Starting this fall, students around the Columbia Basin will be benefiting from youth entrepreneurship programs and financial literacy within their classrooms.
The programs are run by Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC), which is pleased to welcome Amy Robillard as Program Coordinator in the Basin.
In order to deliver these programs, JABC is seeking volunteers from the Basin community to visit classrooms and deliver programs on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to students in grades 5 to 12.
Programs are delivered at the invitation of host teachers and are facilitated by local business people who bring their experience and expertise into the classroom. Volunteers may be entrepreneurs or anyone working in or studying business or finance, and they will receive training and all materials required to deliver a lesson. JABC is able to offer these programs at no charge to schools across the province because of the commitment of volunteers and generous donations from JABC’s supporters.
“JABC has seen success in merging community business volunteers with students. I am honoured to be a part of this wonderful organization and look forward to bringing together the Basin’s talented volunteers with our area’s students,” said Robillard. “With the help of our business community, JABC programs will bring invaluable outcomes that will shape our leaders of tomorrow.”
Robillard believes access and opportunities for youth are vital to a community. As a former local entrepreneur and owner of Little Miss Gelato, she has delivered workshops and worked closely with businesses in the region.
JABC’s expansion into the Basin was made possible this year thanks to a three-year partnership with Columbia Basin Trust. The Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to Basin residents.
“We encourage individuals in the local business and finance community to volunteer; it is a great opportunity to inspire young people in our region to discover the world of business,” said Lisa Kilpatrick, Columbia Basin Trust Senior Manager, Sector Initiatives.
Anyone looking for more information on volunteer opportunities should visit jabc-community.org or contact Amy Robillard at amy.robillard@jabc.org or 250-777-2011. Programs book quickly and interested volunteers should reserve their spots soon for upcoming fall and winter deliveries.
About Junior Achievement of British Columbia
Since 1955, British Columbia schools have relied on Junior Achievement (JA) to inspire and prepare our youth to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. This year, over 30,000 students in BC will benefit from JA programs delivered by volunteers from local business communities, who bring real-life experience into the classroom. JA programs focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, giving students the confidence and skills they need to become the next generation of business and community leaders. Visit jabc.org for more information.
About Columbia Basin Trust
Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.
Working closely with people who live in the Basin, the Trust develops and delivers programs and initiatives that respond to their needs and supports communities. By focusing on local priorities and issues, bringing people together around key issues, providing information, encouraging collaboration and supporting planning, the Trust is delivering benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. Visit cbt.org for more information.
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