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Melissa Derbyshire is the Director of Philanthropy from Junior Achievement Waterloo Region (JAWR). JAWR is a member of JA Canada and part of JA(1919) Worldwide (100+ countries) devoted to educating youth about business and the opportunities it can provide. In 1970 JAWR was created, then begun to inspire and prepare our youth to be successful in a changing global economy. JAWR programs are delivered by volunteers from the business community aimed at bridging the current gap in the curriculum on the topics of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. Their volunteers connect real-life experience with their experiential program content. This past year more than 5,000 students were impacted by the programs in the waterloo region, completely free to all participants. Looking forward, our youth will be the people driving change and innovation. JAWR inspires youth to be those leaders. They provide students with opportunities to develop skills that will help them succeed in the future. JAWR works in partnership with school boards, educators, volunteers and businesses to educate students. In-School Programs A BUSINESS ON OUR OWN - Introducing students to the process of building their own business and the opportunities it can provide. (Gr 4-6) MORE THAN MONEY - Preparing students to manage their finances in the future. (Gr 3-4) OUR BUSINESS WORLD - Introducing students to the possibilities of entrepreneurship in Canada. (Gr 5-6) DOLLARS WITH SENSE - Equips students with the information to make wise financial decisions, avoid living in debt, and become insightful investors. (Gr 7-10) ECONOMICS FOR SUCCESS - Enables students to gain a stronger grasp on who they are and what role personal strengths will play in their future success. (Gr 7-10) PERSONAL FINANCE - Equip students with money management skills to be applied to their personal finances. (Gr 9-12) After School Program COMPANY PROGRAM - is their signature program. This is a hands-on after school program for students gr. 9-12 to learn the risks and rewards of starting a business and how to build positive relationships with the community. They will solve real business challenges, gather data, evaluate choices, create a plan, learn how to incorporate their business, capitalize by selling shares, develop and market a product or service, learn about teamwork, responsibility and business ethics, maintain and analyze financial records and set sales goals and make effective sales pitches. Impact - Independent study by Boston Consulting Group proves JA has the following impact on it's students as they are: - 50% more likely to open their own business creating wealth and jobs for the Canadian economy. - 3 times more likely to hold senior and middle management position within their places of work. - 75% of it's students were significantly impacted by JA for their financial literacy - $1 invested breeds a $45 return to our economy. How can we help: - Let people know who Junior Achievement is and what they do. - Volunteer our business expertise and talent. (Training and curriculum are provided. You are not alone in the classroom as there is always a teacher there to manage the students). - Donate (average cost to bring an in-class program to one classroom is $700) As a past volunteer for JA Paul Cody thanked the speaker and Roger closed the meeting. |
