Junior Achievement of Washington

What an exciting day of leadership, learning, and service! JAWA’s Statewide board members volunteered at the JA Education Center on Wednesday, teaching JA curriculum and sharing their professional expertise with students from the Official Muckleshoot Tribal School in JA Finance Park and Hazelwood Elementary School in JA BizTown.

🌟Thank you to Xulie Olivos, Career Access Specialist, and Cynthia Morales Belmonte, College & Career Access Specialist, for opening the Statewide board meeting with heartfelt testimonials from students in Highline Public Schools about the impact of JA programs on their education and career planning.

Learn more about our board members at https://washington.ja.org/about/board

🎳We are getting ready to roll and celebrate Financial Pacific Leasing bowling teams for their fantastic fundraising efforts to support JA programs! The South Puget Sound JA Bowling Classic: Viva Las Vegas is this Friday, June 14, 6 - 8 pm, at Secoma Lanes in Federal Way.

🌟Want to join in the fun and support JA students? Donate today at https://ow.ly/SOnV50Sis0m.

✨Congratulations to Colleen Hay, Director of Special Events, on her sixth anniversary of service with Junior Achievement of Washington!

🌟Last week's Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival was an incredible evening! Thank you to our guests, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors for joining us to celebrate the craft of breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries while supporting JA programs.

Together, we have raised over $35,000 to make JA programs possible for more students in the South Puget Sound region, helping more young people prepare for their future careers.

If you couldn't attend the event but would like to support Junior Achievement, you can donate at https://ow.ly/wT0p50Saas8

✨Congratulations to Josh Garza, Regional Program Manager, Central Washington, on his first anniversary of service with Junior Achievement of Washington!

Last week, we had the honor of welcoming Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Jesse Johnson, Representative Lisa Callan, and Eric Pettigrew with Pettigrew Consulting Services to the JA Education Center in Auburn.

Thank you for taking the time to tour JA BizTown and JA Finance Park and partnering with us to help more kids like these students from Meeker Elementary School prepare for their future success with skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship!

✨Huge thank you to the 2024 Cheers to Careers Sponsors for supporting this event and investing in the bright future of JA students! We are grateful to Harborstone Credit Union, HomeStreet Bank, Mountain Mist, and RSM US LLP for helping us bring JA programs to more students and empower young people to reach their full potential.

If you would like to support JA programs but couldn't attend the event, you can donate at https://ow.ly/rzYe50S4oyL. Any amount makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!

🌟The Cheers to Careers online auction closes tonight at 8:30 pm! Have you registered to bid? https://ow.ly/NIbE50RSJm7.

There are so many great items to bid on, from travel to sports events to self-care products, including a five-night stay in Vancouver, B.C., or Las Vegas, a luxurious skincare basket from Sugarcane, or the Topgolf Enthusiast Package with exclusive coupons and a gift card.

All proceeds will support JA programs.

👏 We are thankful to amazing HSBC employees - Jennifer Bautista, Michael Savio, Christopher Kwan, Mire Kashikura, Violeta Nicolas, John Houck, and Radmila Stolle - for volunteering with students from Rainier Middle School in JA Finance Park last week! You helped these young people learn how to navigate life after high school, plan for their future careers, and make good financial decisions. Thank you for investing your time in the boundless potential of our youth!

Learn more about opportunities to get involved with JA at https://ow.ly/Xwap50S0Zvz.

✨Thank you to the 2024 Cheers to Careers In-Kind Sponsors for making this event possible! We are grateful to Print NW for printing the "tasting passports," The Considerate Group for running the Game Connection Room, and Walmart for donating ice and reusable bags. Your support helps us reach more students in the South Puget Sound region with life-changing JA programs.

🎫Tickets are still available- https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb! Take your taste buds on a tour of the best local beers, ciders, wine, and spirits at the 2024 Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival on Thursday, May 30, at the JA Education Center. This event is for 21+.

JA of Washington’s offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you to our wonderful KPMG U.S. volunteers for mentoring Fall City Elementary School students in JA BizTown! In addition to teaching students about money, budgets, and future careers, these volunteers took time during the lunch hour to read books to the kids.

📗Each student also received a free book as part of the KPMG Family for Literacy (KFFL) program in collaboration with nonprofit social enterprise First Book.

