Junior Achievement of Central Florida and Orange County Public Schools recently celebrated the official opening of the Junior Achievement Academy for Leadership & Entrepreneurship (JA Academy). More than 250 guests – local officials, business leaders, teachers and students attended the grand opening.
The first of its kind in the nation, the new magnet school will teach students leadership and entrepreneurship skills that will help them to be successful in America’s free enterprise system. Located at the newly renovated Oak Ridge High School, the school currently has more than 100 freshmen enrolled for the 2012–2013 school year.
Former Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty and former City of Orlando Mayor Glenda E. Hood, who are also Oak Ridgealumni, are honorary co-chairs for the JA Academy’s fundraising initiative.
“Students will benefit from this one-of-a-kind magnet school, which utilizes Junior Achievement’s programs and resources to help young people succeed,” said Hood. “I’m proud to be part of this effort and reconnect with my high school alma mater.”
The Academy’s program will focus on building economic insight and leadership talents, while also teaching an entrepreneurial approach to help students capitalize on future career opportunities.
“JA Academy students will be prepared for real-world endeavors and exposed to various hands-on experiences, such as job and college shadowing and executive internships,” added Crotty.
As part of the JA Academy, students will be paired with mentors who will help guide them through career exploration and professional development. To learn more about the JA Academy, visit www.JACentralFL.org or contact Kathy King, Vice President, JA Academy/Finance Park Virtual at (407) 898-2121 x21 or [email protected].
