Wows & Nows May 2025 Articles

Image caption: JA Titan Business Challenge 2025 Statewide Winners

Wisconsin Teens Advance to National Business Competition

Download Article

Congratulations to the six Wisconsin high school students from Dane, Shawano, and Dunn Counties who will be advancing to a national business competition June 9 at Georgia State University in Atlanta!

First-place winners, Charlie Zimbric and Nathan Hansen from Waunakee High School will each receive an all-expense paid trip to the national event. Second-place winners, Rylan Bohmbach and Vincent Peebles from Wolf River Lutheran High School in Shawano and third-place winners, Elena Xiong and Olivia Rubenzer from Menomonie High School, receive hotel and lodging expenses as part of their win.

They’ll have big shoes to fill. After their top placing in the May 1 statewide JA Titan® Business Challenge, the student “entrepreneurs in training” hope to repeat Wisconsin’s winning performance at last year’s nationals. 

The JA Titan national championship is one of four nation-wide JA competitions to be held at “Future Bound” in Atlanta. The 3-day event brings together students, educators, and industry leaders to explore hands-on learning experiences and new skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy.

In addition to participating in their national competition, students can attend workshops led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business to gain real-world insights and critical skills around finances, entrepreneurship, and career pathways.

The statewide-level event in Milwaukee pitted 45 students from 17 high schools across Wisconsin against one another in a high-intensity, simulated business marketplace game in which teams work together in the role of “CEO” in the cell-phone industry. Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan hosted and sponsored the statewide competition.

____________________________________________________________________________

Image caption: Junior Achievement recognizes Spencer Elementary School teachers for their work.

JA appreciates Wisconsin Teachers!

(Download Article)

“Teachers are, of course, among the most important people in our nation … next to parents they are the most important people in our communities,” said Eleanor Roosevelt, the first to suggest adding a teacher appreciation week to the calendar. And we couldn’t agree more!

At JA, while teachers are at the heart of all we do, it’s our pleasure and privilege to do a little something extra every May to show our appreciation for the everyday hard work and impact of teachers across Wisconsin. From classroom visits to personalized gifts and cards, read on to see some of the ways JA volunteers and staff took the time to show the teachers we work with how much we care.

In JA’s north-central region, 500 volunteers and educators received handwritten thank you notes and small business discount cards.

In Wausau, at St. Anne’s Elementary, Montessori Charter School, Marathon Elementary, and Spencer Elementary schools, teachers were honored with certificates, balloons and treats for their work as a “Super-school” in which every student/grade participated in a Junior Achievement program.

In JA’s Sheboygan Area, teachers were recognized on social media for their hard, loyalty and connection to JA and our work in their local area.

In JA’s Coulee Region, teachers were recognized at a Leadership Speaker event where teacher “Heroes” were honored for encouraging young people to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams through Junior Achievement.

____________________________________________________________________________

Image caption: Setting up for the “Cheers for Achievement Online Auction.”

Going Once, Going Twice!

Two JA Auction Fundraisers Inspire Success

(Download Article)

April saw two JA Auctions bring together smiles and support for JA’s work on behalf of K-12 students across Wisconsin.

In JA’s Southcentral Region, the JA Inspire Auction, raised funds in support of K-12 programming across Southwestern and South-Central Wisconsin, including the counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk, and Walworth. Featuring 44 auction items, the event saw a remarkable 94.4% increase over last year in registered bidders. Auction results were boosted further by over $2,000 in direct donations through five “Fund A Need” contributions. The event also helped grow JA’s digital presence, attracting 91 new Facebook followers during the campaign.

In Sheboygan, the Cheers for Achievement Online Auction raised funds to support educational programming in Sheboygan County and Kiel. The April 25 event brought together, craft beer, wine and spirit tastings, culinary samples from local vendors, a silent auction, bucket raffles, games, and Live Music from Ryan McIntyre. Thanks to the JA Sheboygan County Board of Directors and numerous loyal volunteers for their time and talent as well as Johnsonville and Sargento for donating for the event. Special thanks to Jerry Jones of O'Hare Wealth Management, Tyson Gutschow of Larry's Distributing and Mark Wagner of Lakeland University, without whom the event would not have been a success.

____________________________________________________________________________

Image caption: The Milwaukee Brewers and UW Credit Union, for the Win!

The Milwaukee Brewers and UW Credit Union, for the Win!

(Download Article)

With 12 home field wins under their belts so far this season, students, educators and schools across Wisconsin are looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to a UW Credit Union donation of $250 per home game victory - $3,000 to date. Funds support JA programs that promote financial wellness and economic mobility for students who need it the most.

Through their charitable efforts, UW Credit Union supports financial wellness programs and scholarships in the communities they serve. We’re proud of our partnership  as we work together to inspire and prepare Wisconsin youth for success. On the field or off, you can help, too! Help support education that connects the classroom to career. Donate today.

____________________________________________________________________________

Image caption: Paired with JA, Golfing Never Felt so Good!

Paired with JA, Golfing Never Felt so Good!

(Download Article)

Join the JA crew for our 29th annual JA Golf Outing, Thursday, June 5th at Wild Ridge Golf Course, 3905 Kane Road in Eau Claire. Whether you’re at home on the green or just “green,” golfing never felt so good – more than 14,000 students benefitted from last year’s event!

The annual outing is the largest fundraising event for Junior Achievement’s Northwest Region in support of our award-winning, skills-based educational programs. Perfect for golfers of all abilities, enjoy beverages, snacks, lunch and more during the 18-hole scramble. We can’t wait to see you and your team come for the golfing fun and stay for the lively live auction to follow. Register now

____________________________________________________________________________

JA BizTown Summer Camp – Sign-up or Sponsor!

(Download Article)

Learning doesn’t have to end on the last day of school. Help your student continue their learning journey with life-skills that really make a difference. At our JA BizTown® Summer Camp, campers will jumpstart their journey into adulthood through daily lessons, hands-on activities, and team-building games.

JA programs are delivered at no cost to students, making events sponsorships critical to maintaining these life-changing programs to area youth. You can make a difference in the lives of local students by participating in this world-class event! Registration is open to students 9-13 in the Appleton area on a first-come, first-served basis. See camp dates, details and sponsorship opportunities.

JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. The popular learning experience allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. Students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

Dates:

Week 1: June 23-27, 2025
Week 2: July 21-25, 2025

Details and Pricing:
Grades: 4-6

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $300 per student. Volume discounts available.
Includes: Camp t-shirt, drinks and snacks. Students bring their own lunch.
Location: JA Community First Career Exploration and Financial Literacy Center, 11 Tri-Park Way, Appleton, WI.

Register Now or contact us for more information on how to sponsor.