JA Academy Putnam Enrichment Program (JAAPEP)

Commitment: Meet once a week from 3pm-5pm for One year (Sept. 08-April 09) at Dean College in Franklin, MA

Junior Achievement of Eastern Massachusetts (JA) and Putnam Investments have partnered to create a one-year enrichment opportunity for high school students to explore the world of business and entrepreneurship. 

The JA Academy Putnam Enrichment Program seeks to identify youth who have demonstrated leadership ability, not necessarily those who have excelled in academic performance.  The concept and strategies are centered on opportunities to develop leadership skills, become ready for the workforce, and establish career aspirations.  The business curriculum of the program allows students to explore the world of business by forming and managing their own company.

Upon completion of the one-year program, participating students will receive a $500 scholarship to assist with college expenses.

What does the program involve?

Twenty high school youth from the Franklin area will be selected for the JA Academy Putnam Enrichment Program (JAAPEP) during the 2008-2009 academic year.  The program will begin in the fall of 2008.  Students must remain in the program for the entire academic year and have at least 83% attendance in order to receive the $500 scholarship.

The program takes place at Dean College in Franklin, MA (Commuter Rail accessible) once a week from 3:00 to 5:00pm from September to April (not during school vacations). 

JAAPEP Program Elements

JA Academy Putnam Enrichment Program (JAAPEP) students are offered opportunities to enhance and grow their leadership skills through a mix of educational requirements, including elements such as:

Ø      Program Mentors

·        Students will be matched with and meet regularly with adult mentors who will assist with decision-making and access to college and/or career objectives, as well as follow the student’s progress.

Ø      Guest Speaker Series

·        Guest speakers attend one class, one afternoon. Speakers share their background of career and educational highlights and may work with the students to support weekly activities.

Ø      Leadership Development Seminars

·        Mentors take students through a variety of exercises geared toward development of leadership skills, teambuilding and personal growth.

Ø      JA Company Program (Semester One)

·        The JA Company Program provides basic economic education for high school students.  Working together students develop and execute a business plan, elect officers, sell and liquidate stock, create marketing strategies, and drive sales. 

Ø      JA Success Skills (Semester Two)

·        Introduces students to the interpersonal and presentation skills that are necessary for success in the world of work.

Ø      JA Careers with A Purpose (Semester Two)

·        Introduces students to the importance of seeking careers that help them realize their life potential and noble purpose.  Demonstrates the importance of positive values and ethical decision-making within the context of career and life decisions.

Ø      JAA Putnam Enrichment Program Recognition Dinner

·        Scholars will be recognized with a dinner in their honor.  Students will be asked to invite parents/ guardians or other family.

Ø      Smart Money Management and Diversity workshops

·        Students will gain an understanding of smart money management principles. 

·        Students will develop the ability to respond to issues of bias, harassment and inclusion in their schools and communities.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest in- and after-school learn-by-doing business education program. Our purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. JA has a proven, long term impact on youth, giving them a stake in the free-enterprise system.  JA programs foster an entrepreneurial spirit and strive to create a better workforce for tomorrow. During the 06-07 year 1,100 business volunteers used JA’s turn-key curriculum to educate over 34,000 K-12 students in eastern Massachusetts, with a focus on reaching disadvantaged youth. For more information, please visit our website www.jaem.org.

Putnam Investments

Founded in 1937, Putnam Investments is one of the nation’s oldest and largest money management firms. For over a decade, Putnam has been supporting neighbors in need through its philanthropy and volunteer activities in cities and towns where it has facilities in the Greater Boston area. Employees give thousands of hours of their time yearly through employee-based programs in projects that benefit a wide range of nonprofit organizations. For more information, please visit our website www.putnam.com.

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To apply for the JA Academy Putnam Enrichment Program (JAAPEP), please visit the Student Applications page.

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