Two Best Buy teams recently volunteered with nonprofit Junior Achievement to help the next generation learn about personal finances and business.
Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices. There are more than 100 local JA Areas across the United States.
The internal audit team from the finance department spent half a day in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, with Junior Achievement North helping middle schoolers create mock budgets through JA Finance Park, an experiential learning program. Students talked through different budgeting scenarios with volunteers and adjusted their plans as needed.
“It was fun to see them making real-world decisions,” said Cambria Fladager, associate director of internal audit. “They would have to budget for unplanned events, like breaking your leg playing ultimate frisbee and you didn’t buy health insurance. Now you have this emergency bill to pay.”
Volunteers worked with students on how to balance a budget and make wise personal finance decisions. With each scenario, students were able to better understand why it’s important to allocate money to different areas, including housing, transportation and groceries.
“Watching learning happening with youth is just amazing,” Cambria said. “Plus, there is no greater team bonding experience than going out to volunteer and gifting your time.”
Investing in tomorrow’s leaders
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, employees volunteered at a Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes job fair and JA Pitch Day, a competition where students present business plans to local entrepreneurs and professionals.
As part of the two-day event, Best Buy volunteers helped set up the space and talked with students about career planning and opportunities with Best Buy.
“I was so excited! Being able to support each other, and our local community was awesome,” said Trisha Faber, hiring and training senior leader. “Best Buy is lucky to be a part of the students’ journeys.”
Through volunteering and sharing their knowledge, Best Buy employees are investing in the next generation of youth and encouraging them pursue their personal and career goals.
“It’s very exciting to be moving down this path,” said Chris Samson, vice president, treasurer at Best Buy. He’s also a Junior Achievement board member. “I believe what JA North is doing is very much in line with what the Best Buy Foundation is doing with its Teen Tech Center program.”
Learn more about how Best Buy supports employee volunteers and find a way to get involved in your community at Best Buy For Good.