Representatives from US Bank recently met with students at Chicago Heights School District 170's Washington-McKinley School as part of a program coordinated by Junior Achievement of Chicago.
Students in grades one through eight worked with the US Bank volunteers utilizing materials comprising a curriculum created by Junior Achievement.
During the session, the volunteers shared their educational and professional history and explained methods of integrating classroom fundamentals into real life situations. Topics included finding the right job, an overview of business in a global economy, and money management.
"I am grateful to both Junior Achievement of Chicago and the volunteers from US Bank for taking the time to meet with our students," said Washington-McKinley Principal Gretchen Sutherland.
"By introducing vital elements of personal and career success, and emphasizing the importance of working hard to achieve their goals in every aspect of life the volunteers made a tremendous impression on our students."
Junior Achievement of Chicago (JA) is a volunteer-delivered program that fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in youth.
"In an experiential, non-traditional approach JA inspires and empowers students to dream big and reach their potential," said Natasha Barnett, Junior Achievement's Senior Operations Manager, South Suburban Cook Area.
"We welcome the chance to bring JA's message to the students of our service communities and are grateful to Mrs. Sutherland and to School District 170 for providing us with this exciting opportunity," Barnett concluded.
Cristina Soto, a teacher at Washington-McKinley, was thrilled with the "real world" experience that her students encountered.
"I would like to thank, Ms. Fabiola, our JA volunteer, for such a fun and informative day," Soto said.
"My students had a great time and enjoyed the presentations and activities. They especially loved learning how to work as teams and in communities, and understanding the responsibilities that come with having a job."
Karl Riley II, one of the US Bank volunteers, confirmed Soto's words. "This was an outstanding experience," he said. "I got to teach the students about Entrepreneurship and Business, and it was a most satisfying day."