Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Shines the Spotlight on Local Volunteer, Laura Orth

SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN – For 8 years, Laura Orth has been teaching Sheboygan County young people the importance of financial literacy and debt management. The daily work of her job in the Financial Aid Office at Lakeland University allows her to help college students find scholarships, understand debt management, and navigate student loan repayment. That focus extends to her volunteer time with Junior Achievement. Spending time in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms to teach Junior Achievement financial literacy programs gives Laura a unique and fulfilling volunteer experience.

“Learning about financial literacy at an early age is so important because it provides young adults with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they will need once they graduate and start navigating the financial world,” said Laura. “Whether they go straight to the work force, attend technical school, or go to a four-year university, understanding basic personal finance, such as budgeting and how to set and achieve financial goals, is an essential skill.”

Laura taught her first Junior Achievement program when she was a senior in college. The third-grade students were excited to learn about money, banking, and all the ways different jobs in the community make a city thrive. The enthusiasm the students displayed as they completed hands-on financial literacy activities inspired Laura and keeps her looking forward to Junior Achievement volunteer time every year.

Laura is the Associate Director of Financial aid, Financial Literacy, and Educational Funding at Lakeland University. She graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Personal Finance.

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