Junior Achievement to Launch New Diversity in Action Program for Canadian Youth

New program to build upon commitment to prepare youth for the work place

TORONTO, March 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Junior Achievement of Canada is pleased to announce that a new program focused on diversity will be launched this coming school year.  Starting in September 2012, the national Junior Achievement of Canada Stronger Together: Diversity in Action program will be available in schools across Canada.

"Junior Achievement programs allow young Canadians to learn from positive role models from all walks of life," said Stephen Ashworth, Interim President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Canada. "The new Stronger Together: Diversity in Action program is an important step forward to build on our existing world-class curriculum and helps to ensure that our students have the work readiness skills they need to be confident and contributing members of society."

Junior Achievement is a link between education and the business world, and provides youth with the confidence and knowledge they need to define personal success, enhance their workforce readiness and pursue their dreams.  Junior Achievement programs inspire youth to make informed, educated and knowledgeable financial decisions, start companies, develop career plans and express their innovative spirit.  The new Stronger Together: Diversity in Action program will showcase the importance of inclusivity in solving real-world challenges, and will encourage students to welcome perspectives different from their own.

"Students in grades 7-9 will learn the true value of inclusivity and how it contributes to a healthy and enhanced experience inside and outside the classroom," said Mr. Ashworth.  "We are committed to increasing youth's understanding of the important role diversity plays in enriching our personal and business lives."

Across Canada, Junior Achievement offers eight national programs and six local programs.  Since 1955, over 3.9 million youth have participated in a Junior Achievement of Canada program.  Last year alone, more than 216,000 young Canadians experienced a Junior Achievement program from over 13,000 committed business mentors.

About Junior Achievement of Canada

Junior Achievement is the largest non-profit organization in Canada dedicated to inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement offers education programs in the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, which are delivered to youth in elementary, middle and high schools by business mentors.

Kristina Fixter
National Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: [phone], ext. 229
E: [email protected]