Dear Supporters & Friends,


As we close out 2022, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead an organization that gives young people the chance to explore and pursue their passion, build their confidence and courage and prepare for the future, through another year of change, innovation and impact. 

Every time I hear a student or alumni share their JA experience, I get goosebumps! The feeling of making life changing impact is beyond words, and those of you who know me, know I am never at a loss for words! To hear stories of how these programs changed their futures makes our JA team even more passionate about the work we're doing.

 

Something special is happening at Junior Achievement. That something is YOU! Your support and involvement have never been stronger. Your belief in JA's work and in our young people, never greater. YOU have strengthened our determination and commitment to enrich education and help students develop the broader mindset and skillset they'll need to succeed in the long term. 

 

Thank you to all individuals and organizations, who have contributed in any way - big or small - and to those who have given their time to mentor, volunteer, speak or attend an event or program. It's a time to celebrate the lives we've changed and the spirit of partnership we've developed. In the new year, we will need to continue to work together relentlessly to build on this progress and ensure that every student is ready.

 

Wishing you all the hope, wonder and joy the season can bring!


All my best,


Laurie Sallarulo

DECEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER


This Month's Highlights:


  • Board Celebrates Impactful Year
  • Fast-Track Alternative Into the Marine Industry
  • Gratitude to Our Storefront Partners
  • #1 Best Nonprofit Workplace for Innovators
  • Need a Gift Idea? GIVE the GIFT of FUN!

Board Celebrates Impactful Year

It has been said that “leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." Junior Achievement's impressive board of directors do just that by bringing their diverse expertise, passion and perspectives to the organization. Recently, the board and JA leadership team gathered to celebrate this year's accomplishments at its annual Holiday Soirée hosted by board member Jordan Yates and his lovely wife Essie Yates. 

In November, JA welcomed the newest board members (left to right):



  • Georgie Brown, BrandStar
  • Rod Davis, Better Business Bureau
  • Captain Renee Peterson, Broward Sheriff’s Office

JA would also like to thank our entire board for their dedicated service and commitment to our mission!


MEET OUR BOARD

Fast-Track Alternative Into the Marine Industry

This past summer, Junior Achievement of South Florida launched JA's first-ever pre-apprenticeship program in the nation. The first cohort of 25 students were introduced to careers in the Marine Technician pathway. The students received 5 industry recognized certifications and given opportunities to continue their learning and be fast-tracked into jobs with marine industry employers. Thank you to our program partners, sponsors and employers, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Frederick A. Deluca Foundation, FB Marine Group, Florida Department of Education, Intrepid, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Marine Max and Mercury.


In November, JA celebrated 22 graduates who completed the program. We are grateful for the support of graduation sponsors The EPIC Foundation and draftPros, and the wisdom shared by speakers and guests Senator Steve Geller, Representative Christine Hunschofsky, AJ Donaldson and Karel Gomez. Looking forward to expanding the program in the coming few months!


CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS AND TO LEARN MORE

Gratitude to Our Storefront Sponsors

Our community is fortunate to have a unique educational asset! JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion is the largest single JA educational center in the world! 

 

Every 5th and 8th grade student completes the JA BizTown and JA Finance Park classroom curriculums. Along with our partnership with Broward County Public Schools a simulation day at JA World is one of the highlights of students' K-12 educational journey.  

 

The center houses three simulated towns, each with storefronts sponsored and funded by local companies and foundations. These life-size, mock towns at JA World allow students to engage in a simulated economy, learning about budgeting, saving, investing and business along with exploring industries and career pathways. These simulations also provide students to learn and develop the work skills employers need.

 

These immersive educational experiences are only made possible by our generous storefront sponsors, who make generous investments in educating and preparing young people for the future. THANK YOU! 

Dave & Lorraine Thomas JA BizTown and Falcone Family JA BizTown Storefronts


  • Better Business Bureau
  • Broward College
  • Broward Health
  • Broward Sheriff’s Office
  • City of Coconut Creek
  • Community Care Plan
  • EY
  • The Hartford
  • Lifestyle Media Group
  • Metro Signs
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Rick Case Automotive Group
  • Truist
  • Truly Nolen
  • WPLG Local 10

Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park Storefronts


  • Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Florida East Coast Chapter
  • Broward College
  • Broward Health
  • CITY Furniture
  • Consolidated Credit/Debt.com
  • Construction Association of South Florida
  • Construction Executives Association
  • JM Family Enterprises
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Publix Charities
  • Sea the World – The Marine Industry
  • Truist
  • United Way of Broward County
  • Universal Property & Casualty Insurance
  • Wells Fargo

Ready to impress tomorrow's future consumers and business leaders? For more information about becoming a storefront sponsor, please contact Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer, at [email protected].

#1 Best Nonprofit Workplace for Innovators

Fast Company announced its fourth annual “Best Workplaces for Innovators” list, honoring organizations that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to encouraging innovation at all levels - Junior Achievement made the list! JA joins Google, Citi, SAP, Adobe, Audible, Mattel, Inc., Microsoft, PayPal and many more in the top-100. We earned the #1 spot for nonprofits (#97 overall). Now is your opportunity to work for an innovative organization that is developing tomorrow's innovators. We're hiring!


APPLY FOR POSITIONS ONLINE

Need a Holiday Gift Idea? GIVE the GIFT of FUN!

Attending JA events is an awesome way to support JA’s mission and have some fun. In the first half of 2023, there are two signature events you should consider supporting.


Tickets to these events also make a great holiday gift for the ones you love!

Get Your Early-Bird Tickets to

JA World Uncorked Before December 26th


JA World Uncorked, hosted by the JA Circle of Wise Women, is one of the top epicurean experiences in South Florida. Roughly 900 guests stroll through our 60,000 square foot facility sampling from a wide range of local food and drinks, while enjoying live music, dancing, raffles and a silent auction. 


The 2023 JA World Uncorked will take place on Saturday, January 28th from 6:30 to 10:30 pm at JA World. If you purchase tickets before December 26th, tickets are $150 per person. After December 26th, tickets increase to $185 per person.

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

Girls Rule Events Inspire Young Women to Ignite Their Superpowers


During Women's Month in March, Girls Rule offers a combination of two events aimed at inspiring young women to go after their dreams.

 

The first event is a half-day of empowering workshops, speakers and activities for students. The second event is a cocktail and networking celebration event for women in business to connect around a common vision to advance the future for the next generation of girls.  


The student workshops will take place March 9th from 9 am to 1 pm. The celebration is on March 15th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Both events take place at JA World.

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