By Suzy Alstrin
Junior Achievement (JA) honored Reinhardt University’s valued partnership and support with a bronze 2022-2023 U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award. Dr. Walter May, dean of students, accepted the award on the University’s behalf in Washington, D.C. on June 11th. The bronze level recognizes 1500 hours of service.
About 300 Reinhardt students volunteered at JA Discovery Centers in Dalton, Lawrenceville, and Cumming, Georgia as part of the First Year Seminar (FYS). They mentored middle and high school youth in a simulated interactive environment to learn about business and finances.
The FYS course prepares students to thrive during their collegiate experience and their inspiration thrived during this service-learning activity. Students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, become more engaged in their community, and gain practical skills. Because FYS also aims to equip students with financial literacy, everyone benefitted from the JA experiences.
Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the award recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers in their communities and encourages more people to serve. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for the award.
“Volunteers play an integral part in the delivery of Junior Achievement’s learning experiences,” said Jack Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA, “We appreciate their commitment to making a positive difference in countless communities.”
