R Patty introduced Stephaine:
Stephanie McBride is the Area Coordinator for Junior Achievement PLM and has been a part time staff for approximately 8 months. This role is new and different from any position she has held previously, but is very meaningful and rewarding. Previous to Junior Achievement Stephanie worked for United Way as a Community Development Officer before taking a leave to be a mother. Due to the hiatus of a physical entity working within Northumberland County for Junior Achievement, Stephanie was brought on board to try and create meaningful relationships and help with the future success of not only Junior Achievement but the youth within our community.
Junior Achievement - Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka (JA-PLM) is part of the world's largest nonprofit organization partnering with educators, volunteers and investors to bring real world business experience into the classroom. Our programs develop financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial skills for students in grades 3 through 12. JA PLM has been joining youth & businesses through volunteers, educators and specially designed programs in the classroom for over 10 years.
As young people are Canada’s next generation of leaders and are the most meaningful investment in future prosperity. Their success depends on having the support, tools and resources needed to realize their dreams and nurture success. Our goal is to encourage our students to consider and reflect on the advantages of remaining in school until they have acquired the knowledge, attitudes and skills to undertake the longer term goal of a successful career.
Stephanie explained that their programs have been updated to be more interactive. Programs called 'Economics for Success' and involve one full day in class. Volunteers can get about 1 1/2 hours of training from Junior Achievement (JA).
They teach about dollars and sense, about finances, credit, and savings. They offer programs geared to grade 3 students to grade 12. At the high school level it is more about being an entrepreneur. At grade 6 it is more about money, teaching about lending, borrowing.
This year JA has programs set up at Brighton PS, for grade 7 and 8 students.
JA tracks success. They estimate for every $1 invested teaching kids, it turns into $45 down the road.
Stephanie is looking for volunteers to assist bringing the programs to students at Brighton PS this spring. Dates not set yet.