Home Posts tagged Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts
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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) invites the community to its celebrity bartending fundraiser on Wednesday, March 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Loophole Brewing, 51-59 Taylor St., Springfield. All celebrity bartender tips from the evening will benefit JAWM.

“This is our seventh year holding this event, and my first as president, so I’m especially excited,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “I’m looking forward to meeting so many JAWM supporters. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year. We appreciate the support we receive from the community, and especially want to thank our celebrity bartenders who are donating their time and enthusiasm.”

The event will include a full cash bar, food options, a raffle, and live music from Maxxtone. Celebrity bartenders will include:

• 5-5:45 p.m.: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi; Jim Kelly, Polish National Credit Union; Nate Costa, Springfield Thunderbirds; and Al Kasper, Savage Arms.

• 5:55-6:40 p.m.: State Sen. Jake Oliveira; Senator Adam Gonzalez; Amy Jamrog, the Jamrog Group; and Chris Marion, Chris Marion Photography.

• 6:50-7:35 p.m.: Meghan Rothschild, Chikmedia; Matt Maguire, PeoplesBank; Jeremy Casey, SR Commercial Realty; and Kristin Carlson, Peerless Precision.

• 7:45-8:30 p.m.: Brian Houser, Balise Motor Group; Mike “Bax” Baxendale, WAQY Rock 102; Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank; and Jeff Goulet, Loophole Brewing.

“We’re hoping for a great turnout for this fun celebration and fundraiser,” Miarecki said. “Donations will support our workforce-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial-literacy programs, which are offered to schools and community groups across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, as well as part of Worcester County and Vermont.”

Junior Achievement was founded in Springfield in 1919. Today, JAWM is part of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices.

To learn more about the event or tip a specific bartender in advance, visit jawm.org/celebrity-bartender or call (413) 747-7670.

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank was a silver sponsor of this year’s Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts Stock Market Competition, the largest single-day student stock-market competition in North America. In this high-tech stock-market simulation, student teams are ‘given’ $1 million to invest in more than 50 fictitious stocks. The goal is to build the highest portfolio net worth in 60 ‘days,’ with trading days lasting just 60 seconds.

Monson Savings Bank donated $1,500 in support of this annual event. This donation supported five teams of five students in the competition, as well as the overall event.

“We are so grateful to have a partner like Monson Savings Bank, who has offered us their loyal support year after year,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “Without partners like this, events like the Stock Market Competition would not be possible. The Stock Market Competition offers students a valuable, hands-on learning experience. Thank you to Monson Savings for helping us to make this experience possible for them.”

Lena Buteau, Monson Savings Bank’s vice president, Retail Branch Administration, and Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts board member, shared her excitement about the partnership.

“Monson Savings Bank’s mission truly aligns with the mission of Junior Achievement. We, too, are dedicated to supporting financial literacy and education for everyone, and especially for young people,” she said. “Every year, we look forward to the Stock Market Competition and watching the students’ participation. It is an exciting morning filled with lots of action and learning.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Now through Nov. 30, Balise Auto, with nine locations throughout Western Mass., will be donating a portion of the proceeds from every set of four tires it sells to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) as part of its Tires to Inspire campaign.

“It’s an honor to once again be supporting Junior Achievement with our Tires to Inspire program,” said Alex Balise, director of Marketing at Balise Auto. “Tires to Inspire is our way of raising money and awareness for local organizations like JAWM and the incredible work they do to empower young people in our community through work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial-literacy programs.”

JAWM is dedicated to providing economic-education and financial-literacy programs to youth throughout Western Mass., opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for life after graduation.

“Thanks to the financial support we receive from great corporate partners like Balise Auto, we are able to continue offering our academically challenging programs to local schools and community groups free of charge,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “The Tires to Inspire campaign was a huge success last year, and we’re thrilled Balise has decided to continue it.”

Balise added that “winter will be here soon with its snow and ice; now is the perfect time for people to make sure their tires are in good shape. Even if you don’t need tires, we encourage anyone who can to support Junior Achievement through a direct donation.”

To make a direct donation to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, visit jawm.org/donate.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced it has received a $10,000 donation from the Joseph & Anna C. Dias Jr. Family Foundation, in partnership with LUSO Federal Credit Union, to fund age-appropriate financial-literacy programs for students in Ludlow.

“It is an honor to once again work with LUSO Federal Credit Union, through the generosity of the Joseph and Anna C. Dias Jr. Foundation, to bring our programs to the young people in Ludlow,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “Volunteers from the credit union, along with community and business volunteers, routinely donate their time and talents to inspire and prepare students at St. John the Baptist School, East Street School, and Harris Brook Elementary School to succeed in their futures.”

