Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts Western Massachusetts' Non-Profit-Workforce Readiness and Financial Literacy Education"
1500 Main Street, Suite 217
Springfield, MA 01115
Phone Number: (413) 747-7670
Fax Number: (413) 747-7606
Web Address: www.jawm.org
Junior Achievement was founded in Springfield, MA in 1919. The mission remains unchanged, to help young people succeed in a changing economy. JA provides programs to schools and community organizations at no cost. The unique aspect of business, community, and college volunteers help enhance our workforce readiness, career preparation, and financial literacy programs.
Keywords: Workforce Readiness, Financial Literacy, Economic Education
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Junior Achievement started in Western Massachusetts in 1919- inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in the changing economy.
What is your primary product or service?
JA's primary service is to provide age-appropriate, academically challenging programs to Western MA students in grades K-12, focusing on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness/exploration. JA Activities are delivered by volunteers from local businesses, colleges and the community, who are trained by professional JA staff and given all of the materials and support for a successful experience.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My passion for JA started in high school when I participated in three years of JA- the JA Company Program and by my senior year I was president of my JA Company. I then volunteered as a JA Company Advisor in college and in 1999 I joined JA of Maine as Program Manager and transferred to JA of Western MA in 2003. I know firsthand the positive impact JA programs can have on a young person's life and I want to provide that opportunity to the youth in Western MA
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
JA is the oldest and largest volunteer-driven educational non-profit organization in the nation. JA is the only organization that provides financial literacy education to youth from Kindergraten to twelfth grade.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
JA of Western MA has one office that serves the four counties of Western MA. Last year 400 JA Volunteers presented 522 JA programs, serving 11,516 students in 65 schools in 29 school districts, Strategically JA plans to increase students served by about 5% annually.
Provide detailed directions to your location
The JA office is located at 1500 Main Street, Suite 217, Springfield, MA. The office is in the Tower Square building.
What type of payments do you accept?
Junior Achievement accepts donations in cash, checks or credit cards; in person, via mail or through the JA website www.jawm.org or through online giving sites such as RAZOO https://www.razoo.com/story/Juniorachievementwesternma
Which areas do you service?
JA of Western Massachusetts serves Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire Counties in MA as well as all of Vermont,
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Junior Achievement is a franchise of JA USA..The organization is overseen by the President of JAWM.
What are your hours of operation?
The JA office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That JA made a difference in their life.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Why JA? Because if you don't who will?