Fall Update- 229 classrooms completed!

We're on the way to another successful year with 229 classrooms completed this fall. An amazing four JA-in-a-Day programs at Westside, Palm Bay, Discovery, and Port Malabar Elementary schools made up 123 of those classrooms. Harris Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and our own JA Board provided support and volunteers for the one-day programs. Thank you to all volunteers that participated this fall!

We have now kicked off the spring season with classroom requests coming in daily. At this time, we have about 190 requests. View our openings and sign up 

We would love a couple of volunteers to help spread the word about JA on EFSC campuses from 10-1 at their Care Fairs. Melbourne 2/1, Cocoa 2/5 or Titusville 2/6. If you can help, please email us for more details.

Email Candice at  chodge@jaspacecoast.org or Desiree  dkaul@jaspacecoast.org!


How many years have you been a JA volunteer?
I have been a JA Volunteer since 2016. I started with one program, and I now serve on the JA Volunteer Committee as well as serving as the EFSC Coordinator for our college-wide "EFSC JA in a Day" Annual Event, now in its second year!
 
What is your favorite grade/JA program?
I really enjoy the 4th grade program: the definitions and activities are engaging, challenging and fun. The students are at an age where they are exploring the world around them while also keeping that sense of "play", all while navigating the challenges of interpersonal relationships with their peers during group activities. I find that JA programs include all of those effective educational aspects: individual learning, interactive lessons and collaboration.
 
Why did you choose JA?
I chose JA, at first, because of a call to action from my employer for help with the JA one day event. It fit my schedule, and being a professional educator, it also fit my skill set. I was interested in experiencing the classroom differences between college students - my regular audience - and elementary aged students. After delivering my first program, I was hooked. The quality of the materials and activities, the development of the content, and the instructions for delivery are all phenomenal. I was energized by the enthusiasm from the students and the support from the teachers and the JA staff, and I was excited to get more of my colleagues and students involved.
 
Where do you work?
I am an Associate Professor of Speech/Communication at the Palm Bay Campus of Eastern Florida State College. Go Titans! [Editor's Note: Susan was just awarded the Distinguished Educator Recognition Award for 2017 from EFSC!]
 
Do you volunteer for any other organizations?
Currently, most of my volunteer time is with Student Groups and Faculty Committees at EFSC. My previous volunteer experience includes the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts on the FIT Campus, EGAD Main Street and Melbourne Main Street organizations.
 
Do you have any hobbies?
Yes! My hobbies include knitting, running, reading, cooking, going to Disney with my husband Aaron, learning how to play the guitar, and hanging out with our two pet Blue Tongue Skinks, Scout and Lucky. 
 
What area of Brevard are you from?
Although originally from Central Brevard/Rockledge, my husband and I have made South Brevard our home. #palmbayproud
 
Anything else we should know about you?
I am honored to be a part of the JA Volunteer Committee, and I am excited about our upcoming EFSC JA-in-a-Day where students, faculty and staff will deliver materials to two schools in Brevard on the same day. We are hoping to break our volunteer numbers from 2017, providing an amazing experience for our Titan Family and the community as a whole. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". --Margaret Mead

Business Blastoff Challenge February 13 & 20, 2018

Going into its 6th year, the Challenge-Brevard's Own Teen Shark Tank--awards teams of young entrepreneurial Brevard high school students with FIT scholarships, media interviews in Florida Today and Space Coast Business magazine, cash prizes and the opportunity to work with some of Brevard's premiere business and community leaders. To participate in the Challenge, students first complete the JA Be Entrepreneurial program with a volunteer in a traditional classroom setting, and then form teams based on a unique idea and a desire to compete. 
 
The first round competition will be on February 13, 2018 on the FIT campus with 28 teams representing area high schools. The Finals are an evening event at the Cocoa Village Playhouse on February 20, 2018 to better feature the brilliance of Brevard's young entrepreneurs! Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please contact info@jaspacecoast.org for more details.


Business Hall of Fame 
March 3, 2018

Larry McIntyre and Commissioner Jim Barfield will be inducted in the JA Business Hall of Fame under the Apollo/Saturn V Center at Kennedy Space Center. March 3, 2018 will mark 32 years of this prestigious event, where community and business leaders have been inducted as Laureates since 1986. Junior Achievement of the Space Coast has inducted such notable individuals as Joseph H. Wickham, Jesse J. Parrish, Jr., W. Lansing Gleason, B.W. "Bernie" Simpkins, Dr. Maxwell C. King, Pam Gatto, Joseph Duda, Carol Craig, Bill Brown, Ed Scott, and John Hopkins. 


For more information on this event, view the flyer  2018 BHF Sponsor Opportunities , or contact Anne at  aconroybaiter@jaspacecoast.org.


Junior Achievement of the Space Coast | 321-777-0982  | jaspacecoast.org