BUSINESSES SUPPORT JA’S WORKFORCE READINESS PROJECT

April 25, 2008

[Springfield, MA] In March Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) presented Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts with a check for $12,500, one-half of a $25,000 Challenge Grant to support JA’s Making an Impact on Springfield Project. The project is an intense program which focuses on workforce readiness and career preparation. The project supports JA programs for students at Springfield Central High and the High School of Science and Technology. “MassMutual recognizes the importance of developing our future workforce. We’re proud to support JA in its efforts to prepare young people for their future, and we encourage other employers to join us in this initiative” explains Trish Robinson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications and Community Responsibility and Deputy Head of Government Relations.

Concern for the low graduation rate, understanding the need for a future workforce that has mastered the necessary “soft skills” such communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, other local businesses are stepping up to the plate and supporting JA, helping the organization meet its financial challenge. Robert Bolduc, President of Pride Stations and Stores, was the first to come forward. Mr. Bolduc and Pride donated $5,000 to help sponsor JA’s Workforce Readiness & Career Preparation Project. The company is committed to providing JA classroom volunteers and job shadow experiences for the students. Mr. Bolduc notes, “The gap between business and our young students is serious and something we must all be concerned with since it affects the future of our families, our communities, and the economic viability of our area. A career in retail can be rewarding, satisfying, fun, and worthwhile. We are happy to finally be able to help our young people in this area.”

Paul Valickus, President of St. Germain Investments Management, a member of the JA Board of Directors and ardent supporter feels "Our children are our future. Obtaining knowledge of business and the economy, can prepare our young people for the future, whether it means entering the workforce or attending college. What a student learns in Junior Achievement is currently not available in the classroom. JA provides an important supplement to their formal education."

“Bank of America is committed to improving the economy, not just for today but for future generations as well,” said Robin L. Yacovino, Western Massachusetts Market President, Bank of America. “Programs, like Junior Achievement, are critical to ensuring our youth have the skills they need to succeed. We’re pleased to join our colleagues in business to support such a worthy cause.”

Because of the generosity of MassMutual, Pride Stations and Stores, St. Germain Investments, and the Bank of America Foundation, every freshman at Central and Sci-Tech will participate in JA Economics for Success. Hundreds of students will participate in JA Job Shadow and another hundred will participate in JA Success Skills and the JA High School Heroes program. The anticipated outcome is to provide JA programs to targeted grades and students, providing them with not one opportunity to participate in JA but several, reinforcing the link between “learning and earning.” “We are off to a great start,” said Jennifer Connolly, President of JA of Western Massachusetts, “but we need more classroom volunteers, who directly impact our childrens’ lives and the financial support to truly impact the future of Springfield. We live in a great area and there are countless opportunities ahead for our youth but we need to get them to understand what they need to do to make their future successful. JA provides a proven curriculum, at no cost to local schools or community youth organizations, and a vehicle for local businesses to share their knowledge and experience with our youth.”

For more information about Junior Achievement and how you can help us meet the challenge, please contact (413) 747-7670 or visit us at the web at www.jawm.org.

About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. JA offers educational programs that focus on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial literacy, and career development. Today more than Junior Achievement Worldwide reaches almost seven million students in 98 countries. For more information, visit www.jawm.org.