Junior Achievement starts fundraising campaign

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin — East Central Wisconsin, serving Sheboygan County, has announced that its annual fundraising drive has begun and hopes to reach a goal of $135,000.

The funds raised will provide programs for more than 8000 students during the 2009-10 school year and will be taught by over 240 volunteers. The Junior Achievement (JA) fundraising campaign is co-chaired by Mike Albinger from ACUITY and Mike Bruflat of Schenck Business Solutions, treasurer of the JA board in Sheboygan.

More than 800 business and individuals support Junior Achievement.

Teachers, in 406 classrooms, value the area volunteers’ time and the community connections that JA provides. According to Heather Reader-Schubert, a Kohler High School teacher, “Considering the recent financial crisis, it is more important than ever to make sure our kids are financially literate and prepared to compete in a global economy. The JA programs that we use in the classroom provide materials that incorporate real-life, relevant examples and hands-on learning, and are supported by volunteer sessions lead by community leaders that aim to further connect our students to the world around them.”

Business owners recognize Junior Achievement’s part in preparing students to succeed in the global economy. Business owner and classroom volunteer Eileen Simenz, owner of Salon Sase, reflects upon her life experiences of setting up and running her own business when teaching JA. “It’s very rewarding to see students grasp new concepts about how the world around them works from real life experiences of small business owners. Working with JA’s curriculum, presents many opportunities to inspire our future entrepreneurs.”

For more information about Junior Achievement in Sheboygan or to contribute to the organization, contact Jane Halverson at the JA office, (920) 458-0007.