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Gov. Ducey funds JA’s education programs

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Local nonprofit Junior Achievement of Arizona is poised to serve another 90,000 Arizona students in need with financial literacy and career readiness education over the next three years, resulting from $2.7 million funding awarded by Gov. Doug Ducey.

“Financial literacy and workforce readiness leads to success and stability,” said Katherine Cecala, Junior Achievement of Arizona president.

“Gov. Ducey’s investment in Arizona’s youth and K-12 education allows us to increase our capacity and come alongside teachers to provide deeply enriched programs. We know educators can’t do it alone, and together we can make a greater impact on the students who need us most.”

The additional funds will allow Junior Achievement to reach 90,000 low-income, ethnically diverse, K-12 students from hundreds of schools statewide, primarily in Maricopa and Pima counties over the next three years.

“We want to narrow the gap and pave the way toward a more equitable future for the students in Arizona who need our programs the most. Our real-world education, coupled with transferable skills and the belief in their future potential, is preparing those kids to succeed in work and life,” Cecala said.

JA’s programs correlate to Arizona state standards and help reinforce the curriculum that educators are teaching in the classroom, connecting the dots to real-world understanding. Through the help of business and community volunteers, JA serves as an extension of the teaching team without demanding more of teachers.

The needs of kids have changed due to the pandemic. Students are graduating unprepared for the working world, and COVID-19 has only heighted the issues facing students and new graduates. During the pandemic, JA also added online programs to meet students however they are learning.

JA developed varying delivery models to meet the diverse teacher and student needs. The organization brings volunteers into classrooms, virtually or in person, to teach age-appropriate programming around money management, career readiness and entrepreneurship.

JA’s programs have proven to increase student graduation rates, increase critical thinking and prepare the most vulnerable kids to earn more in the workforce and be more likely to start businesses.

Keith and Janine Walashek receive an award from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Daisy Mountain Fire Chief Brian Tobin speaks during the 9/11 event. Dynamic Motion Dance Academy performs a routine.

Amped Coffee Co. 9/11 Remembrance

Amped Coffee Co. in Anthem and members of the surrounding community paid their respects to those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and honored first responders during a ceremony on the event’s 20th anniversary.

Photos by Pablo Robles

Phoenix Police Commander Darren Viner was a guest speaker at the Anthem event.

Professional bagpiper Wheaton McClanathan plays “Amazing Grace.”