Maria Gomes, trustee for the Joseph & Anna C. Dias Jr. Family Foundation, added that “we are pleased to partner with LUSO Federal Credit Union to support the mission of Junior Achievement to deliver age-appropriate financial-literacy programs to local students in Ludlow schools. The connection between the school and the business community is important to help students understand how what they are learning will be applied in their personal and business life.”

JAWM programs are offered at no cost to schools and community groups throughout the four counties of Western Mass.

“We are delighted to coordinate the volunteers for JA with our employees, including having many of our employees teach classes,” said Sharon Dufour, chief financial officer at LUSO Federal Credit Union. “We view the JA program as a real-life learning extension of our school banking program, and we thoroughly enjoy the time we spend in the classrooms engaging with the students and teachers.”

Daily News

WARE — As part of its support for Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Massachusetts, Country Bank has pledged $30,000 to the organization.

For more than 100 years, JA of Western Massachusetts has provided economic education and financial-literacy programs to the youth of Western Mass. and Vermont, impacting thousands of young people each year, opening their minds to their potential, and preparing them for life after graduation.

“Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts is deeply grateful for Country Bank’s support of the JA Career, Leadership, & Innovation Center (CLIC),” said William Dziura, the organization’s development director. “As a CLIC founding sponsor, this generosity has propelled JA into the construction phase of this campaign, with renovations now underway in our current office space in Tower Square, Springfield.”

Beginning in fall 2021, JA will offer a 21st-century environment for young people to engage with JA programs, including career exploration, helping students identify fulfilling career options and make wise decisions pertaining to post-secondary education; innovation and leadership, helping students expand their thinking and skill development and preparing future leaders, entrepreneurial thinkers, and innovators; and financial education, providing students with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to make informed and effective decisions with all their financial resources.

“It has been my honor to be affiliated with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts since the mid-90s as both a classroom volunteer and former board member,” said Tom Wolcott, Commercial Loan officer at Country Bank. “I have seen the positive and lasting impact these programs have on the students.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — There is still time to register for the 25th annual Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) Golf Tournament on Friday, June 9 at the Crumpin-Fox Club, 87 Parmenter Road, Bernardston.

“It is our 25th year holding our very popular golf tournament at this gorgeous location,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “You’ll enjoy a fantastic golfer package and outstanding customer service as you help keep our valuable programs for students throughout Western Massachusetts going strong.”

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the tournament kicks off with a shotgun-start scramble at 10 a.m. Golfers will also enjoy a lunch of barbeque chicken and ribs at the turn, and drinks and appetizers at the 19th hole. The prize package includes a $100 gift card to the pro shop that can be used anytime during the season at Crumpin-Fox or Fox Hopyard Golf Club in Haddam, Conn., and buy-two-get-two-free passes at Crumpin-Fox or Fox Hopyard good through the 2023 season.

JAWM programs are offered at no cost to schools and community groups throughout the four counties of Western Mass., as well as in Vermont. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit jawm.org/annual-golf-tournament.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will hold a Purse & Power Tool Bingo fundraiser on Friday, June 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on 371 Washington Road, Enfield, Conn.

Event participants will enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, each with the opportunity to win a designer handbag or a power tool. Registration fees will support JAWM programs and events for youth throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties.

“In addition to our popular annual events, we are always looking for unique and engaging ways to fundraise, and this event promises to be tremendous fun,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “It’s also a great way to increase the community’s awareness about Junior Achievement and how our programs help inspire and prepare young people to succeed in our global economy. We are grateful to 2 Moms on a Mission for organizing this special night.”

Guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy, and there will be a cash bar. Registration costs $40 per person, which includes 10 bingo cards and a dauber. Raffle tickets and extra cards will also be available for purchase.

Admission must be purchased in advance through paypal.me/2MomsOnAMission or via Venmo @Two-MomsOnA-Mission. Include the date of the event when purchasing tickets.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will hold its Bowl-a-Thon on Friday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow. Registration fees will support Junior Achievement programs and events for youth throughout the region.

“We’re looking forward to this fun, family-friendly evening of bowling, pizza, and contests,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “In keeping with our Music Legend Night theme, we will award prizes for the best group, male, and female music-legend costumes. We encourage people to come as a family or with friends and co-workers for this great night for a great cause.”

There are three levels of participation for bowling teams of four to five people: Perfect Game ($400), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, a special JA gift per team, two large pizzas, soda, popcorn, and one alcoholic drink per adult player; Strike ($300), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, a special JA gift per team, one large pizza, soda, and popcorn; and Spare ($200), which includes T-shirts, three strings with shoe rental, and a special JA gift per team.

For more information or to register, visit jawm.org/bowl.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto, with nine locations throughout Western Mass., will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every set of four tires sold from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) as part of its Tires to Inspire campaign.

