Some might consider 13 an unlucky number. For JA-Rocky Mountain (JA) and SM Energy; however, it’s anything but. In fact, it represents the number of years our two organizations have worked together to help young people understand how to manage and own their future economic success.

SM Energy is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Denver, and an active community citizen. In 2016 alone, the company contributed $1.8 million to more than 275 community organizations in the areas of education, civic and community service and health and human services. JA is honored to be one of SM Energy’s chosen partners.

“We are proud to partner with JA, an organization that teaches highly important financial literacy skills necessary to succeed in life,” said Yvette Peterson, external affairs coordinator for SM Energy. “JA continues to make a major impact in so many children’s lives.”

Contributing time and expertise, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Wade Pursell, serves on the JA board of directors. In addition, SM Energy supports multiple JA programs, including the JA Bowl-A-Thon, JA Finance Park, JA in a Day, and the JA Corporate Stock Market Challenge. During the last five years, the company and its employees have contributed $420,466 to these programs.

“We encourage our employees to give both financially and through volunteerism, and our employees are passionate about the many ways in which they can use their professional experiences to help and encourage kids to succeed,” said Peterson. “The satisfaction our employees receive from volunteering with JA’s programs keeps them returning year after year to give more of their time and financial contributions.”

In just the last three years, 300 SM Energy employees have participated in the JA Bowl-A-Thon and Corporate Stock Market Challenge, and 70 employees have inspired youth by mentoring students at JA Finance Park and in JA in a Day classrooms.

“What’s really unique about SM Energy is how they support their employees’ efforts in the community by not only giving each employee 12 paid hours per year to volunteer, but by matching up to $2,000 when an employee contributes to a non-profit,” said JA Executive Vice President Kristi Shaffer. “It’s rare to see a company provide that level of support to every employee, not just executives.”

Peterson added, “Supporting the communities where we live, work and operate is one of our core values, and our employees do a wonderful job of bringing this value to life.  As a company, we pride ourselves on the multiple benefits given to employees to encourage community service.”

To learn more about SM Energy and the many ways in which the company benefits the community, go to www.sm-energy.com.