5 million students across the United States and more than 47,000 students in Connecticut in 2019 - a 40% increase in students served since 2015. JASWNE, though on pace to serve 52,000 students before COVID-19 hit in 2020, has now pivoted to meet schools and students where they are and is prepared to provide virtual programming to students in 2021.

1990’s In the 1990s, JA began to offer programs for every grade K through 12. JA also started offering programs in the former Soviet Union. JASWNE hosted its first JA Golf Classic, its premier golf tournament, during this time.

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Chairman and President’s letter

Fueling our economic engine Jeremy Race President & CEO

Matthew Cambi Principal, PwC JA Board Chair

The 2018-2019 school year was a record-setting

Consider these most telling statistics from JA USA’s

year for Junior Achievement (JA) of Southwest

extensive program evaluations:

New England, as we inspired and educated 47,432 students from 227 schools across Connecticut. And

• 1 in 5 JA alumni will go into the career or

for the first nine months of 2019 – 2020, we were on

industry of their JA volunteer. That’s roughly

track to surpass our goal and reach 52,000 students.

10,000 per year in Connecticut alone – who

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we quickly pivoted

will grow up to do the same, or a similar, job as

our delivery models and supported our neighbors

their JA mentor.

with critical resources and PPE supplies.

• JA alumni are 143% more likely to start their own business – a remarkable statistic at a time

Beyond these encouraging numbers, though, what is

when the opportunities for entrepreneurship

also becoming even clearer is JA’s role as an economic

have never been greater.

engine for our region. Consider the definition of economic development: “Work to align human and

In the next few years, our strategic plan calls for us to:

natural resources of the community to match both global and regional markets, and strive to create new jobs that fit both the people and the place.”

• Virtualize all program delivery models and special events • Increase financial resources and number

When you think about it, this is what we do at JA, every day and in every community where our programs are delivered.

of virtual volunteer opportunities • Develop a plan for a launch of either JA Inspire Virtual or JA Finance Park Virtual • Increase awareness of JA’s mission and

Over the last two years, JA worked side-by-side

success in preparing young people for

with more than 5,000 volunteers from business

the future

and the community who spent time teaching elementary, middle, and high school students the

As we often say, JA is much more than a fun activity

basics of financial literacy, work-readiness, and

for kids. Preparing more students for the workforce

entrepreneurship. We also worked with dozens of

with both soft-skills and technical skills will reap

companies that hosted students on-site at their

dividends for our region for generations to come.

facilities and in virtual seminars to provide real-

Thank you to all of JA’s supporters who make our

world insights into the world of work. The volunteers

important work possible. Our communities are

from these companies delivered powerful lessons

stronger because of you.

from the JA curriculum, while simultaneously introducing students to careers and industries that are both in-demand and in need of future workers.

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Education Highlight

At the intersection of learning and leading

With remarkably dedicated volunteers delivering

Joseph Esposito, an employee of The Hartford and

JA programs enhanced by their own expertise and

JA volunteer, offered a robust endorsement:

experience in scores of Connecticut classrooms, the focus is not only on today’s students but on their tomorrows. The payback and potential is quickly evident in strengthened work-readiness, more expansive understanding of entrepreneurship, and robust financial literacy skills. All of which is life-

“ Junior Achievement has opened the door for me to interact with a variety of diverse, intelligent, and motivated students. The entire process thus far has been extremely rewarding.”

changing for youth and indispensable to a vibrant Connecticut economy.

JA is well-positioned at the intersection of learning and leading, with programs built to respond to the needs

While specific JA programs are designed for students

and priorities of education, business and communities.

of elementary school age through high school, it is the

Nowhere was that more evident than in the flagship

impact of initiatives for those navigating their high

curriculum JA Company Program, providing students

school years that generated the most intense interest

with a trifecta of opportunity - fill a need or solve a

and noteworthy results throughout the year. The roster

problem in their community, launch a business venture,

of participating high schools continued to grow, and

and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit.

the number of students increased substantially during the 2018 – 2019 school year, exceeding 5,000 students

Career Connections for Young Women, in partnership

for the first time - an increase of 43% from 2018. We

with Landmark Partners, delivered empowering

continued to increase our high school reach when we

workshops, activities and lessons. JA worked in

transitioned to virtual programming mid-way through

collaboration with local economic development

the 2019-2020 school year and plan to expand these

officials to share with students the full range of

opportunities moving forward.

career opportunities in their own communities.

An impressive array of job shadow sites were a who’s

The impactful JA Entrepreneurial Academy, which

who of leading companies in a range of professions

brings urban and suburban high school students

and industries throughout the region, opening their

together at a corporate site to learn the ins and outs

doors and providing meaningful first-hand experiences

of business planning and operations, has steadily

for the next generation of Connecticut’s business and

expanded. During 2018 – 2019, the program was

community leaders. Offering a glimpse of what the

conducted on-site at Stanley Black & Decker, The

future could hold resonated with individuals on both

Hartford, and at Pratt & Whitney in partnership with

sides of the equation.

Goodwin University, and in March of 2020, pivoted to virtual programming to continue this life-changing

A senior at Daniel Hand High School in Madison,

program. To offer this type of experience to more

Haley Bracken, observed that:

students, the addition of the Jr. Apprentice program,

“ After my JA experience, I realized I was capable of so much more. My confidence grew significantly. It has provided me with an immense amount of skills that I know I will use in the future.”

a year-long work readiness and internship program, underscored JA’s commitment to expand the ways in which students and businesses can develop and succeed together, defining our collective future.

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JA by the numbers: 2019 & 2020

On track to serve over 50,000 students.

60,000

FY 2014

FY 2019

50,000

FY 2015

Fall 16,213 students

!

0 0

40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000

FY 2020 (projected when schools closed for COVID) Fall 20,248 students

FY 2016

0 , 2 5

FY 2017 FY 2018

0 Students

Student segment breakdown

Top funding sources 2% Other

11% High School 15% Middle School

74% Elementary School

29% Fundraising Events

46% Corporate Contributions

7% Private Foundations 16% Individual Contributions

Geographic service areas JA serves the majority of Connecticut including: Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London,Tolland, and Windham counties.

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Special Events Thanks to the leadership and support of the board, dedicated event committee members, corporate sponsors, and generous individuals, JA special events had two highly successful years. In 2018-2019, special events had near sellout crowds and collectively raised over $887,000 with more than 2,500 individuals participating in the JA Golf Classic, Business Hall of Fames, Partners in Achievement Breakfasts, Office Warriors, and Bowl-A-Thon events.

Additionally, in 2019-2020, JA held two successful events in New Haven, the Partners in Achievement Breakfast and the Business Hall of Fame, collectively raising roughly $115,000.

Due to COVID-19, we made the difficult decision to postpone all signature events scheduled after March through the remainder of the year. Though these events did not happen as planned, JA was still able to raise more than $338,000 from generous supporters. We also took this opportunity to pivot and provide our first virtual event, our Virtual JA Golf Classic, adapting our legendary tournament to a more individualized, virtual experience.

JA Golf Classic Tournament On June 3rd, 2019, we returned to Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield where 44 foursomes enjoyed the annual JA Golf Classic. This tournament has earned a well-deserved reputation as the premier golf event in Central New England. Business leaders experienced concierge service through our gift lounge and were welcomed onto the course by local elementary school drummers.

The Presenting Sponsor was Saint Francis Hospital with Marmon Engineered Wire & Cable as Tournament Sponsor and Stanley Black & Decker as the Apparel Sponsor.

Special thank you for the continued great support of Saint Francis Hospital, as the Presenting Sponsor, Stanley Black & Decker as the Apparel Sponsor, and the new support of Accenture as the Tournament Sponsor of our 2020 Virtual JA Golf Classic.

The proceeds from these events not only helped bring

invite alumni back to share their JA stories through

valuable JA programs to thousands of Connecticut

speaking engagements, networking opportunities, and

students, but also provided opportunities for those

program highlights. Through these experiences, many

same young people to make valuable connections

alumni have not only gained the confidence they need

with members of the business community and be

to be successful, but have landed internship and job

inspired for their future careers. Many of JA’s events

opportunities in career-related fields.

Bowl-A-Thons In 2019, more than 1,000 bowlers participated in five JA Bowl-A-Thons, helping to raise more than $123,000 to bring Junior Achievement programs to over 2,460 students in Connecticut. Once again, The Hartford led the way with close to 600 bowlers and over $74,000 raised. Though the 2020 bowling season was cut short, we did host four successful events pre-COVID which raised more than $30,000 through the participation of nearly 300 bowlers.

Special thank you to The Hartford, whose event was postponed due to the pandemic, but continued to raise funds to support Connecticut students and in total donated more than $40,000 of the more than $70,000 raised in 2020.

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Special Events continued...

Partners in Achievement Breakfasts Each year, JA proudly holds its annual Partners in Achievement fundraising breakfasts in Hartford and New Haven. These events celebrate JA’s impact in the community, showcase students who have experienced JA in their classrooms, and highlight the critical need for financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurial programs in local schools.

In 2019, over 600 people attended the 16th annual event in Hartford, contributing more than $200,000 for JA programs in central Connecticut. In New Haven, more than 200 people were in attendance for the 9th annual event, raising more than $60,000 to support our efforts in the New Haven and Shoreline region.

