Honoring the Life & Legacy of Ken Sharp

September 2025

VOLUNTEER

GIVE TODAY!

MORE INFO

HIGHLIGHTS

Honoring the Life & Legacy of Ken Sharp
The Hands That Make JA Happen
Meet the New Faces Guiding JA Forward
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars: Leadership, Mentorship & $25,000
Host Your Next Event at JA

Honoring the Life & Legacy of Ken Sharp

We remember and honor Kenneth Sharp, a cherished member of our JA of Central Carolinas family whose legacy continues to inspire.

Read more about Ken's life, impact, and the lasting imprint he left on our community.

>> Read More

The Hands That Make JA Happen

As JA BizTown and JA Finance Park prepare to open its doors to students across the Central Carolinas, we’re reminded that it truly takes a village, or in our case, a community of passionate volunteers, to bring this vision to life.

In August, volunteers from USAA rolled up their sleeves to sort and package classroom materials, parent consent forms, and BizPrep packets for delivery to schools. Their behind-the-scenes work ensures that educators and students alike are equipped and ready for a seamless JA experience.

Meanwhile, a dedicated group of volunteers from Wells Fargo, Park National Bank, Bank of America, BI Worldwide, Accenture, and UNC Charlotte participated in a full JA BizTown test simulation. Their feedback and insights helped us troubleshoot and refine the experience, ensuring that every student who walks through our doors will enjoy a smoother, more impactful day of learning.

To every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and expertise, thank you. Your hands are building more than a town. You’re building futures.

Meet the New Faces Guiding JA Foward

We’re thrilled to welcome five outstanding leaders to the JA of Central Carolinas Board of Directors. Each brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to empowering the next generation through education and opportunity. Their expertise and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in service of our students and community.

Please join us in welcoming:

Patrick McAuley

Grant Thornton LLP

Amanda Collins

Truist Bank

Alex Bridgeman

Varo Bank

Rachel Ellis

Atrium Health Foundation

Sarah Sheridan

Moore & Van Allen PLLC

Chick-fil-A Community Scholars

Do you know an outstanding high school senior or student already pursuing their higher education?

If so, encourage them to apply for the Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program now through October 28. If selected, they will be 1 of 13 students awarded a $25,000 scholarship and invited to participate in the Chick-fil-A Scholars Program, a year-long experience of mentoring and leadership development.

A JA student was a past recipient in 2024, demonstrating the impact and reach of this opportunity.

LEARN MORE

Host Your Next Event at JA

Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas has a diverse offering of spaces to rent for conferences, receptions, training sessions, workshops, and networking.

Find the perfect spot for your conference, meeting, workshop, or business event. Multi-use and multi-day packages are available.

Conveniently located right outside uptown Charlotte, JA is easily accessible by plane, train, bus, or car. Airports in the area include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and Concord-Padgett Regional. Amtrak arrives daily in Charlotte as well.

There are numerous hotel and restaurant options available for your event attendees, and there is no shortage of activities for all groups to enjoy.

(704) 536-9668

Newsletter

Do you know an outstanding high school senior or student already pursuing their higher education?