For Immediate Release: June 2016
For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer A Connolly, JA of Western Massachusetts
(413) 747-7670 [email protected]
Personal finance education critical to the fiscal health of JA of Western Massachusetts’ next generation
Springfield, MA— Thousands of students in Springfield will be participating in Junior Achievement programs through the generosity of a $75,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation.
The Pathways to 21st Century Careers project supports students in 6th-12th grade as they explore STEM Careers and activities that increase financial literacy. The project leverages the skills, talent, educational and career opportunities of this region to create a cadre of role models from the community to weave multiple intersecting pathways. JA Volunteers serve as role models and use age-appropriate JA programs and materials to provide students with the tools to develop the 21st century skills needed to become highly skilled, autonomous employees.
“With the MassMutual Foundation’s help, we are able to bring this critical coursework to area students and help prepare our students for the reality of financial decision making.” said Jennifer Connolly, President of JA of Western Massachusetts.
Students will participate in JA programs such as the JA Stock Market Competition, The JA Company Program, JA Personal Finance, JA Finance Park Virtual, JA Economics for Success, It’s My Future, JA Global Marketplace and the JA EnTEENpreneur Challenge.
An 8th grade teacher noted that, “JA Economics for Success made the students think about life skills as an adult. 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.”
“Junior Achievement plays a vital role in helping young people in Western Mass. learn important financial skills that they can carry with them into adulthood,” said Nick Fyntrilakis, President, MassMutual Foundation. “We are excited to see the positive impact of this program on area students.”
Junior Achievement’s mission is a direct correlation with the MassMutual Foundation’s mission to broaden economic opportunities for America’s youth and their families by providing funding for education, economic development and financial literacy initiatives.
About the MassMutual Foundation
The MassMutual Foundation strives to broaden economic opportunities for America’s youth and their families by providing funding for education, economic development and financial literacy initiatives across the U.S. The foundation is a reflection of MassMutual’s longstanding dedication to corporate citizenship and its unwavering commitment to the communities in which we do business.
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.