Junior Achievers - and proud of it

"An idea untold is a success unborn"

These prophetic words are painted in large, willowy letters on the wall of one of Junior Achievement's production rooms. For the many varied creations of the young participants, these words ring true.

For more than 35 years, Junior Achievement of London & District has been preparing children and youth for the world of business, teaching not just entrepreneurship skills, but leadership and communication skills as well. It is part of an international organization of non-profit groups and volunteers, providing learning opportunities to millions of children around the world.

Today, Junior Achievement of London & District is flourishing, but it wasn't always that way. In 1998, enrollment had slipped to just 350 students participating in two programs. Today, thanks to the diligent efforts of staff and volunteers, more than 10,000 Thames Valley students experience nine unique Junior Achievement programs.

Camp Business Basics is a week-long program for children aged 8-14. Through the week, children will learn, step-by-step, how to create and sell a product, and maybe even make a profit in the process. Products created in this year's camps include necklaces, duct tape wallets, fridge magnets, candy kabobs, rocking writers, fish aquarium kits and picture frame holders.

The children begin on Monday by learning how to develop a business plan. On Tuesday, they design and produce a product. Wednesday, they will learn to develop a marketing plan, and create posters and commercials. On Thursday, the students take their products to the Covent Garden Market and sell them. Friday wraps up the week with a review of everything the children have learned, and a special group activity. Field trips and guests speakers are other highlights of the week. One group this summer visited Diamond Aircraft for a behind-the-scenes tour, learning about production and marketing.

Camp Business Basics was run most weeks during the summer, with some children returning for multiple sessions. At $155 per child, Camp Business Basics is the only program for which Junior Achievement charges a fee.

ESIS, the Economics of Staying in School, is a hard-hitting one-day program that teaches Grade 8 students the realities of life after school, the importance of finishing high school and pursuing further education or training.

The program is divided into four modules, each of which include discussion topics and related activities. The first module, Success, teaches the students what success means, and how they can define it for themselves. Second is the Independence module, which discusses the realities and responsibilities of independence, and the importance of budgeting. The Employment module will teach students the requirements and pay levels for different jobs, and then tie that knowledge into budgeting. The fourth module is Futures, which helps students develop resumes and interview skills.

Student Venture and the Company Program both allow a group of high school students, ages 15-19, to develop, produce and sell a product. The students work with volunteers from the local business community to learn the practical and realistic aspects of running a business, including adopting management roles, developing a business plan, and eventually liquidating the company.

The Student Venture program is conducted in high schools, often during business classes, while the long-running Company Program is held in the Junior Achievement offices in the evening. Many of today's volunteers are past graduates from the Company Program.

Continuously looking to grow and expand their opportunities, Junior Achievement piloted two new programs this year, looking to reach even more children. Studio 208 was a variation on the Company Program, targeted towards the youth who could benefit most from the opportunity and new-found skills. Two pilot programs of Studio 208 were run out of the Galleria Mall, with each group reporting a profit.

In partnership with the Southern First Nations Secretariat, pilot versions of Student Venture and Camp Business Basics were run this summer for aboriginal students. Junior Achievement has also developed a partnership with the new Central Library.

Junior Achievement participants, selling consignment goods, stationary supplies and tickets to events in the performance hall, will staff a store within the Library. In addition, the London Business Hall of Fame Gallery is located on the second floor of the new library.

The children and youth taking part in today's programs are the business leaders of tomorrow. With the knowledge, experience and insight they gain through the many available programs, children from all backgrounds will be better prepared to make their mark on the world.

For more information about Junior Achievement, visit their website at www.jalondon.org.