State Farm® Honored by JA with a US President's Volunteer Service Award

Junior Achievement USA^® (JA) today announced that it will honor State Farm^® with a bronze level 2020-21 U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award in appreciation of their valued partnership and support despite the continued limitations on volunteerism during the pandemic. The U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award was presented to 55 organizations at a virtual awards ceremony and celebration on March 2^nd.

In 2003, President George W. Bush established the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor individuals who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for this award, which recognizes corporations with a U.S. presence that provide volunteers to teach JA programs anywhere in the world.

"Our research shows that in light of the pandemic, one-third of teens are looking for additional emotional support from caring adults this school year,” said Lori McCleese, JA of North Central Ohio President. “Junior Achievement volunteers are important mentors for young people, bringing our programs to life. JA volunteers share their experiences and skills with students while delivering our programs, teaching them how to manage their money, succeed in the workforce, or start a business that creates jobs and grows the economy. JA’s volunteers are critical to our organization’s success and are a vital part of our mission.”

State Farm has received bronze level recognition 14 out of the last 15 years. Since 2006, State Farm volunteers have logged more than 66,000 hours empowering our next generation to achieve their dreams.

This year, Robert Garner (JA Board member) and Sean Devins of State Farm, were active parts of the JA Company Program. This unique program promotes experiential entrepreneurship learning for high school students and has produced 3 national titles for the Stark Co. area in the past 4 years. Through volunteering with Jackson and Aurora High School students, Garner and Devins are providing business and leadership experiences that are usually reserved for college courses.

“Junior Achievement volunteers help build communities by empowering the next generation’s success,” said Jim Leahy, JA of North Central Ohio Chair. "JA could not exist without the dedication of its volunteers. We are grateful for this opportunity to recognize their invaluable support."

Junior Achievement’s kindergarten through high school programs are delivered across the country by a network of dedicated volunteers. JA programs provide innovative, hands-on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education to more than 13,604 students in 16 Ohio counties during the 2020-21 academic year.

The complete list of recipients can be found here.