Newsletter

August 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

• New School Year, Same JA Mission
• Help Make This School Year Memorable
• Spotlight On: CYRSTAL TAYLOR
• Volunteer & Become a JA Difference Maker
• Educators: Register for JA BizTown & JA Finance Park Now

New School Year, Same JA Mission

The school year’s kicking off, and JA is already in motion! Quick shoutout to Hayley Reeves, Season Truong, and Derall Cargile; they tackled the massive job of sorting and labeling over 2,500 workbooks, BizPrep packets, and consent forms for Cabarrus County.

Thanks to them, everything’s prepped and ready to roll out through the district's courier system.

It’s moments like this quiet, behind-the-scenes win that reminds us how strong our mission is. No matter the season, we’re here to help students dream big and build brighter futures.

Here’s to another year of impact!

Help Make This School Year Memorable

Spotlight on: CRYSTAL TAYLOR

Crystal joined JA because she saw something special, an organization deeply committed to equity, empowerment, and real impact. With a background in community engagement and strategic leadership, she was drawn to JA’s mission to create opportunities that truly matter. And she’s been shaping that future ever since.

Her days are full of planning, collaborating, and making things happen, but always with intention. Whether she’s mentoring emerging leaders or aligning big-picture goals, Crystal leads with empathy and vision.

Fun fact: Crystal is writing a guided journal called If Thoughts Could Write. It’s all about exploring your inner dialogue and sparking personal growth.

What excites her most about JA’s future? The chance to drive lasting change in communities and ensure every student has the tools to thrive. For Crystal, leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact, trust, and showing up for others.



We’re lucky to have her on our team.

Volunteer & Become a Difference Maker

We’re excited to welcome new volunteers to the Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas family! If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact, you’re in the right place.

At JA, we believe in the power of mentorship and real-world learning. That’s the JA Difference, connecting students with caring adults who help them see what’s possible and prepare for their futures with confidence.

As a volunteer, you’ll help students build financial literacy, career readiness, and an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on activities and authentic conversations. Whether you’re leading a classroom session, mentoring a student, or supporting a special event, your time and talents make a lasting impact.

Getting Started is Easy:

• Explore ways to get involved: JA Volunteer Opportunities
• Create your volunteer profile: https://vhub.at/jacc
• Browse upcoming opportunities that match your interests and schedule.

Coordinating a group volunteer experience? We’d love to help make it happen, just reach out!

Thank you for stepping up and choosing to serve. We can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make.

Educators: Hurry. Spots Are Filling Fast!

Sign-up for JA BizTown or JA Finance Park

Ready to bring real-world learning to life for your students? JA BizTown and JA Finance Park are now accepting reservations for the upcoming school year!

These immersive, hands-on programs empower students to take on adult roles, from managing a budget to running a business, while building essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Whether it’s a fifth grader discovering the power of teamwork or an eighth grader navigating real-world financial decisions, JA’s capstone experiences leave a lasting impact.

Spots fill quickly, and we want to make sure your school is on the list. Don’t miss the opportunity to give your students a day they’ll never forget, and lessons that will last a lifetime.