Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. In 2021, Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes has taken a bold step in service to our community with the opening of the JA Free Enterprise Center in Grand Rapids. 

Join us as we learn what that means for the region.

Pre-pandemic, global entrepreneurship was at a 60-year low... fast forward and mid-pandemic we're seeing more business started globally than in generations.

But how do we make sure our youth are prepared for this new dynamic? Where will they learn the skills to navigate the next normal where the "job" can no longer guarantee opportunities to create generational wealth?

WHAT IS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT?

Junior Achievement has 105 local JA Areas across the nation, and together we are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA's programs—in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy—ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

PROGRAM REACH

Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 209,651classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by 105 Area Offices in all 50 states. JA of Michigan Great Lakes reaches approximately 60,000 students per year.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Katrina Begrow works as Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes' Sr. Development Manager for Special Events, and has helped raise over $10 Million towards the landmark JA Free Enterprise Center in Grand Rapids.

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Steve Carlson has contributed 40 years of volunteer service to JA. 

“While JA touts a proven curriculum and materials, the key connection for our students is with our volunteers and their delivery of our programs,” said William Coderre, III, CFRE, JAMGL President & CEO. “Steve has spent the past forty years tirelessly giving of his time and talent to our students as a classroom volunteer, as a committee member and as a JAMGL board member...”

Carlson began volunteering for Junior Achievement in 1980 and since that time has volunteered in over 85 classrooms in the greater Grand Rapids area impacting approximately 2,000 students. “I volunteer to pay it back and pay it forward,” said Carlson. “I specifically remember my JA Company advisors from Old Kent bank in 1971 when I was in high school. I was given an experience in high school that paid dividends throughout my college years and I even used the skills and concepts during my career in aerospace.”

EVENT DATE & TIME

Date: Thursday, September 16
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

WHERE

Virtual event via Zoom (link provided after RSVP)

OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR

 This event is presented in partnership with Varnum LLP. Check out what they do for our startup ecosystem by visiting their website!