Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana One of Nine Nonprofits Awarded the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant

The Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant was established in 2020 as a meaningful and lasting tribute to former Baird Chairman Paul E. Purcell. Purcell gave of himself tirelessly to many educational causes and firmly believed we have an obligation to ensure everyone – regardless of where they live or other circumstances – has access to a quality education.  To make sure the educational organizations he served and guided were focused on that end, Purcell often asked a very straight-forward question: “Do the kids win”?

Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. The inspiration piece comes from community volunteers who not only deliver our lessons but share their experience. In the process, these volunteers serve as role models helping to positively impact young people’s perceptions about the importance of education, as well as critical life skills.

One way, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana is supporting their mission is through the 3DE Program. 3DE is a high school model that breaks through traditional barriers and redesigns the framework of education from the inside out. 3DE’s goal of authentic, relevant, and experiential education by engaging with corporate partners to sponsor and activate case challenges that bridge traditional educational siloes and teach additional soft skills that are needed to succeed in the economy.  

Jennifer Helgeson, President of Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana stated, “We are grateful for the award of The Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant.  We are excited that the grant will allow us to continue to expand our newest program, 3DE, which is transforming public education within Jefferson County Public High Schools. “