Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA, a national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring.  She discussed the new Finance Park program, a 12 week simulation that gives students hands-on lessons on income, saving, investing and risk assessment, credit and debit spending, careers and budgeting.

She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.

To learn more about JA programs and enrolling your class or student, or to volunteer go to southeasternpa.ja.org