Rethinking JA

Kids in rural counties need and deserve JA programs just as much as those in urban areas—but volunteers are not always available.  JA of Kentuckiana has been trying out new program delivery models to ensure that all kids can have our vital work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship lessons.

JA of Kentuckiana’s Hardin County Board served in a pilot program as JA’s first “video volunteers.”  Lindsey Alicna, Brent Ditto, Janna Clark and Leslie Knight recorded video mentoring segments in a pilot program for 750 8^th-grade Hardin County students.  Implementing the middle-school career exploration program, JA It’s My Future, the video volunteers provided the real-world insight and the teachers coordinated the student activities and ensured that students learned important concepts.

Kentucky’s Bullitt and Spencer Counties want JA programs for all of its students in grades four through twelve as part of their new Work Ethic Program starting now in an effort spearheaded by Spencer’s Brandy Scott (College and Career Coach) and Bullitt’s Lee Barger (Director of College and Career Readiness).  The programs will be led by counselors and volunteers that the districts are working to recruit.  Already, The National Guard has stepped forward to volunteer in these rural classrooms.