Kiwanis members were treated to a special presentation Wednesday, June 2, about the Junior Achievement program by one of their own members, Judy Norris, Kiwanis treasurer and executive director of the Junior Achievement program of Georgia

“Kids need a ‘stay in school’ message from an early age” Norris said, “and Junior Achievement volunteers are there to guide and inspire them to that.”

JA programs take place during the school day and are offered to a wide spectrum of students; many of these programs aim to bridge the business and education worlds.

JA is active in the local area: the organization served 1,152 students in 50 classes in Calhoun and Gordon County this year alone.

“Our volunteers give a context to the information that students are learning in class,” said Norris, “The lessons they learn in the classroom can be applied to career and life decisions, helping students realize their potential.”

Programs include a business ethics class, a class on financial planning, as well as economics and entrepreneurial classes. Norris said that programs are aligned to the Georgia Performance Standards, and thus serve to further curriculum.

“It was such a rewarding experience. Those kids really get a lot out of it,” said Steve Fehlenberg, Kiwanis member and JA volunteer.

JA is looking to recruit more local business leaders. These volunteers would take a little time once a week to teach high school students about the business world.

For more information, contact Judy Norris at 706-278-9180.