Russ Darrow Jr.’s involvement with Junior Achievement has been a measurable success. Since becoming the chairman of the board in June 2000 the number of volunteer teachers increased from 218 during the 1999-2000 school year to 472 during the 2000-2001 school year. Volunteers increased to 495 during the 2001-2002 school year. Because of the increase in volunteers, JA of Wisconsin was able to reach a record 114,239 students last year.
But do youngsters who participate in JA programs actually benefit from them? Until recently, there was anecdotal evidence, but no empirical evidence to highlight the value of the programs that reach children from kindergarten through Grade 12.
A study of 17 local JA areas conducted during the 1999-2000 school year by the Western Institute for Research and Evaluation (WIRE) concluded that the Junior Achievement programs:
of students
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin serves 67 of 72 of Wisconsin’s counties. The metro Milwaukee area had the largest participation with 51,390 students in 2,255 classrooms.
But Darrow would like to see more volunteers so JA can reach even more students. If interested in participating, contact Junior Achievement of Wisconsin at 414-352-5350, e-mail the organization at jamilw@jawis.org, or log on to the Web site at www.jawis.org.
— Susan Nord
June 7, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
