Ja Inspires Students to Go from “I Can't”
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
INSPIRING STUDENTS ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 1 JA INSPIRES STUDENTS TO GO FROM “I CAN'T” TO “I CAN!” 2 ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTHWESTERN INDIANA We are often asked “Why JA” in relation to how it addresses societal issues, including work readiness, threatened graduation rates, financial literacy, increasing demand for STEM proficiencies, the ability of one generation to do better than the previous, and the growing loss of hope among our young people. JA’s “Why” is the belief that no one can improve their circumstances without a belief in themselves and a sense of purpose. By showing students how money, careers and business ownership work through proven programs and the help and mentorship of volunteer role models from the community, Junior Achievement is empowering these students to have a belief in themselves supported by a foundation in these real- JA INSPIRES STUDENTS world life skills. The impact JA volunteers have on students is powerful. Our volunteers serve as role models, helping students TO GO FROM “I CAN'T” TO make the connection between what they learn and how it can ultimately impact their lives. In Junior Achievement, JA volunteers can be the catalyst that inspires a change in attitude and changes lives for generations to come. Simply put…Junior Achievement inspires students to go from “I can’t” to “I CAN!” 1 DEAR FRIENDS : What makes Junior Achievement a successful program? Through the combination of a proven curriculum, meaningful volunteer mentorship, and insights into a variety of career options, our young people become empowered with belief in themselves, a sense of purpose, and a vision of what’s possible. Consider this JA USA research with JA Alumni: • 30% said that JA gave them an idea of what to do for a career • 20% say they have worked in a similar field to that of their JA volunteer, and • Nearly 90% say they are satisfied with their career Outside of JA, most young people aren’t exposed to the concepts of money management, careers and business ownership at the level JA does until they are actually out of school. JA programs are changing students’ perceptions of themselves and their worlds in a way that will help them become more successful as adults. This is positive change for our young people that YOU can be proud to be a part of as a Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana partner. Because of YOU, Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana accomplished the following successes during 2015-2016: • Reached 37 percent of students in its 11-county service area during the 2015-2016 academic year. The national average is 9 percent. • Served a total of 28,369 students in 1,293 classes – resulting in 164,823 hours spent between volunteers and the students they inspire. • Led the nation in delivery of JA Blended Learning – innovative digital programs led by JA volunteers merging technology, JA’s proven curriculum, and the wisdom and perspective of mentors. • Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana just concluded our Inspiring Youth, Driving Their Achievement capital campaign. We are proud to announce the total amount raised is $1,037,022! • With funding through the Inspiring Youth campaign, JASWIN created a new Business Hall of Fame exhibit located at the Evansville Museum. Using augmented technology to bring to life our Business Hall of Fame laureates, students and museum visitors can “interact” and learn directly from the laureates through JASWIN’s new Dream.Plan.Succeed app. • Held a NEW JA Job Shadow™ for Warrick County 8th graders from Castle North Middle School, Castle South Middle School, Boonville Middle School, and Tecumseh Junior High. Enthusiastic, positive feedback was shared from the schools and business locations that participated. • Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana is pleased to introduce our new President, Marcia Forston, who joined the organization in late-May. Marcia brings a wealth of knowledge from the corporate and non-profit world. Welcome, Marcia! During our 2015-2016 fiscal year, JASWIN was able to accomplish ambitious goals with YOUR help. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we give a big shout out to our JASWIN boards, volunteers and financial partners for your hard work, dedication, passion and commitment to local youth! With your partnership, we are enthusiastic about the direction our organization is headed to better serve our young people and look forward to continuing our mission to empower young people to own their economic success. Jim Wittman, Vice President of Development Marcia Forston, President and Leasing, Regency Properties Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana Chairman of the Board Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana 2 PROGRAMS Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana (JASWIN) experienced another phenomenal year of empowering young people to own their economic success. A few key highlights JASWIN would like to share with you are: • Increased market share of students by 3% to 37% (national average is 9%) • Experienced substantial growth in Evansville Career Exploration Day event • Held student Q&A session with entrepreneur Daymond John in conjunction with JASWIN’s 50th Anniversary Celebration • Started new JA Job Shadow program with all Warrick County 8th grade students • Experienced substantial percentage increase in number of students served in three counties: Knox County ..................... 42% growth Spencer County ............... 24% growth Warrick County ................. 52% growth Junior Achievement Blended Learning Junior Achievement USA has well-honed processes for creating curriculum. The ways in which students are learning is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. In order to meet the needs of students and stay current with classroom delivery, JA USA is redeveloping many of the existing programs into a digital format which will be delivered by JA volunteers in the classroom. Many school districts have begun integrating technology into classrooms, and that trend will only accelerate. Today’s students are as comfortable with tablets as they are with textbooks. The opportunity for JA to be a catalyst for positive change has never been greater. With the infusion of the new learning methodologies and delivery systems, more students will be served, our mission will be strengthened and JA’s relevance will be assured. The integration of technology into JA’s programs will provide a strong return on investment through a greater impact on students such as: • Increased Student Reach — Digital programs allow JA to reach students who would never have had the opportunity to enjoy JA’s programming otherwise. • Increased Learning — Digital tools and online learning modules that are available to students during out-of-school time reinforce the impact of the JA program content delivered by volunteers. • Increased Relevance — At a time when the majority of classrooms are using digital tools and online learning modules, teachers will have JA’s educational programs available to them in the formats that they want, need, and are trained to use. Locally, in 2015-2016, JASWIN rolled out the blended models of JA Global Marketplace® for 6th grade students and JA Personal Finance® for high school students. JASWIN is proud to be on the forefront of incorporating Blended Learning Programs locally into our delivery system. We currently lead the nation in the number of Blended Learning Programs in use. Within the next several years, all middle and high school programs will become blended, including JA It’s My Future® and JA It’s My Business®, which will debut this coming school year. 3 VOLUN TEERING Junior Achievement volunteers come from all walks of life. But they all have a common vision: sharing a message of hope and opportunity with each and every young person they reach. They are committed to the idea that as a community, we have a responsibility to ensure this generation is better prepared for success than any generation in history. “It was a great experience and being in a small town, I tend to see the students out and about and they recognize me. I have had several parents say to me that their kids learned so much and that they would come home talking about it [JA] every week.” - Nicholas, Fairfield National Bank, Cisne Middle School “This was an extremely rewarding experience for me and I feel that your program makes a difference and the kids will remember it.” - Erica, Neace Lukens, Cedar Hall We would like to thank our volunteer partners for giving of your time and talents to help local youth succeed. ... YOUR PROGRAM Those partners providing 10 or more volunteers: Atlas Worldwide .............................................15 volunteers Berry Plastics ...................................................15 volunteers Best Chairs/Home Furnishings ......................13 volunteers MAKES A DIFFERENCE Fifth Third Bank ...............................................13 volunteers ... German American Bank ..............................35 volunteers Kimball International .....................................20 volunteers MasterBrand Cabinets ..................................17 volunteers Mead Johnson Nutritionals ..........................15 volunteers Oakland City University ................................10 volunteers OFS Brands .....................................................13 volunteers Old National Bank .........................................39 volunteers Regions Financial Corporation ....................19 volunteers SABIC Innovative Plastics .............................38 volunteers Springleaf Financial Services........................14