What's the secret to raising a generation of successful, financially savvy adults? It starts in the classroom, with programs like Junior Achievement.

"We take students through real-life scenarios. How do you write a check? How do you make a budget? It's really cool to see kids' reactions," said Makensy Arlien, who volunteers to teach Junior Achievement curriculum to elementary school students in the Minot area.

Junior Achievement is a non-profit program facilitated by the Minot Area Chamber EDC that creates a bridge between the business community and students in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms across the Minot area. During the 2022-2023 school year, students in 114 classrooms experienced the JA curriculum.

That reach could not be accomplished without loyal sponsors — and a strong stable of local volunteers like Makensy Arlien and Nancy Wagenast.

"It's good to lead by example and show the kids how fun volunteering can be," said Wagenast, who has volunteered to teach Junior Achievement since the program was first brought to Minot in 1997.

Wagenast and Arlien are colleagues at First Western Bank and Trust. The pair co-taught second, third, and fifth grade JA curriculum this school year. "It's fun to see the kids' excitement when we walk through the door each week!" said Arlien.

The program benefits teachers, too. Peggy Overton, a second grade teacher at Sunnyside Elementary School, says JA supports social studies curriculum standards in a memorable way.

"Learning about consumers and producers, goods and services, wants and needs — those ideas support our existing school curriculum so well," Overton said. "And we're always looking for ways to have people from the community come in to enrich the lives of our children."

"It teaches kids about the free enterprise system of the United States," Wagenast said. "It shows them that they have a choice to work where they want to work."

She said the coursework is easy for community members to learn and teach — and engaging for the students. "The kids are active participants in each lesson," she said, "raising their hands. They don't just sit back and listen. It's enjoyable to see that."

The Minot Area Chamber EDC is grateful to the schools, teachers, volunteers, and sponsors who allow us to connect with the next generation of business leaders!
 

2022-2023 Junior Achievement Sponsors:

2022-2023 Junior Achievement Volunteers: