More than 70 Local Students to Live and Work in a Simulated City with Junior Achievement of Central Maryland and AT&T

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland (JA) is bringing important financial literacy lessons to students in Maryland as part of a contribution from AT&T, through its signature philanthropic initiative AT&T Aspire. Fifth grade students at Cherry Hill Elementary and Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary/Middle will be assigned an AT&T mentor through the JA BizTown® program, which gives students a firsthand glimpse into the future by learning about the world of real life in a city.

JA BizTown® begins with several weeks in the classroom filled with hands-on activities that give students actual experience completing the skills they’ll need to be active and productive citizens. Students are exposed to 15 JA BizTown® shops where they operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks and even vote for mayor. The program culminates in a day-long visit to a fully-interactive simulated free market lab where students become adults for a day.

“I’m not sure I can stress just how important it is for students get a true look at what life will be like for them as they grow into adulthood,” said Jennifer Bodensiek, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. “And not only that. It’s vital that they have role models – AT&T employees -- who help them see that success is clearly within their grasp. The lessons they learn in the program prove they can look forward to a world of possibilities. I don’t think you can put a price on that.”

During the 2016-2017 school year Junior Achievement and AT&T seek to impact more than 7,000 students nationwide. This could not be achieved without the support of AT&T mentors who connect with students to help them discover their passions and potential. This collaboration is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative to promote student success in school and beyond.

“Serving as a volunteer for this program has been unbelievably rewarding,” said Carolyn Thompson, AT&T spokesperson and JA liaison. “I can honestly say I get just as much from it as the students do because I realize what I’m helping them with is something they’ll truly use for the rest of their lives. I think they’ll remember our time together – I know I will.”

The collaboration between Junior Achievement of Central Maryland and AT&T is a continuation of their joint commitment to providing supplemental learning experiences that help young people in the community develop the competence, confidence and character to make smart academic and economic decisions.

See what students and AT&T mentors who have completed JA BizTown® have to say about the program: http://youtu.be/L3NWazI2_UM.

About Junior Achievement of Central Maryland

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JACMD provides in-school and after-school programs for more than 43,000 K-12 students which focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. For more information, visit www.jamaryland.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature philanthropic initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring. Through Aspire, we’ve passed the $250 million mark on our plan to invest $350 million in education from 2008-2017.