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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
When Forbes Magazine ranks Utah as the best state for business and careers, there are many reasons why. This includes organizations like Junior Achievement of Utah, which is focused on creating tomorrow's leaders today.
All you have to do is spend a day in Junior Achievement City, located in the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City, and you would be thrilled at the motivation these fifth grade students demonstrate as they run various businesses. Phil Cofield, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Utah, said JA's in-class programming started in 1985 with just nine classes. Today Junior Achievement reaches over 80,000 Utah kids with 6,000 community volunteers playing a vital role in teaching youth practical life-long skills.
Junior Achievement was created by the private sector to assist our schools in preparing students to become tomorrow's workforce. It's governed by the business community and funded by businesses and donations. JA's K-12 programs inspire kids to own their economic success. To give you an idea of the dedication the Utah private sector has to Junior Achievement, over 50 CEOs, university presidents and the lieutenant governor have volunteered to teach at JA City.
An independent evaluation of JA City has proven how kids have improved their test scores because of the Junior Achievement program. Upon completion, they understand how to balance a checkbook, what to do and why they get paid and how to manage their expenses. These kids are motivated because they want to succeed in the city, with support and competition from peer-to-peer interaction. It's such a hit the governor wants to build two more JA cities.
To give you an idea of the success of Junior Achievement, Phil has heard the kids say, "This is the best day of my life. They love the practical application of seeing how school will someday tie into their professional careers, and teachers appreciate their improved motivation and success in school.
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For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Junior Achievement of Utah 515 E.100 South, Ste. 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84102 801-355-5252 www.ja-utah.org