✨The Cheers to Careers online auction is open! Check out exciting items such as a five-day stay at the Oasis Resort in Palm Springs or a Great Wolf Lodge weekend getaway, and register to bid today - https://ow.ly/hwAN50RSJlm.

All proceeds from the auction will support JA programs. The auction will close during the Cheers to Careers event on Thursday, May 30, at 8:30 pm.

🍺🍷Take your taste buds on a tour of the best local beers and ciders, including Kulshan Brewing Company, Mac and Jack's Brewery, and Seattle Cider Company at the 2024 Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival on Thursday, May 30!

🎟️ Get your tickets at https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb. This event is for 21+.

Tour our immersive learning environments in simulated mini-towns, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, enjoy live music, and bid in a silent auction for a chance to win exciting items. All proceeds from this FUNdraising event will support life-changing JA programs for students in the South Puget Sound region.

Thank you to our fantastic Amazon.com volunteers for sharing their professional experience and life skills with students at JA Finance Park last week! Thanks to your efforts, more young people can reach economic success with their new skills in money management, budgeting, and career planning.

"JA Finance Park is like a real-life laboratory that gives young adults the opportunity to experiment with different scenarios. As a volunteer, we were immersed in the experience and collectively had the opportunity to consider future life choices, including secondary education, health care, and family planning. I wish this was available when I was a kid! Great investment to future generations!" - Rebecca Michaels, Global Portfolio Management, PMO, Financial Operations.

🍺Say 'Cheers" and set on an amazing tasting adventure on Thursday, May 30, as you explore the best of the Pacific Northwest breweries, including Best Day Brewing (non-alcoholic beer) and Fremont Brewing!

🎫 Get your tickets at https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb. This event is for 21+.

Tour our immersive learning environments in simulated mini-towns, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, enjoy live music, and bid in a silent auction for a chance to win exciting items. All proceeds from this FUNdraising event will support life-changing JA programs for students in the South Puget Sound region.

🌟Get ready to taste delicious products from top Pacific Northwest breweries, including non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Company and flavorful ciders from Bellingham Cider Company! Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival is on Thursday, May 30 – register today and support JA programs!

🎟️Tickets at https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb. This event is for 21+.

Tour our immersive learning environments in simulated mini-towns, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, enjoy live music, bid in a silent auction, and indulge in snacks available for purchase from Stacks and PizzaManiac PNW food trucks.

🌟The 2024 Dare to Dream Dinner & Auction is on Saturday, September 21, at a spectacular new venue - Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton! Join us for this unforgettable evening, featuring inspiring student and educator stories, an exquisite dinner, and exciting live and silent auctions filled with incredible items and experiences.

👉Get your tickets today at https://ow.ly/Zsf450RF4sc

🏨Want to stay the night after the event? You can book a room at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at a discounted rate at https://ow.ly/W09y50RF4sb. This discount is valid through August 23, 2024.

😎 We are excited to offer three different JA Summer Camp experiences at the JA Education Center in Auburn! Each week-long session (Session 1: July 22-26; Session 2: July 29-August 2) is packed with fun interactive activities introducing foundations of financial literacy, career exploration programs, teamwork and leadership skills, and opportunities to develop and pitch business ideas.

✨JA BizTown Summer Camp is for campers entering grades 4-6.
✨JA Finance Academy Summer Camp is for campers entering grades 7-9.
✨JA Future You Academy Summer Camp is for campers entering grades 10-12.

Learn more and register at https://ow.ly/v8fc50RCgON

2024 JA Summer Camps An exciting week of hands-on learning at JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and JA Finance Academy Summer Camps! Each session is packed with fun interactive activities introducing foundations of financial literacy, career exploration programs, and opportunities to develop and pitch business ideas.

🌟Register for the 2024 Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival on Thursday, May 30! Get a taste of amazing local products, including Petersoncheese and Incline Cider Company while mixing and mingling at the JA Education Center. 🏡

Tour our immersive simulated towns, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, where JA students learn about financial literacy and careers, enjoy live music, bid in a silent auction, and support JA programs.

Tickets at https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb. This event is for 21+.

🍕Stacks and PizzaManiac PNW food trucks will be onsite to offer you snacks of your choice for purchase!

Congratulations to our partners at the City of Auburn on the opening of their storefront in JA BizTown! The new City Hall proudly represents the City of Auburn, featuring its tourism bureau, Auburn, Washington Tourism, and Auburn’s fire department, Valley Regional Fire Authority.

