This week, RCSE took our meeting on the road and met at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center! Before we had our presentation from Craig Tootle, Executive Director, President Conni Reynolds reminded everyone of the Back to School Supply Drive and Breakfast at Haven Elementary on Monday, July 27. She also presented Past President Kim Campbell with her President gift from the club and thanked her again for her service. Once all Rotary business items were discussed, Melanie Farrant introduced Craig.
Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that operates in many states with seven locations throughout Georgia. Their goal is to inspire and prepare kids to succeed by having them participate in two programs - Biz Town (for 6th graders) and Finance Park (for 7th graders). Over 12,000 students from 8 surrounding counties come through the Savannah Discovery Center each year. Teachers work with them in the classroom and then Biz Town and Finance Park are the capstone projects. Other than paying for transportation to and from the center, the program is free for all schools.
Nearly half of all Georgia middle school students are impacted by Junior Achievement Centers statewide which equates to 3.5 million impact hours. Craig showed us videos of Biz Town, Finance Park, and other centers throughout the state with testimonials about the benefit of the program. If you would like to get involved, they are always looking for volunteers and sponsors for their annual fundraiser, Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame. To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.georgia.ja.org/ja-discovery-center-savannah