Junior Achievement to host 'YES' program at G.A.R. Memorial Middle School
May 16—WILKES-BARRE — Susan Magnotta, President of Junior Achievement of NEPA, this week said that young people, with the right mentoring and influences, can change the communities in which we live.
"Our goal is to help students graduate from high school with a vision of their own future success and a pathway to get there," Magnotta said. "Programs like 'YES' — Your Economic Success — help students find their passions and expose them to a wide variety of career opportunities."
Junior Achievement of NEPA announced the launch of the YES pilot program will be held at G.A.R. Memorial Middle School on Wednesday, May 24, in partnership with Procter & Gamble, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the City of Wilkes-Barre.
"This interactive, hands-on experience will introduce students to a world of future work options and the role that personal and financial decisions will have on their adult lives," Magnotta said.
Magnotta said the 7th grade class of more than 330 students will experience a morning filled with JA career readiness and financial fitness programs delivered by a diverse group of volunteers from P&G, the State Police and the community who will have the opportunity to share their backgrounds and experiences and help the students gain a vision of their own future success.
The YES experience will help connect kids with the needs of the community, learn from experienced mentors, and discover all of the opportunities that are right here in their own backyard.
"Our 7th grade students are already looking forward to making important decisions in the coming year that will pave the way to determine possible learning paths at the high school level," Magnotta said. "Our high school programming offers a Business Academy, Center for Performing Arts, STEM Academy, and more. By exposing students to various career paths now through the help of the 'YES' program, students have the opportunity to begin thinking about their future, their interests, and begin exploring these opportunities."
Magnotta said students who participate in the YES experience will:
—Connect students with volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
—Explore career pathways and learn about the skills needed to enter the workforce.
—Recognize career clusters that match their skills and interests.
—Learn how to properly present themselves to potential employers.
—Assess their soft skills and identify room for improvement.
Magnotta said sponsorships are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community.
"We would like to thank the many sponsors helping to bring Junior Achievement Programs like YES to students in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Magnotta said.
Magnotta said if you would like to join in the growing movement of sponsors and volunteers committed to give local students a vision of their own future success and a pathway to get there, visit — nepa.ja.org — or contact Susan Magnotta, President, at 570-602-3600.
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Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
