Junior Achievement and Microsoft Help Prepare Shelton Students for the World of Work

A partnership between Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut (JA) and Microsoft, part of the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative, helps local students explore careers in the technology hardware and software industries.

Through Microsoft YouthSpark, an increased number of local JA middle and high school students will participate in the JA Job Shadow^TM program, including teacher-led classroom instruction around key work-readiness skills such as leadership, teamwork and how to conduct a successful job search. The students then visit a Microsoft Retail Store for a day-long mentoring experience giving them a first-hand glimpse into the world of work and the opportunity to apply their classroom learning.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to help students develop and enhance skills needed for future career pursuits,” said Kristine Boles, Education Manager.  “Through JA Job Shadow, students will learn resume writing, job interviewing and decision making, to help position them for success in the workforce.”

Students from Shelton Intermediate School, led by teacher Bob Ayer, join youth in 49 other communities across the United States to participate in the effort.

About Junior Achievement (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.2 million students per year in more than 120 markets across the United States, with an additional 6.5 million students served by operations in 117 other countries worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

About Microsoft YouthSpark

Microsoft YouthSpark is a global initiative that aims to create opportunities for 300 million youth in more than 100 countries during the next three years. This companywide initiative includes Citizenship and other company programs — both new and enhanced — that empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.  Find out more at: http://www.microsoft.com/youthspark