JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DESERT SOUTHWEST
200 BARTLETT, El Paso, TX 79912 www.jaelpaso.org

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Organizations Filed Purposes: TO INSPIRE AND PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUCCEED IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY.

COVID-19 Response: When schools closed, JA programming went digital and we began providing free online resources to teachers and parents. As students went back to school virtually, JA modified existing programs to meet the students where they were. JA transformed all of its one of a kind programming to be offered in a virtual setting. We remain determined to continue helping our students so that they could spend more time planning and dreaming about tomorrow and less time worrying about today.Junior Achievement continues to bridge the gap between what students are learning in the classroom and the real world by integrating models focused on career readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship delivered in a virtual setting by business and community volunteers, or students can work asynchronous with materials provided by JA. This programmatic transformation into digital delivery ensures our students do not miss out on reaching their full potential. So you may be asking yourself, why are Junior Achievement programs important to our youth during this pandemic? According to the United Nations, our youth are at risk of becoming COVID-19s biggest victims as this crisis is having a profound effect on their wellbeing. Many have faced unbearable hardships and have seen their family struggle, as 78% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck pre-COVID. Prior to thepandemic, economists were saying that in a few years, our youth would face financial challenges unrecognizable to their parents and sadly, these challenges are now multiplied. Preparing students to meet these difficulties is more-dire today. Thankfully, Junior Achievement programs provide a proven solution and give students hope and assurance that what they are currently experiencing due to the pandemic is only temporary.In Junior Achievements middle school programs, students play the role of business owners and managers prior to learning about the roles programs, students play the role of business owners and managers prior to learning about the roles of producers, consumers and the global workforce. Students are also taught about world trade and how it affects their daily lives. Through this application, students understand entrepreneurship and different careers. Its also at this time that students are encouraged to focus on higher education and direction for their future. Junior Achievement middle school programs enable students to excel further in school by illuminating the link between academic success of the present and professional success of the future.We did launch a new program titled, JA Inspire. JA Inspire is one of JAs signature work readiness programs. It was created to assist middle school students at a critical time in their educational career. It is in 8th grade that students are required to pick a high school endorsement or a tract for high school (similar to picking a major in college) to further their studies along a chosen career path for graduation. JA Inspire helps students as they begin considering their future careers and exposes them to high-wage/high demand jobs here in El Paso. JA Inspire has traditionally been held as an in-person event but due to the pandemichas since switched to digital platform delivery. JA Inspire Virtual howcases regional career opportunities that await students as they complete their education. This program is designed to help students create a pathway for success. The total number of students served what is 7474 in 2020, consisting of Elementary (3,323), Middle (2,644) and High School (1,507).

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