In the next coming months, the team at Colorado Group Realty will be rolling, in more ways than one. The CGR Charitable Foundation is sponsoring the Junior Achievement Routt County Bowl-A-Thon. The fundraiser is a highlight on the calendar for more than the fun factor.
Junior Achievement is an international volunteer organization that teaches K-12 students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. The 100-year-old organization was introduced to the Steamboat Springs School District a few years ago and now delivers programming to 1,800 local students each year.
“All programs are offered at no cost to our schools, so support from companies like Colorado Group Realty truly make it possible for JA to set our community’s kids up for future success,” said Kelly Latterman, District Manager of Routt County Junior Achievement. “Their sponsorship and other funds raised from our Bowl-A-Thon will help us deliver important life skills and lessons that help prepare Routt County kids for their future career, make them financially savvy, and be optimistic with an entrepreneurial spirit.”
Programming is age specific and offered at the whole grade level, or in small groups, as students get older. Projects offer hands on learning and are applicable to the real world. Students in third grade create an entire city, where classmates vote on who will be mayor and other city officials. Children create a pop-up business and for a whole month learning is based around the workings of managing their role in the city. Eighth grade students spend two days in Denver touring businesses and get first hand exposure to managing their own budget. By the end of high school, JA students are familiar with their skill base, interests and values, which better equips them to make informed career choices.
“Not only are we grateful for the financial support, but we are also grateful for Colorado Group Realty’s agents time that they volunteer to teach JA programs,” Latterman said. Any interested individuals who would like to volunteer can contact Latterman directly at klatterman@JAColorado.org.
