Help students develop financial literacy

Junior Achievement is hosting its first Radiance in the Shadows event on June 8

By Marci Larsen, Superintendent of the Mukilteo School District

Junior Achievement in Snohomish County empowers young people to own their economic success by providing in-class curriculum that focuses on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. In Snohomish County, JA reaches over 14,000 students in a variety of public and private schools. With the help of 485 volunteers, JA students develop the skills they need to experience the realities of the real world. Thousands of local students are being exposed with age appropriate integrated curricula for grades K-12, designed to help them understand the world of economics and help to prepare them for lifelong learning and achievement.

JA Success Skills, a curriculum which is taught at several local high schools, allows students to learn the process of obtaining a job (including mock job interviews) and becoming a stronger employee for our local businesses. The students are taught by business professionals who share their expertise in their respective fields as it pertains to workplace protocol, ethics, and financial responsibility.

Another curriculum being taught, JA Personal Finance introduces students to the importance of making wise financial decisions. The program demonstrates the value of planning, goal setting, and thoughtful decision making within the context of personal finance. Junior Achievement in Snohomish County is providing real world learning experiences to students of all ages so they can be better prepared for their future and be informed citizens in the community.

In partnership with the Tulalip Resort & Spa and Long Shadows Winery, we are proud to announce that Junior Achievement is hosting its first Radiance in the Shadows event on June 8. This VIP event will feature an exclusive five-course dinner prepared by renowned Chef Perry Mascitti paired with wines from Allen Shoup, CEO of Long Shadows Winery. In addition to live music in the Oasis Pool area during a hosted cocktail reception, the evening will conclude with a private concert by local musician and national sensation Mycle Wastman, who debuted on NBC’s award winning series The Voice.

With the economic outlook being unsure, it is important to work with our youth of today, so they can be better prepared for the future. Along with many school districts, we support the efforts of JA as they help bridge the gap of financial literacy with our local students. All proceeds from this VIP event will stay in Snohomish County to provide more classroom programs in our schools. It is significant for the community to invest in the success of our students, which is why we encourage others to join us at the first Radiance in the Shadows event on June 8.

Dr. Marci Larsen is Superintendent of the Mukilteo School District; Shannon Affholter, Vice President, Economic Alliance Snohomish County; Ken Kettler of Tulalip Resort & Spa; and William S. Reith, with Hascal, Sjoholm & Company, PLLC