07/20/2012

Junior Achievement received a $50,000 contribution from the Walmart Foundation to assist with providing JA’s proven programs to middle and high school students in low income schools throughout Colorado. The grant – which was given through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – supports JA classroom programs that focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

“JA is able to offer programs at no cost to students or schools thanks to supporters like the Walmart Foundation,” said Robin Wise, president and CEO of Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. “Their investment in programs like JA Economics for Success and JA Success Skills will help young people to develop financial literacy skills and job readiness that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Junior Achievement’s programs are independently tested and proven to make a significant impact. To date, Junior Achievement’s programs – all of which align with Colorado State Standards in Social Studies and personal Financial Literacy, in addition to several standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts – result in an approximate 25% knowledge gain throughout all districts on topics such as global competition, business ethics, and needs and wants.

“Colorado’s next generation of employees is in the classroom right now, and they need the real-world application that JA programs provide. That is why Walmart is proud to support Junior Achievement and their outreach to Colorado students,” said Joshua Phair, regional public affairs director for Walmart.

The contribution to Junior Achievement was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Colorado State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

Last year in Colorado, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $17 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations.

To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. The second cycle for grant applications is underway and applications are due by August 10. Interested organizations may apply online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.