JA Receives $15,000 Grant from Thunderbirds Charities For Program Technology Improvements
The Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds and the host of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community, recently awarded Junior Achievement $15,000 to update a portion of the organization’s technology needs.
Thanks to The Thunderbirds’ generous support, Junior Achievement will be able to provide an enhanced experience for the nearly 22,000 students participating in the JA BizTown simulation each year. The contribution will enable Junior Achievement to update a portion of the technology needs, helping ensure that the program is delivered in an efficient and effective way, focused entirely on the students and void of unnecessary technology hang-ups that can detract from the intent of the program experience.
Carlos Sugich, president of Thunderbirds Charities said, “We’re excited to support this education program that teaches real-life work experiences and current technology is key to its success.”
Junior Achievement of Arizona’s President Katherine Cecala also said, “We are honored that Thunderbirds Charities understands the value of JA programs in preparing students to succeed in work and life. In a rapidly changing era, it is critical that we are able to stay current with our technology needs. This grant from Thunderbirds Charities helps us do just that.”
Since 1957, JA has taught Arizona students, kindergarten through high school, about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Nearly 250,000 students, 4th-6th grades, have participated in JA BizTown. Through this signature program, students have the opportunity to experience life for the day as a working adult. Technology is a key component to the JA BizTown economy experience – ranging from managing business revenue, transactions for goods and services, banking and accounts payable, and more.
Thank you Thunderbirds Charities! Your generosity is making a difference in the lives of thousands of Arizona students each year.
About The Thunderbirds/Thunderbirds Charities:
THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.