Letter: JA helps master basic life skills

Most people have some idea what Junior Achievement does, but I want to tell you the 'why” of JA and how it's addressing many of the challenges facing our country and communities.

Some of these challenges include financial literacy, income inequality, student debt, poverty, college readiness, promoting STEM, work readiness and the growing loss of hope among our young people.

JA programming helps overcome these deficiencies by showing students how money, careers, and business ownership works. With the help of volunteer role models from our community using proven programs, JA helps students develop a belief in themselves and a sense of purpose as they master these basic life skills.

To learn more about Junior Achievement programs in our community focusing on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, visit our website JAEasternIowa.org. Become part of our goal in reaching over 43,063 students in Eastern Iowa.

Don Chizek

Cedar Rapids Area Board Chair

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa