LIHUE — Contributions to Junior Achievement of Kauai will be matched dollar for dollar to a maximum of $2,500 through Christmas, said Marissa Sandblom, Grove Farm vice president. Junior Achievement of Kauai officially became a district office of Junior Achievement
LIHUE — Contributions to Junior Achievement of Kauai will be matched dollar for dollar to a maximum of $2,500 through Christmas, said Marissa Sandblom, Grove Farm vice president.
Junior Achievement of Kauai officially became a district office of Junior Achievement of Hawaii in August, said Ivory Kealani Lloyd, the JA of Kauai district manager. The JA Kauai programs teach young people from kindergarten through 12th grade about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. The programs are led by business and community volunteers who share their knowledge and experience with students to make it real, Lloyd said.
“Every child should have an equal chance at realizing their dreams,” Sandblom said. “JA Kauai levels the playing field by teaching career exploration, money management and entrepreneurship. The fact that volunteers help to lead the program further strengthens our island community.”
Since starting in August, Lloyd said the demand for JA programs on Kauai continues to increase. During the fall semester, 21 volunteers from the business community led personal finance and career success instruction at Kapaa High School, and entrepreneurship at the Kanuikapono Public Charter School in Anahola.
“Junior Achievement believes that entrepreneurship is a great way for students to think outside the box about their future,” Lloyd said. “It is important for Kauai students to get the tools they need to succeed as global citizens and stewards of our island.”
Lloyd said the goal of JA Kauai is to reach every student on Kauai within the next five years. Funds raised through this matching grant from Grove Farm will be used to grow JA Kauai program across the island from Waimea to Hanalei, she said.
“We are very grateful that Grove Farm is providing this matching grant to help us grow our programs on Kauai,” said Chris Young, JA Kauai board chair. “The demand is great, and we need everyone’s help to reach more students with these important concepts.”
Contributions may be made by contacting Sandblom at the Grove Farm office at 245-3678, or Lloyd at ivory@jahawaii.org.
