Skyview Elementary Students Tackle Financial Literacy and Career Readiness with Junior Achievement of Western PA

Pittsburgh, PA (May 4, 2023) – Students from Skyview Elementary School in Westover, West Virginia, recently learned the importance of education and life skills through Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA) thanks to a grant from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust.  

The Trust awarded the organization $15,000 to cover JA programming for over 200 students in Monongalia and Preston Counties. 

“Expanding our lifechanging programming in northern West Virginia is valuable to both the success of Junior Achievement and the future of the region,” said Patrice Matamoros, president of JA. “It’s an exciting time as we continue to tap into new schools in the area and prepare their students to be the leaders of the next generation.” 

Skyview Elementary first experienced a JA Day on March 24, where volunteers from United Bank taught students K-5 valuable lessons on good citizenship, financial literacy, careers, and entrepreneurship. A few weeks later, a group of fourth grade students visited JA BizTown® in South Fayette, Pennsylvania, to experience a day in the life of an adult and further develop their skills. 

The JA BizTown® curriculum consists of six weeks of in-class programming that culminates with a daylong visit to the experiential learning facility. Students elect a mayor, work jobs, earn paychecks, and practice good citizenship in the thriving, interactive mock town.  

"Our rockets had an amazing time at JA BizTown®,” said Abbey Coker, EdTech Leader, of Skyview Elementary School. “It was a phenomenal day. So many of our students and staff were truly left speechless after the priceless experience. One of our students said, "I thought I had been on the best field before, but I was wrong. This was the best field trip ever!" 

In addition to securing grants for the region, JA has hired longtime Morgantown native Amy Sidwell as senior education director to develop innovative ways to bring JA to West Virginia students.

About Junior Achievement of Western PA

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization 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. 

During the 2021-2022 school year, JA impacted over 30,000 students across 56 counties in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. To learn more about Junior Achievement of Western PA visit westernpa.ja.org for more information. 

 

 

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