What do I want to be when I grow up?
This is something that every child wonders about. Fortunately for Eagle County students, Kevin Armitage and more than 60 other community members from dozens of local companies are stepping out of the boardroom and into the classroom to help them find an answer.
Junior Achievement’s volunteer-delivered programs are a vital and growing resource to schools Eagle County thanks to dedicated community members like Kevin. In the past five years, Kevin has personally delivered JA’s work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to more than 400 local students including delivering 14 programs at Bush Creek and Eagle Valley Elementary Schools.
Most recently, Kevin delivered JA Our Nation to Eagle Valley fifth graders. This program provides students practical information about the need for employees who can meet the demands of the 21st century job market, particularly high-growth, high-demand jobs. “By volunteering for JA, I’m on the front line of changing current statistics regarding America’s competitiveness,” said Kevin.
“We scheduled the program to coordinate with our final math unit of the year which is financial literacy. It could not have been a better match,” said Kate Turnipseed, fifth grade teacher at brush Creek Elementary School. “I have been impressed by the quality of the materials, games and visuals provided to JA instructors. It has been a pleasure for us to have the Junior Achievement instructors and program in our classrooms this year and we look forward to having them back next spring.”
Kevin began volunteering with JA in college in Ohio in 1997 and has been involved with JA in Eagle County for more than 10 years. He is passionate about the organization because he believes that it is more important than ever for students to have consistent access to programs that help inspire and prepare them to succeed in life. In addition to spending time in Eagle Ranch classrooms, Kevin is the president of Centennial Bank and serves as the JA Advisory Board Chair.
Student outreach in the Vail Valley has increased from just 35 students in 2004/05 to more than 2,000 during the 2013/14 school year. As the demand for programs continues to grow, so does the need for volunteers. “We have built a clear momentum and invite you to join us in this important effort,” said Kevin. “As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to help students learn the skills necessary to prepare for their future and make smart academic and economic choices.”
The goal is to ensure students are getting the information they need about making financial decisions, preparing for the workforce and/or starting their own business enterprise when they are transitioning to adulthood. “Through this, we ultimately improve livelihoods and strengthen communities and economies,” said Kevin.
