In celebration of the grand opening of Microsoft at Walt Whitman Shops, Junior Achievement of New York (JA) and The Children’s Aid Society were the beneficiaries of a generous in-kind gift. Microsoft presented JA with a donation of $1 million worth of software and hardware at the store’s ribbon cutting ceremony, to provide New York’s young people with learning opportunities designed to make them more technologically competitive in today's global society. Microsoft extended its generosity to two of JA’s committed community partners: The Children’s Aid Society’s Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAS-Carrera) and the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island—which each received an additional gift of more than $250,000 of software and hardware from Microsoft.
“We are thrilled and honored to be the recipient of the extraordinary generosity of Microsoft and Junior Achievement. Hundreds of young people in New York City will benefit tremendously from this cutting-edge technology that will enhance our financial literacy and college savings initiatives. The confidence and support of JA and Microsoft will advance CAS-Carrera’s objective of providing young people with rich opportunities to move from potential tax burdens to prospective tax payers,” said Dr. Michael A. Carrera, Director of CAS-Carrera.
JA’s financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs reinforce the importance of staying in school and prepare students for the real world. Through a national partnership with Microsoft, Junior Achievement USA has committed to helping young people gain critical 21st century work readiness skills needed for today’s "knowledge economy." The JA curriculum serves as the cornerstone of CAS-Carrera’s employment component – Job Club – which helps young people envision productive lives by exposing them to the world of work. Job Club, one of seven core components of the holistic, evidence-based CAS-Carrera program, is designed to improve financial literacy and develop life-long, positive financial decision-making through employment opportunities, entrepreneurial and community service projects, and personal bank accounts.
For more information, on the Microsoft retail store, including a schedule of local events and activities, follow the Microsoft retail store on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.MicrosoftStore.com.
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About Junior Achievement of New York
Junior Achievement of New York (JA New York) is the local affiliate of Junior Achievement USA® (JA), the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers who provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Visit www.jany.org for more information.
About Children’s Aid Society and the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program
Children’s Aid Society is an independent, not-for-profit organization established to serve the children of New York City. Our mission is to help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children.
The Children’s Aid Society Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAS-Carrera) is an evidence-based pregnancy prevention model helps young people avoid becoming parents during the second decade of their lives. The program engages young people year-round, beginning in the fifth or sixth grade, and continues through graduation from high school and beyond. For additional information, please call Anthony Ramos at 212-949-4938, email anthonyr@childrensaidsociety.org or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org and www.stopteenpregnancy.com.