Log in

Junior Achievement president talks local impact

Posted 1/9/18

Katherine Cecala, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona, recently shared her thoughts on the business-focused program, its activities and successes in Fountain Hills.

“Junior Achievement is …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Junior Achievement president talks local impact

Posted

Katherine Cecala, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona, recently shared her thoughts on the business-focused program, its activities and successes in Fountain Hills.

“Junior Achievement is in the business of teaching the fundamentals of business, economics and workforce readiness to our youth,” Cecala explained. “We feel that this is very important, given our ever-changing global economy.

“We really enjoy our partnership with Fountain Hills and love seeing the connections that are made in the community. The FHUSD is filled with incredible teachers and administrators who truly want the best for their students.”

Cecala explained that volunteers and teachers work closely together to ensure the students receive a positive experience that will offer practical applications. From managing money to understanding how to balance a checkbook, JA courses cover a wide range of topics.

“All JA programs focus on our three pillars of success: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy,” Cecala continued. “At the present time, McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain Hills High School are participating. New this year is Fountain Hills Christian Homeschool. Each grade is taught by a community volunteer and given age-appropriate material on these building block principles.

“Loyal volunteers such as Dwight Johnson and Tony Pistilli have taught classes for many years. “Both have great stories about how the students have reached out to them years after their teaching for mentorship and advice.”

Cecalasaid the goal is that Junior Achievement students feel empowered to own their economic future.

“They can earn money and save it wisely, start or grow businesses through entrepreneurial thinking and be a positive force in the community,” she added.

Cecala explained that former FHUSD School Board member Dana Saar first contacted Junior Achievement about starting a local program in 2006. The Fountain Hills Community Foundation (FHCF) provided $75,000 in seed money for the first three years as the program was launched and, since then, the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation, Four Peaks Rotary, Fountain Hills Rotary and Fountain Hills Kiwanis have stepped in to ensure that the program continues. Many individuals have also provided financial backing over the years, as well as taught the JA curriculum in local schools.

Looking ahead, Cecala said she hopes to see the program continue to grow locally.

“Through independent evaluations, we know that Junior Achievement has a greater impact when the students receive it each year…Workplace skills are beneficial for all young adults, regardless of their academic achievements or financial situations. They add relevancy to their education and help them prepare for the future.”

This school year, approximately 35 adults from the Fountain Hills community are volunteering for JA in a local classroom. Still, she said the program is always on the lookout for additional support.

“We are looking for people from all walks of life who believe in our mission and will work in partnership with great teachers to ensure the students receive the optimal JA experience,” she added. “Volunteers are given an orientation and a curriculum kit with almost everything they need to lead students through five to seven one-hour Junior Achievement lessons.”

As a non-profit organization, Cecala said there are always funding needs. This school year alone, Junior Achievement has a financial investment of $36,000 in the Fountain Hills schools.

“Because we offer our in-classroom programs free to the schools, we offset these costs through donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and events,” Cecala added. “To date, we have received $21,000 from various community groups and individuals, and we are working diligently to raise the other half of our investment before this school year is over.”

Cecala explained that Junior Achievement is now an eligible recipient of tax credit donations, $400 for individuals and $800 for couples. Checks may be made out to “Junior Achievement of Arizona,” and mailed to 636 W. Southern, Tempe AZ 85282. Donations may also be made online at jaaz.org/donate.

“We know it’s important for a community to keep their funding local, that’s why we’re asking your community to support these programs that affect the students who live there,” Cecala said.

Potential volunteers or individuals/businesses that would like to make a donation to support the local Junior Achievement program can call Dena Kidd at 480-219-0208, or email denak@jaaz.org.