Junior Achievement Finishes School Year at Poland Union

POLAND, Ohio – Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley wrapped up the school year by teaching 132 first grade students at Poland Union Elementary School the JA Our Families curriculum.

Volunteers from different businesses around the community: HBK CPAs & Consultants, IGS Energy, and Gasser Chair taught five lessons that helped students explore the way family members’ jobs and businesses contribute to the well-being of the family and of the community. The program introduces the concept of needs and wants and explores the ways families plan for and acquire goods and services.

Students analyze their own skills to determine ways they can support their families. These lessons focus on the roles people play in their local economy and shows children the importance of work and the skills that are required to get or earn what they need and want.

Taylor Amato and Bre Machingo from HBK CPAs & Consultants enjoyed their volunteer experience.

“One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to hear about their own needs and wants, as well as the wants and needs of their families,” Amato said. “I learned that the students want toys, clothing accessories, and puppies and that their parents want backscratchers, vacations, and sleep. The kids had us laughing and seemed to really enjoy the activities from the Junior Journals they received.”

“The lessons were designed appropriately for the age level and included fun games and activities that help the children get excited about learning,” Machingo said. “Volunteering for Junior Achievement is also a very rewarding experience for me, knowing that I made even the slightest difference in the future of our youth is very fulfilling.”

At the end of the program, each student received a personalized certificate of completion.

Junior Achievement is now planning for the next school year. Any school interested in scheduling programming or business interested in volunteering may contact the JAMV office at 330 539 5268 or [email protected].

Pictured: Anna Brocker, Jennifer Gasser, Robert Brand, Rachel Leedy, Bre Machingo and Taylor Amato.

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