Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada (JASN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping young people with essential real world skills and knowledge to prepare them to succeed in life, the workforce and the global economy. Many schools don’t have the resources to teach these types of lessons and most youth don’t learn them at home, so JASN works with schools to provide age-appropriate financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness curriculum. This invaluable information inspires the next generation of business leaders, owners and professionals to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace and can make the difference for those experiencing situational or generational poverty.
One of the organization’s key initiatives is the new Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Inspiration Center that more realistically provides hands-on learning experiences for JASN’s signature programs. The multimillion-dollar 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers an interactive and innovative space where students engage in simulations, explore career options, and gain a practical understanding of business operations and financial decision-making and the confidence to excel in the workforce.
Transformative Learning Experiences
At the Inspiration Center, students learn about the “business of life” by doing. Programs like JA BizTown® and JA Finance Park® provide immersive experiences that teach critical business concepts and problem-solving abilities. Betty’s JA BizTown® is a miniature city where fifth graders take on real-world jobs, managing businesses and learning about teamwork, financial responsibility, and the impact of business decisions. JA Finance Park® offers a dynamic simulation with middle and high school students adopting an adult persona and learning to manage personal finances with essential skills in budgeting, saving, and investing.
The Business Community Has A Role To Play
Junior Achievement has the power to change lives, but the nonprofit can’t provide its curriculum by itself. The business community has a unique opportunity to shape the future workforce and contribute to community development through JASN. Some key benefits are:
Investing in Future Talent: Students who participate in Junior Achievement programs today will become tomorrow’s employees, entrepreneurs, and innovators. By supporting JASN, executives help cultivate a skilled, motivated workforce equipped for success in today’s rapidly changing economy.
2. Building a Stronger Community: Supporting JASN helps strengthen the local economy by ensuring that young people are prepared financially for the future and can meaningfully contribute to the region’s growth and long-term prosperity.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility: Companies are increasingly held accountable for their social impact. JASN partnership allows executives to demonstrate their commitment to education, workforce development, and community empowerment – key elements of corporate social responsibility – in a more complementary way to their business.
4. Networking and Brand Recognition: Engaging with JASN offers executives the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and enhance their company’s brand recognition. This collaboration strengthens relationships and showcases a company’s dedication to supporting meaningful education and youth development.
5. Experience Counts: Business professionals build up a reservoir of knowledge throughout their careers. Junior Achievement provides a great way for them to impart this invaluable knowledge to youth.
How to Get Involved
Junior Achievement makes it easy for companies and business professionals to create a lasting impact on the community, nurture future leaders, and support ongoing economic growth and prosperity.
Volunteering: Executives can mentor students at the JA Inspiration Center or participate in classroom programs, sharing their business expertise and directly impacting young lives.
Sponsorship and Donations: Financial support helps JASN expand its reach and offer valuable educational opportunities to more students. There also are sponsorship opportunities for specific programs or events that contribute to JASN’s mission.
Michelle Jackson is President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada.
