Junior Achievement Receives $25,000 Walmart Grant to Support High School Education Programs

Rhode Island – Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, which provides programs on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, announced it has received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. The grant will support JA’s high school education programs.

“Engaging with key partners like Walmart – who can help deliver JA experiences to our young people – is critical” said Lee Lewis, president of Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. "This grant will help JA to continue to provide youth in Rhode Island with the skills they need to survive, thrive and contribute to our state and regional economy."

Junior Achievement's high school programs help students make informed, intelligent decisions about how to best prepare for their educational and professional future. As high school students begin to position themselves for their future, there are many unanswered questions about what lies ahead. These programs, for students in grades 9-12, include economic and business curricula, an after-school student-led enterprise, and a one-day workplace capstone experience. The dynamic interaction between JA volunteers and students promotes active learning and brings theory to life.

“At Walmart, we’re big on results, and we’ve developed a great partnership with Junior Achievement because the program delivers results” said Chris Buchanan, director of Government Affairs and Public Relations at Walmart. “We are very pleased today to announce this donation of $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Rhode Island for the great work you do in schools across the state.”

About Junior Achievement Rhode Island (JA)

Junior Achievement is the state's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on, experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 7 percent of the Rhode Island student population per year in more than 26 communities across Rhode Island. Visit http://jarhodeisland.org for more information or connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/juniorachievementri.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

Photo: (back row, l-r) Carina Monge, Cooley HS; Alex Barbolla, JA volunteer; Rick Simone, JA Chairman of the Board; Lee Lewis, JA President; Ed Cluett, Walmart; Debra Ristaino, Walmart; Maureen Murphy, Cooley HS; Karen Healey JA Sr. Education Manager

(front row, l-r) Ben Gormley Cooley HS; Luis Lopez, Cooley HS; Linda Jenner, Cooley HS; Danda Newpane, Cooley HS; Tony Sereno, Cooley HS; Nathan Biah, Asst. Principal, Cooley HS