In November 2019, we hosted a successful 10th annual event in New Haven raising more than $60,000 with an outstanding 200 guests in attendance.

Special thank you to Arch Insurance, Prudential, Hoffman Auto, Prime Materials Recovery, Hartford Steam Boiler, Voya Financial, and KMR Executive Search who maintained their commitment to the 2020 breakfast event in Hartford.

Office Warriors On June 27th, 2019, JA hosted its second annual Office Warriors event, which served as an opportunity for some of our biggest corporate supporters to come out and compete against one another in a series of dynamic office themed games that test your physical and mental strength. Event activities included: Water Cooler Bowling, Triathlon Training, Rubber Band Archery, Binder Clip Shot Put, Computer Box Skiing, K Cup Towers, and Ready for Work Relay. More than 125 “warriors� attended and participated in this office-Olympic themed event raising over $35,000. The Gold Medal Sponsor was Stanley Black & Decker with ConnectiCare and VOYA serving as Silver Medal and Bronze Medal Sponsors, respectively.

Special thank you to Stanley Black & Decker, ConnectiCare and VOYA for maintaining their generous support of what was supposed to be our 3rd annual event in 2020.

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Business Halls of Fame JA’s Business Hall of Fame events, held both in Hartford and New Haven, honor remarkable current and past business and community leaders who have demonstrated excellence in business and an outstanding commitment to their communities.

The 2019 Business Hall of Fame in

The 2019 Business Hall of Fame in

Hartford honored:

New Haven honored:

• Laureate – Jay Benet, Vice Chairman, Travelers

• Laureate – Kevin Burke, Senior Vice President,

•L aureate – Frank Longobardi, Chief Executive Officer, CohnReznick LLP • Entrepreneur Award – Doug Anderson, President, Retired, Savings Bank of Manchester JA also honored a corporation for its distinguished contributions to the prosperity of the region through leadership in business and the community, specifically in the Hartford region. We were pleased to present the 2019 Corporate Award to Barnes Group Inc. We were honored to have Travelers as the Centennial Sponsor, Stanley Black & Decker as the Dinner Sponsor, and Webster Bank as the Reception Sponsor in Hartford. The Hartford event drew a crowd of more than 280 attendees and raised more than $242,000.

Regional Manager Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo & Company • Laureate – Rolan Joni Young, Senior Partner, Berchem Moses PC JA also honored a corporation for its distinguished contributions to the prosperity of the region through leadership in business and the community, specifically in the New Haven region. We were pleased to present the 2019 Corporate Award to Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc. We were humbled by the great support of Wells Fargo, who served as the Centennial Sponsor, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Webster Bank, and Yale New Haven Health as Dinner Sponsors and Connecticut Natural Gas Company as VIP Reception Sponsor. This event attracted more than 200 guests and raised over $51,000.

2019 Business Hall of Fame – Hartford | 2019 Business Hall of Fame – New Haven | 2020 Business Hall of Fame – New Haven | Stay Tuned for 2021

The 2020 Business Hall of Fame in

Stay tuned for details of the Virtual Business

New Haven honored:

Hall of Fame in 2021!

• Laureate – Thomas Beirne III, Vice President, Halsey Associates, Inc. •L aureate – Kevin Myatt, Senior Vice President, Yale-New Haven Health •S pirit of Hope Award - Marta Moret, Adjunct Public Health Professor, Southern Connecticut State University JA also honored an organization for it’s distinguished contributions to the prosperity of the region through leadership in business and the community, specifically in the New Haven region. We were pleased to present the 2020 Community Leadership Award to

We are humbled to be honoring such a welldeserving group of business leaders: • Laureate – Greg Barats, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hartford Steam Boiler • Laureate – Yvette Melendez, President, YMR Consulting • Spirit of Hope Award - Don Shaw, Jr., Retired Associate Partner, Accenture Director Emeritus, Hartford Habitat for Humanity •C ommunity Leadership Award - Saint Francis Hospital

Gateway Community College.

More honorees to come, including leaders from Special thank you to our top sponsors, our Dinner

the New Haven/Shoreline region.

Sponsor, Yale-New Haven Health, Reception Sponsors, Gateway Community College Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and SullivanCotter and our VIP Reception Sponsor, Webster Bank. This event attracted more than 200 guests and raised more than $55,000.

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Scholarship Winners In recent years, JA has been honored to award scholarships to deserving students who participated in our programs and exemplified leadership, team and entrepreneurial spirit, and academic achievement.

2019 Recipients: All received JA of Southwest New England Scholarship Cameron McLean Student from Windsor High School and part of FBLA where she participated in “JA Be Entrepreneurial”; Attending Temple University to study Biomedical Engineering Update from Cameron: “I have successfully completed my freshman year of college at Temple University, with the help of the scholarship that I received on behalf of Junior Achievement! During my freshman year I challenged myself academically, explored the city of Philadelphia, and made great memories with new people. I recently started my sophomore year of college and although the current circumstances aren’t ideal, I plan on making the best of my college experience.”

