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Junior Achievement of the Heartland
Quarterly Newsletter

Dear JA Friends,
 
School is back in full swing. And while this year looks much different, we just can’t help but feel a sense of excitement brought on by new opportunities.
 
Junior Achievement is meeting head-on the demands posed to traditional learning in the classroom. Since March we’ve worked with JA USA headquarters and local school system leadership to adapt our delivery models to virtual applications while maintaining our high standards. And through it all, we stayed true to our educational methodology grounded in relevant business connectivity and authentic project-based applications, brought to life through our work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship learning experiences.
 
This newsletter highlights some of the great opportunities we are providing, including free digital resources to support learning at home and schools, as well as JA Career Speakers SeriesTM, a new career exploration program highlighting job opportunities throughout our region.
 
We’ve seen how uncertain circumstances can bring communities together, and we’re reminded how much connectedness matters. We also know that access equals opportunity, and remain committed to facilitating unique experiences to help guide students in the real world.
 
This will certainly be like no other year. It’s partners that bring the content to life, and this year your support is especially helpful for JA to continue adapting and supporting our area’s youth.
 
Thank you, we look forward to working together.
Dougal Nelson
President CEO
JA of the Heartland

New (kind of) to the Crew

Christy Kunz, Vice President – Education

Serving all 24 counties
 
Former JA of the Heartland President returns to her roots! Christy will work with our Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement the organization’s long-term strategies around program growth, learning outcomes, and financial stability.
 
When Christy’s not working, she likes to spend time with grandchildren/family and friends, do things for others, exercise, bake, play cards, and golf.

Upcoming Event

It’s back! Join us to kick off the Taste Tour with a virtual wine pull and auction event.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
6-6:30pm
Purchase a Taste Tour Ticket for Boos & Bites deals in Muscatine and Washington! Visit our website for a full list of vendors and deals.

JA Virtual Volunteers Needed

School may have changed, but the need has not! Though volunteering for Junior Achievement in the traditional sense may not be an option at this time, you can still inspire and prepare our young people as a JA Virtual Volunteer!
 
Junior Achievement provides opportunities to volunteer remotely using technology you already have and are comfortable using! JA will provide the tools, training, connection with teachers, and support. All you need to do is what you do best…positively impact young people as a JA volunteer!
 
Is being a JA Virtual Volunteer the right fit for you? Take this quiz to find out!

Program News

Free Digital Resources for Home and School
Junior Achievement is here to support students, parents, and teachers during this period of uncertainty. Learning can continue and JA is providing access to learning experiences that students can do on their own, with a parent or other caring adult, or with teachers via a digital/virtual environment. Resources are organized by school level and can be used whether or not you’ve engaged in a JA program in the past.

Share Your Story with Students

The JA Career Speakers Series experience provides K-12 students with guest speakers or videos sharing information about various individuals and their careers, work and education experience. Teacher, Volunteer and Student Guides are available for this program that can be provided via face-to-face, hybrid or online learning. JA USA has a library of guest speaker videos available and we are working to secure local videos. Please let Christy know if you would like information about the JA Career Speakers Series or if you would be willing to record a video for us.

Shop with JA This Holiday Season

You Shop. Amazon gives.
Amazon Smile is a simple way for you to support Junior Achievement every time you shop, at no cost to you. Amazon Smile is available at smile.amazon.com. When you shop Amazon Smile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Junior Achievement.

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If you would like to volunteer or learn more about JA, please let us know!