Accenture (NYSE: ACN)  has awarded Junior Achievement (JA) with a grant of US $1.1 million to develop a new work readiness program that will enable high school students across the United States to gain the skills necessary to secure employment and build a successful long-term career. During its first year of implementation, the program is expected to reach approximately 85,000 students in 15 states including Colorado.  Participating schools include Littleton High School, Pomona High School, Monarch High School, East High School and the Denver School of Science and Technology.

The award, which consists of cash as well as the time and skills of Accenture employees, reflects Accenture’s corporate citizenship initiative, Skills to Succeed, which will equip 250,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business. The new curriculum will combine career exploration and work readiness skills through hands on, interactive program activities including a new technology platform to more effectively reach students in both the classroom and remotely.

“Students who participate in this program will gain vital career and life skills, including problem solving, critical thinking and conflict management,” said Michael Scimo, North American human capital and diversity lead, Accenture.  “We share Junior Achievement’s commitment to educating young people and giving them the skills to connect to the workforce in a meaningful way.”

“As our country looks for ways to drive economic growth, ensuring that our young people are well-prepared to succeed in the workforce becomes increasingly important,” said Robin Wise, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc.’s president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to providing this new curriculum to students, and are grateful for Accenture’s support.”