The third graders at St. Matthew School in Topeka, who recently completed a Junior Achievement course, wanted to find a way to run their own business and serve others at the same time. They opened a lemonade stand for the last three days of school, and donated all proceeds to Children’s Mercy Hospital in memory of a classmate’s infant brother who recently died of a rare metabolic disorder. Little Owen spent much of his short life at Children’s Mercy and the students wanted to give back for the care he received there.
Earlier this year, St. Matthew School (one of 21 CEF schools) expanded its Junior Achievement programming to all of its students in grades K-8. Previously, programming has been provided in the seventh grade only.
Ten parishioners from Saint Matthew Catholic Church instructed 183 students in Grades K-8, teaching students the skills necessary to succeed in a global economy as part of the Junior Achievement of Kansas volunteer program.
“To have it staffed with school parents and other parishioners is a testament to the commitment our faith community has to a well-rounded education for our kids,” said Heather Huscher, principal at St. Matthew Catholic School. “We are very grateful to JA for providing us with this tremendous opportunity!"
Junior Achievement programming includes five to six lessons taught by volunteers from the community, teaching the students age-appropriate financial literacy, entrepreneurial and workforce development skills through interactive, hands-on activities. Lessons cover financial basics like the difference between a debit and credit card, and workforce development skills such as how to write a resume and how to prepare for a job interview.
Junior Achievement of Kansas provides programming to more than 26,000 students statewide, including nearly 12,000 in Topeka.
