As a student in the Memphis school system and as part of our high school economics curriculum, I had the opportunity to participate in the Junior Achievement program. Our program introduced us to elements of business and entrepreneurship. A local volunteer from the Methodist hospital system came to our classroom once a week for about six weeks. He used the JA-provided materials to help guide our class through three major business items:
- Starting, organizing, and funding a business
- Choosing, marketing, and selling a product
- Closing the business and paying dividends to our shareholders from our profits.
It is an experience I have never forgotten, and one I hope more students have the opportunity to experience for themselves.
JA offers more than in-classroom experiences for students. JA BizTown, located at JA in Downtown Memphis, is a micro-city with elected city government positions, banks, stores, and a radio station. Students populate the micro-city and run all of the positions and business operations.
As a way to help make these experiences possible for today's students, I participate in the annual JA fundraiser, the “Bowlin’ on The River Bowl-A-Thon”. My participation as a bowler means that I need your help and support to raise funds for Junior Achievement’s programs that reach students all over Memphis and the Mid-South both in-classroom and at JA BizTown.
Thank you for your support of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South and me!
