For Immediate Release: November 2015
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer A Connolly, JA of Western Massachusetts
(413) 747-7670 [email protected]
Alecka Kress, MassMutual Financial Group
(413) 250-6297 [email protected]
Schools to Implement Junior Achievement’s Financial Literacy Coursework, Made Possible by Grant from MassMutual
Personal finance education critical to the fiscal health of JA of Western Massachusetts’ next generation
Springfield, MA—Two Hundred students at Duggan School, Wilbraham Middle School and Westfield High School learned important financial literacy skills, thanks to a generous grant from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) that implemented JA Economics For Success programs.
MassMutual volunteers reached 200 of the over 740 students who participated in JA Economics for Success this year. JA Economics for Success provides practical information about personal finance and the importance of identifying education and career goals based on a student’s skills, interests, and values.
This is the third year MassMutual has gifted funds to support Junior Achievement programs across the United States to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to make smart academic and economic choices.
“With MassMutual’s help, we are able to bring this critical coursework to area students and help prepare our students for the reality of financial freedom.” said Jennifer Connolly, President of JA of Western Massachusetts.
An 8th grade teacher noted that, “JA Economics for Success made the students think about life skills as an adult.”
At Westfield High School, Mr. George Lanides, Assistant Principal said, “The students and staff at Westfield High greatly appreciate the JA Economics for Success presentations.”
Since 2013, MassMutual’s commitment to Junior Achievement has facilitated financial education for nearly 3,000 students in 12 communities across the U.S. In fact, 97 percent of teachers who participated in the 2013 program believed it had a positive impact on students, with one educator sharing, “Having our students engage in real-world learning activities helps illustrate what they need to know today to make them successful tomorrow. The participation of MassMutual volunteers as community role models is why this partnership is so valuable and essential to student outcomes.”
“Helping people secure their financial futures and protect the ones they love is at the core of who we are,” said Nick Fyntrilakis, vice president, community responsibility, MassMutual. “Last year, one student shared that after participating in the JA program at school and drafting a budget, he went home and talked to his mom about her budget. They had a meaningful conversation about the cost of living and importance of saving and financial goals – these conversations are why MassMutual continues to value our relationship with Junior Achievement. Learning to make smart financial decisions early in life can help young people make the transition to higher education and financial independence later in life.”
Junior Achievement’s mission is a direct correlation with MassMutual’s mission to make a difference in local communities and help families become more confident in their financial decisions and empower them to take control of their financial situations.
About MassMutual
Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policy owners. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policy owners consistently since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company’s strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.
MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company;
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.