Volunteering with Junior Achievement of South Central PA
By: Mary Reinhard, SVP Marketing at Junior Achievement
April marks National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to honoring the selfless contributions of volunteers and encouraging active participation in community service. For businesses, this month presents a unique opportunity to engage employees in meaningful volunteer activities that not only benefit the community but also enhance workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
Junior Achievement of South Central PA (JA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through hands-on programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA empowers students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
We proudly serve over 115,000 of students across South Central Pennsylvania, partnering with schools and community groups to deliver real-world learning experiences. Our programs bridge the gap between classroom education and the skills needed for future success, ensuring students are better prepared for their careers and life after school.
Businesses play a crucial role in JA’s mission by volunteering in a variety of ways. Opportunities include leading JA curriculum in classrooms, inspiring students during our one-day programs – JA BizTown, YES! (Your Economic Success), STEM Summit, and REAL Life. Volunteer experiences are flexible and range from a few hours to full-day commitments.
It’s important for businesses to volunteer because it strengthens the local workforce, invests in the future economy, and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. When professionals share their expertise and personal career journeys, they make a lasting impact on students while fostering a culture of giving back within their companies. As a REAL Life student recently said, “Thanks to all of you, you really made me think more about my future, in a good and a bad way. I’ll never forget this and hope this really does help others down the road.”
Businesses also gain numerous benefits from volunteering with JA. Employees develop leadership, public speaking, and mentoring skills, while companies enhance their community visibility and reputation. Volunteering can also boost employee engagement, satisfaction, and team building.
To stay involved, businesses can schedule volunteer days, sponsor JA programs, serve on advisory boards, or encourage employees to sign up for individual events throughout the year. Consistent engagement helps build strong partnerships and makes an even greater difference for students across the region.
To learn more about our programs and to volunteer: https://jascpa.squarespace.com/volunteeroverview
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