Sarasota, FL – The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Junior Achievement (JA) of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
This transformational gift will allow Junior Achievement to impact over 8,000 additional students over 5 years by providing volunteer role models who teach interactive and relevant work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship educational programs to students in schools and in after-school programs. The project is a partnership of Junior Achievement of Sarasota & Manatee Counties and area schools, non-profit organizations, and businesses.
“The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation promotes meaningful change through its philanthropic endeavors. We are grateful to be selected to receive this grant. The Junior Achievement mission to empower young people to own their economic success is critical to the overall growth, development, and future of our community,” David Hess, Junior Achievement of Sarasota and Manatee Counties Board Chair.
Under the direction of Lori White, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent, every 8th grade student annually participates in JA It’s My Future, a career exploration program that provides practical information about preparing for the working world. Students learn about career clusters, high-growth jobs, career planning, and creating a personal brand. And, through a scavenger hunt, they are introduced to the basic aspects of job hunting. “Thanks to Junior Achievement, I’m no longer overwhelmed by the future and I have a plan for success that’ll get me to where I want to be!” Mick, a Sarasota Middle School student.
Junior Achievement offers programs for every grade level and is an integral program making indelible impact. JA Finance Park Virtual introduces students to financial planning by developing and committing to a personal budget. “JA Finance Park Virtual has helped me build a foundation upon which I can make intelligent financial decisions related to income, expenses, saving and credit. It’s practical real life information that as a young mom, I will be applying immediately.” Alannah, a senior enrolled in the North Port High School Teen Parents program.
To become involved as an individual or corporate volunteer for Junior Achievement, please contact Kristin Schreiner at [email protected].
About Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. The Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical (research/resources). For further information, please contact Kelly Romanoff at [email protected].
About Junior Achievement of Sarasota & Manatee Counties
Junior Achievement of Sarasota & Manatee Counties is the area’s premier organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for students, which focus on three key content areas: financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, Junior Achievement reaches more than 6,000 students in Sarasota & Manatee Counties. For more information, visit JASarasota.org or JAManatee.org.
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