Junior Achievement Of Silicon Valley And Monterey Bay, Inc.

Causes: Children & Youth, Education, Educational Services, Youth Development - Business

Mission: Several Silicon Valley studies characterize the challenge of meeting our workforce needs and show that the majority of local youth are neither interested nor have the educational foundation for increasingly complex Silicon Valley careers. Only 15% of students believed math was needed for high technology careers. Less than one third of Silicon Valley high school students enrolled in math beyond Algebra I, yet completing advanced math courses is important for students planning post-secondary education and especially for technology jobs. A lack of ?Social Networks? significantly affects education attainment and creates a preparedness gap among some ethnicities, particularly, African American and Hispanic students. Joint Venture Silicon Valley?s 2005 Index of Silicon Valley reported that only 38.6% of students who entered high school as freshman graduated and completed the required coursework to enter the California State University System. With over 61% of our graduates not prepared for a 4-year college, we can anticipate a substantial gap between our local workforce needs and the ability of our local students to fill that demand.These studies point to students? need for accessible role models and opportunities to understand the broad career options available, the importance of getting as much education as possible, and the connection of both to life success. JA?s volunteer role models are a critical factor in exposing students to the myriad of career, financial, and economic possibilities in Silicon Valley as well as instilling in them the belief that they can achieve their dreams. In partnership with businesses, JA programs and volunteers help build the future workforce that will fuel our region?s economic engine.