Junior Achievement Offices in Kentucky and the Walmart Foundation team up to help prepare Kentucky High School Students for Job Success

On March 30, 2016,  Junior Achievement (JA) offices in Kentucky (JA of the Bluegrass, JA of Kentuckiana, JA of OKI Partners, JA of South Central Kentucky, and JA of Western Kentucky) received a $37,500 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program as part of JA’s statewide “Achieve Kentucky” initiative. Specifically, this grant will positively impact local communities by providing opportunities for local high school students to experience programs from 3 high-results JA experiential in-school opportunities presented by community volunteers and focusing on career and life success.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to once again receive funding from the Walmart Foundation that will impact youth throughout the State of Kentucky through this new initiative that will make them career ready”, said Debra Hoffer, President of JA of Kentuckiana.  “Achieve Kentucky: Knowledge and Soft Skills for Career Success” will change the lives of thousands of our state’s future leaders, many who are the most at-risk youth in Kentucky today.

Through “Achieve Kentucky”, Junior Achievement’s five state operations will work together to provide the motivation for our high school students to stay in school through graduation, seek post-secondary education, and arm them with the tools (knowledge and resources) to become the preferred candidates for employers.

“At Walmart, we understand that organizations such as Junior Achievement are essential to building stronger communities,” said Ronda Roberts, Walmart Market Manager.  They share our values and are committed to helping today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders, including our at-risk youth in need throughout the state.”

A check presentation will take place bringing the Walmart Foundation and state offices of Junior Achievement together on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 11:00 am at the James W. Robinson Junior Achievement Center for Freedom of Enterprise, 1401, W. Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY 40203.

The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application.  Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria.  Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

About Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana is 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 of Kentuckiana reaches more than 58,000 students per year in programs in 26 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Visit www.jaky.org for more information.

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 healthy eating, sustainability, career 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. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

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