“We have been longtime supporters of Junior Achievement, its programs and events,” said Alex Balise, director of Marketing at Balise Auto. “Financial literacy is so important, and this Tires to Inspire campaign is our way of raising funding for and awareness of the amazing work JAWM does in our community.”

JAWM is dedicated to providing economic-education and financial-literacy programs to youth throughout Western Mass, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for life after graduation.

“Balise Auto has been a great corporate partner over the years, sponsoring events such as our EnTEENpreneur Challenge and Stock Market Challenge events,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “We’re thrilled they decided to increase their assistance through this campaign. Our academically challenging programs are offered to local schools and community groups free of charge because of the financial support we receive from businesses like Balise, as well as individuals and foundations.”

Balise added that “winter will be here soon with its snow and ice, so now is a great time for people to make sure their tires are in good shape. Even if you don’t need tires, we encourage anyone who can to support Junior Achievement through a direct donation.”

To make a direct donation to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, visit jawm.org/donate.

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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will be the recipient of donations made through the UPS Store’s “Start Small, Grow Big” initiative. Customers who shop at one of the UPS Store’s more than 5,100 locations will have the opportunity to donate to their local Junior Achievement chapter at checkout now through the end of the year. At UPS Stores here in Western Mass. and Vermont, donations will go directly to benefit JAWM’s efforts in the community.

“We are so happy the UPS Store chose Junior Achievement to be the recipient of these donations,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “All our chapters across the country will benefit immensely from these funds as we work to help children and teens be more successful in life. Thank you to the UPS Store for partnering with us.”

JAWM is dedicated to providing economic-education and financial-literacy programs to the youth of Western Mass. and Vermont, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for life after graduation. The organizaion’s age‐appropriate, academically challenging programs are offered to local schools and community groups free of charge because of the financial support they receive from hundreds of local businesses, individuals, and foundations, in addition to special events.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts is getting assistance from a local auto dealer for one of its educational programs about car ownership. Balise Auto Group volunteers will present JA All About Cars, a Junior Achievement program that explores the personal-finance considerations that go into purchasing a vehicle, to nearly 200 students in six area high schools during December.

“We are thrilled to be taking part in this program,” said Alex Balise, director of Marketing for Balise Auto Group. “It is so important for teenagers to understand the ins and outs of vehicle ownership before they start shopping. We hope sharing our knowledge with local students will make them more confident when that time comes.”

JA All About Cars programs are funded by a grant from American Honda Finance Corp. Through the program, students make a real-world connection to the car-buying experience, motivating them to make good financial decisions when buying or leasing. Following participation in the program, students will be able to consider whether a dream car is a realistic purchase for most people, explore their driving needs and things to consider when choosing a car, identify a car that meets their needs, and research the cost and understand the pros and cons of financing or leasing a car.

“JA All About Cars combines two things we are passionate about at AHFC: cars and financial literacy,” said Petar Vucurevic, vice president of American Honda Finance Corp. “The lessons taught by Junior Achievement will help teens make smart financial decisions throughout their lives, and we’re proud to be a part of that mission.”

Jennifer Connolly, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM), added that “buying one’s first car is both exciting and daunting. JA All About Cars introduces students to the essential costs related to buying and operating a first car and offers tips on being smart consumers when purchasing vehicles. We are grateful to American Honda Finance Corporation for providing the funding to allow JAWM to offer this program to our students. And with the knowledgeable and experienced volunteers from Balise Auto, we can provide teens with the critical information they need to make more informed decisions when it comes to vehicle ownership.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced the hiring of a new development director, William Dziura. He will work to plan and evaluate fundraising campaigns and activities; secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations; and develop further relationships with the community.

“We are thrilled to have William joining our team,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “We offer our programs at no cost to schools and community groups, meaning our fundraising efforts are paramount to our success, making this position a vital role within our organization. I believe, with his unique background and experience in education and giving, William will be very successful in this role.”

Dziura earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Elms College and a master’s degree in English literature from Trinity College. Most recently, he held the position of director of Annual Giving at the Elms, while simultaneously working as an adjunct professor. Prior to his career in fundraising, he worked as an eighth-grade English teacher at Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke, and director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the Elms.

“I am excited to help Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts realize a bold, 21st-century vision to benefit the children and young adults of Western Massachusetts,” Dziura said. “We owe it to today’s students to provide comprehensive workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial-literacy education. I am honored to be a part of an organization with over a 100-year track record of bringing these valuable programs to the local community.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) held its annual EnTEENpreneur Challenge on May 7, naming three sophomores from the business technology program at Pathfinder Regional Technical High School the winners of the virtual competition. Sean Moon, Cody Ostiguy, and Max Sanderson received top honors for Private Pockets, a teen business that sells ties with hidden pockets in the back for customers to store business cards, cash, and credit cards.

