We’re excited to announce that Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) has received a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. The grant will help JA give students the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.
“Creating equitable opportunities for our community requires resources, and we appreciate the support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, which helps us continue to build and expand the innovative programs we’re proud to offer,” said Katherine Cecala, president of JA.
At JA, we envision a world in which young people have the skills and confidence to be successful and pursue their dreams. Each year, we serve over 170,000 primarily low-income students in metropolitan and rural areas throughout Central and Southern Arizona. JA programs — in the core content areas of career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy — give students the tools they need to break poverty cycles and achieve new heights. Our most recent impact recap shows that compared to non-JA students, JA students have 34% higher critical thinking skills, earn 20% more in the workforce, and are 143% more likely to start a business.
“Supporting the development of students and a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like Junior Achievement of Arizona to help gain greater financial literacy and build thriving communities,” said Arturo Pérez, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank.
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy, community investments, and team member volunteerism.
If you’d like to help prepare students for work and life, get involved with Junior Achievement of Arizona. There are plenty of ways to make a difference, including volunteering, donating, or attending an event.
About Junior Achievement of Arizona
Junior Achievement of Arizona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that equips Arizona students to succeed in work and life by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career, and economic choices. Since 1957, Junior Achievement of Arizona has taught kids kindergarten through high school about financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. The organization’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs are delivered by more than 9,500 corporate and community volunteers each year. Junior Achievement of Arizona reached approximately 170,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year. Follow @JAArizona on social media or visit jaaz.org/resources for more free online educational tools.
