Junior Achievement of San Diego County News

Junior Achievement of San Diego County partnered with Just in Time for Foster Youth to host the nonprofit’s first annual “JIT Shark Tank” competition during their “Pathways to Financial Power Conference” at the Capdevilla-Gillespie Center for Junior Achievement on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

The inspiring event brought together 200 community leaders, business professionals and San Diego nonprofits, all with common goals of helping transition-age foster youth learn how to get a job, start a business and manage their money.

“Both during and after foster care, the young people we serve lack the consistent relationships everyone needs to succeed. Yet they are expected to fend for themselves once they’re on their own,” said Don Wells, Just in Time Executive Director. “Without the fundamental support of a family or caring adults who believe in them and their futures, the odds are against them. This event is one of the innovative ways we can empower youth to shatter low expectations and show the world they are just as capable of success as anyone else.”

The young adults got a chance to see if they could “make it” in the real world by experiencing the Mission Fed Junior Achievement Finance Park simulation.

“We are excited to partner with Just in Time for Foster Youth,” said Valerie Hash, Education Manager for Mission Fed JA Finance Park, who delivered the simulation to the foster youth and their mentors. “We built the Park to teach young adults how to manage their personal finances and plan for future success, and through Just in Time, we are able to reach even more youth in our community.”

The foster youth had a chance to interact one-on-one with business executives during an on-site Career Exploration Fair at Junior Achievement's office which included the Microsoft Store, Alaska Airlines, ABC Construction, YMCA of San Diego County and over a dozen other ready-to-hire employers. We are thrilled to learn two of the foster youth have already secured full-time employment.

Three JIT Shark Tank finalists pitched their products and services to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win a $3,000 investment in their businesses. The first-place winner created an innovative app to connect people who have an interest in sports, health and fitness.

This article originally appeared on Junior Achievement of San Diego’s website. To read the full article, please visit: http://www.jasandiego.org/news/blog/junior-achievement-partners-with-just-in-time-foster-youth.html#.XZI9qWlKiUn