Students working at this new JA BizTown storefront will learn about community engagement and safety, tourism marketing, and government leadership, including being a city mayor.

Thank you to Mayor Nancy Backus, Fire Chief Brad Thompson with Valley Regional Fire Authority, Kacie Bray, CEO of Auburn Area Chamber Of Commerce, Jonathan Glover, Communications Manager, City of Auburn, and Miss Auburn Maddy Lindsay, for welcoming Lochburn Middle School and Eastside Christian School students and cutting the ribbon for the new City Hall!

to support JA students as they prepare to become adults and enter the workforce in the ever-changing economy. Junior Achievement helps young people reach their dreams, empowering them to navigate life after high school and take control of their financial future.

Your gift will help JA reach more students this year with life-changing education and hands-on learning. Thank you for making a difference! Donate at >> https://ow.ly/kNSq50Rz4Bz

Thank you to Ron Palmer, VP, Branch Manager, Banner Bank, for volunteering in JA BizTown last week!

“I support Junior Achievement because volunteering gives me an opportunity to be a part of an organization that empowers young people with the essential skills for success in the future economy. JA provides students with practical knowledge and experiences often lacking in the traditional education system.” – said Ron. “My volunteer time is an investment in the next generation’s ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world and become productive, innovative contributors to society.”

Want to get involved with JA? Learn more and contact us at https://ow.ly/bqHz50RxKxx

🍺Join us for a fun and informal event, Cheers to Careers Tasting Festival, on Thursday, May 30, at the JA Education Center in Auburn! You will get an amazing taste of local beers, ciders, spirits, and wines, including Georgetown Brewing in Seattle and Silver City Brewery & Taproom in Bremerton.

Tour our immersive simulated towns, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, where JA students learn about financial literacy and careers, enjoy live music, bid in a silent auction, and support JA programs.

👉Get your tickets at https://ow.ly/8MWq50RwfWb
This event is for 21+.

Snacks will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks onsite.

🌟As Volunteer Appreciation Month comes to a close, JAWA is proud to highlight our partners who received the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for their efforts in the 2022-2023 school year.

“Junior Achievement of Washington offers young people the skills and awareness needed to live the life of their dreams. Students leave JA Biztown and JA Finance Park full of knowledge and confidence, empowered to make decisions that will secure their financial future. I’m honored to play a small role in their efforts as a community volunteer, and I look forward to partnership for years to come!” - Thushari Gooneratne, Community Manager, Morgan Chase.

Thank you to JP Morgan Chase and all our partners for your dedication to JA’s mission:
- Gold (10,000 hours or more): EY, JPMorgan Chase & Co., KPMG U.S.
- Silver (5,000 hours or more): Bank of America, Deloitte, HSBC, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo
- Bronze (1,500 hours or more): Amazon.com, Delta Air Lines, RSM US LLP, Starbucks, State Farm, UPS, The UPS Store, Walmart

Thank you, Hana! It was an honor to have you lead this event as our emcee!

Around 250 people came out to Business Hall of Fame event last night. It was to honor 3 chosen laureates who are great mentors and making a difference with young people. Congrats to attorney Bob Giles, TAF cofounder Trish Millines Dziko and former Seahawk Doug Baldwin.

Also I was so impressed with the young kids with Junior Achievement. Several of them spoke in front of the crowd. They were eloquent, smart and sweet. 👏👏👏

Our 2024 Business Hall of Fame at The Museum of Flight was featured on FOX 13 Seattle! Thank you, anchor Hana Kim, for your wonderful work as our emcee and to all our sponsors for making this event possible.

Featured in the video is one of the 2024 Business Hall of Fame Laureates, Doug Baldwin Jr., a student volunteer from Raisbeck Aviation High School, and Natalie Vega O’Neil, JAWA President & CEO.

2024 JA Business Hall of Fame by FOX13 Seattle

✨Congratulations to our 2024 Laureates, Bob Giles, Trish Millines Dziko, and Doug Baldwin Jr. on their induction into the JA Business Hall of Fame yesterday! We were delighted to hear their words of inspiration to our students, and we look forward to sharing their leadership stories and life lessons with more young people in Washington State.

If you could not attend the event but would like to support JA programs, you can donate in honor of a Laureate and create a lasting impact >> https://ow.ly/wJQg50RpJZR

Thank you for investing in the boundless potential of our young people.