Aniela Olbrys Student from Oxford High School and part of FBLA where she volunteered at 8 different JA in a Day events; Currently studying Business at UConn Update from Aniela: “I have successfully completed my first year at the University of Connecticut School of Business, and have been awarded with being on the Dean’s List. During my freshman year, I got involved in many clubs and activities including UConn Women’s Club Volleyball, Women in Business, the Business Connections Learning Community, Husky Ambassadors, and many more! I am now into my sophomore year and have begun the studies that are needed to pursue my finance and accounting degrees. I am thankful for what JA has taught me about leadership because I am currently a First Year Experience Mentor for freshman UConn business students and would like to continue progressing my leadership in the future.”

Anna Szekeres Student from Avon High School; participated in JA Entrepreneurial Academy and competed and won FedEx Junior Business Challenge at the PGA Tour Championship in Atlanta with JA; Attending University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study International Relations with a pre-law focus Update from Anna: “I am currently attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland where I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in International Relations. During my summers, I work on political campaigns and use grassroots organizing to help increase voter turnout in my community. I write for two student publications, the St Andrews Law Review and the St Andrews Foreign Affairs Review, where I get to explore many worldly topics including international human rights, law, and policy. In addition to my work and studies, I have been traveling the world. I have visited Iceland, Spain, and the Netherlands just in the last year. I am happy and thankful for everything Junior Achievement has done to help me get to where I am today!”

2020 Recipients Kenya Mouning Received JA of Southwest New England Scholarship Student from Granby Memorial High School; Participated in JA Entrepreneurial Academy and plans to major in Early Childhood/Special Education and hopes to one day open a school for children with autism “I will apply the knowledge and skills learned through the Junior Achievement Entrepreneurial Academy to inform my educational journey as I learn the necessary skills to teach my students excellently as well as learn how to run a successful and impactful business. This education will help me to properly establish my school and to start a movement that demonstrates the incredible power that education combined with love can have on a life.”

Katherine Crouse Received Karl Flemke Memorial Scholarship Student from Southington High School; Discovered her love of being in the classroom through participating in our High School Heroes program and is now pursuing teaching “The Junior Achievement Organization has made a clear impact on my future by allowing me to strengthen my leadership skills and offering career experience early on. I will forever value the lessons I have learned through this organization.”

Chereece Burrell Received inaugural Elaine Dwyer Scholarship Student from Global Communications Academy; Participated in CCYW and three Entrepreneurial Academies; Attending UConn and pursuing Nursing “This program taught me several critical skills when it comes to applying for, and keeping a job…I have not only used these learned behaviors with potential employers, but also when simply meeting new people, because of JA I have made more memorable and engaging interactions.”

Elaine Dwyer Scholarship: This is a $1,000 scholarship named in honor of long time JA Chief Administrative Officer, Elaine Dwyer.

Elaine dedicated 41 years to JA and was, herself, a participant in the JA Company Program as a high school student. The Elaine Dwyer Scholarship is awarded to a senior who participated in the JA Company Program and demonstrated exceptional leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Karl Flemke Memorial Scholarship: This is a $1,000 scholarship named in honor of a former JA USA President, Karl Flemke, and is awarded to a senior who participated in varsity athletics as well as Junior Achievement programming, while demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, and academic achievement.

JA of SWNE, Inc. Scholarship: This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a senior who actively participated in Junior Achievement programs, while demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, and academic achievement. [This scholarship was created to model the Flemke Memorial Scholarship, but without the varsity athletics requirement so all seniors who participated in JA could apply for a scholarship]

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Staff Misty Amarena Development Manager

Jacqueline Lombardi Special Events & Marketing Manager

Julie Armstrong Education Manager – Specialty Programs

Kathy Mannion Education Manager - South District

Sumayya Ayoub Senior Education Manager – JA Days

Ngozi Nnaji Education Manager - Entrepreneurial Programs

Lisa Cowell Education Manager – Central District

Jeremy Race President & CEO

Carole Dicks Office Manager/Executive Assistant

John Ross Education Manager – North District

Nicole Diorio Director of Education

Justine Smith Development Associate

Josh Kelly Education Manager – Traditional & Specialty Programs

Amanda Teti Grants Coordinator

Donna Koch Education Manager – Traditional Programs

Special thanks to Elaine Dwyer who retired on June 30, 2019 after 41 years of dedicated and committed service to Junior Achievement.

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YEARS

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2019-2020 Biennial Report www.jaconn.org

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