JA takes business education to youth

Many think of Junior Achievement as an after-school program where high school students run businesses, but the organization has changed, evolving into a program that serves all ages.

"Junior Achievement has a full curriculum of programs for students in grades K-12," said Tom Slaight, president of Junior Achievement of the Ozarks Inc., 900 N. Benton. "Our programs are delivered in the classroom. We work with public and private schools where we partner with the teacher. We recruit business community and college student volunteers. While the volunteer is in the classroom, they are the teacher of our materials and the teacher remains in the classroom as their partner."

Slaight added, "The after-school company program exists in a different form today. The company program is delivered within the classroom during school hours, and that is a significant change. This fall, in fact, we have two JA companies in Bolivar High School in the DECA class taught by Sally Nance."

Board chairman Kenny Hale, of City Utilities, emphasized that Junior Achievement is for every student in grades kindergarten through 12.

He said an understanding of economics and how the free enterprise system works is critical for future success in any career. "The kindergarten program is called Ourselves'; first grade is Our Family'; second is Our Community'; third is Our City'; fourth is Our Region'; fifth is Our Nation'; and sixth is Our World.' At each grade, concepts are reinforcing what was taught in the previous year. But it was designed to stand alone, as well," Slaight said.

Middle grade programs include "Per-sonal Economics," "The Economics of Staying in School," and "JA Go Figure!" High school programs include "JA Personal Finance," "JA Success Skills," "JA Company Program," and "JA Job Shadow."

"Job Shadow is co-sponsored by Jun-ior Achievement, the Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Area Cham-ber of Commerce," Slaight said.

He added, "A few years ago we sponsored Groundhog Job Shadow day here in Springfield and we brought it back last year. Students have been recruited to participate in Job Shadow Day again in 2002, between January 28 and February 8, 2002. It's an opportunity for a student to experience an actual day in the life of someone involved in a career of their choice."

Classroom volunteer and JA board member Cindy Hinds, director of the Training Resource Group at Ozarks Technical Community College, is teaching in second grade. It's "quite an experience," she said. "Students are more challenging than I remember being at that age. They are eager to learn, and their straightforwardness and honesty is refreshing."

Long-time volunteer Jan Naegler, who is staff accountant with JE Talbert, CPA, is in her sixth year with the program. Of her experience, she said, "It's great. You get to know a lot about kids, their lives and families."

Second-grade teacher Penny Carroll, of Mark Twain Elementary, said, "I'm impressed. I can provide the same or similar lessons, but it's more meaningful for them to have someone come. My representative was from a bank and the kids were impressed with that. It's good for them to be exposed to people from the community, especially when we're teaching about how the community works together."

Kindergarten teacher Kym Nelms, of Berry Elementary, said, "I appreciate what JA does. It teaches them life concepts and skills that they need as they get older and go out into the business world. It extends what I teach in the classroom."

"We are doing The Economics of Staying in School,' and I think that's just the perfect topic for our school based upon our clientele," said Study teacher R.C. Catt. He added, "This one seemed to hit home. I'm planning on doing this one again next year."

Business volunteers are key. Slaight said, "Our volunteers not only serve that role of teacher, but serve as mentor and guide in terms of reinforcing how important education is to a student's future."

Junior Achievement isn't a United Way Agency. Funding comes from local businesses and individuals, as well as grants and events such as the organization's annual bowl-a-thon.

"We do not charge schools for delivery of programs, but that's not meant to imply the programs are free. There is an inherent cost for the materials and overhead," Slaight said.

More funding and more volunteers are needed to enable JA to provide requested programs for students. Hale said the current goal is "to be able to serve 5,000 students."

(In the interest of full disclosure: Vera-Jane Goodin occasionally works with Junior Achievement of the Ozarks Inc. through her business, Goodin Communications.)