“We are so proud of all the students who participated, especially since the virtual nature of the competition added extra challenges,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “It was a hard decision for our judges, but the Private Pockets team really checked off all the boxes. We congratulate them on their success.”

The EnTEENpreneur Challenge is a regional teen pitch contest in which teams create a comprehensive business plan and product idea for a small business and pitch it to a team of judges, similar to the reality show Shark Tank.

The concept for the ties was the brainchild of Moon, but Ostiguy and Sanderson helped bring the idea to fruition. The team would like to expand their company at some point to include socks with pockets in them.

Judges for the event were provided by its sponsors and included Wesley Days, UMass Springfield; Amanda Garcia, Elms College; and Mychal Connolly, Stand Out Truck. The winning team received a $5,000 scholarship to Elms College, a $500 cash prize, and their photos featured on a Stand Out Truck roaming billboard truck.

“This is the second year we held this popular event virtually due to the pandemic,” Connolly said. “We hope to return to a live format next year.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced it will hold its 23rd annual golf tournament on Friday, June 4 at the Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston.

“Last year, we successfully held this event following social-distancing guidelines, and we plan to do the same this year,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to get outside at a gorgeous location, enjoy a fun day of golf, and support an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

In addition to the golf tournament, participants can enjoy online bidding for the auction through June 3 and live bidding at the event on June 4. Social-distancing regulations will include requiring players to wear masks in common areas, providing each player with their own cart, and a scramble format with all putts inside three feet conceded, with flags remaining in the holes.

Businesses can sponsor the tournament and will receive a prize package valued at over $200. The package includes a $100 gift card to the pro shop, buy-two/get-two passes for Crumpin-Fox or Fox Hopyard Golf Club in Connecticut good through the 2022 season, and other gifts, such as Yankee Candle items. If they prefer, sponsors can opt to receive a voucher for their foursome valid through the 2022 season.

“We’ve worked diligently to create a flexible event that will be enjoyable and safe for everyone,” said Al Kasper, president and CEO of Savage Arms and chair of this year’s golf tournament. “I encourage businesses throughout the region to participate in this event. Supporting the work of Junior Achievement is a commitment to the growth and development of the next generation of our local workforce, which is essential.”

In addition to a round of golf, an auction, and a raffle, golfers will enjoy a gourmet boxed breakfast at 10 a.m. and lunch served on the course around noon.

“While the pandemic changed how JA delivered programming, from in-person to virtual, our students are receiving more JA programming than ever before, with each student averaging 24 hours of our programming, up from 6.2 hours in 2018-19,” Connolly said. “The proceeds of the golf tournament will go to support these in-demand classes and future JA events.”

To learn more about registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit jawm.org/annual-golf-tournament.

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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced that Nicole Fregeau has joined the organization as program manager.

“We’re thrilled to have Nicole on our team,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “She brings skills, experience, and new ideas inspired by her intensive, hands-on work in the educational field. She’s a terrific asset to Junior Achievement and to the students we reach every day.”

In her new role, Fregeau builds program expansion through strategic planning and presentations designed to recruit and renew commitments of teachers, schools, local businesses, and volunteers. To increase public awareness of JAWM programs, she creates departmental plans and develops and executes volunteer orientation programs. She coordinates the Business and Entrepreneurial Exploration (BEE) summer program as well.

Prior to joining JAWM, Fregeau spent a year in Thailand teaching students at various levels to speak, read, and write in English. In addition, she screened candidates for open positions and consulted with potential students during the enrollment process, edited curriculum, and participated in school programs like English Camp and Scout Camp. As an established Junior Achievement volunteer in the U.S., Fregeau also taught JA’s “More than Money” program to sixth-grade students in Thailand.

Fregeau is a graduate of Elms College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She participated in Elms College campus ministry service trips to Nicaragua, where she worked on clean-water and education projects.

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SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts has been awarded one of Junior Achievement USA’s highest honors: the Five Star Award.

The purpose of the award is to recognize staff and boards of JA areas that meet Junior Achievement’s national standards in operational efficiency and through strong representation of the JA brand. Recipients must demonstrate growth in student impact and superior fiscal performance. Achievement against these criteria is certified through JA USA and audited financial statements.

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, which serves more than 13,000 students throughout Western Mass. and Vermont, will be presented with the award in July at Junior Achievement USA’s National Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“These Star Award winners represent the best Junior Achievement has to offer,” said Jack Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “They set the standard by which Junior Achievement’s success is measured at the local level. Their commitment and dedication to young people is reflected in their achieving this honor.”

As an organization, Junior Achievement understands that its effectiveness depends on how well JA areas deliver the organization’s financial-literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurship programs in local communities.

“We are thrilled to receive the Five Star Award,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “We thank our more than 470 classroom volunteers and corporate partners who joined with our board of directors and staff to empower thousands of young people to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.”