News release

Government Expands Delivery of Junior Achievement Programs

Education and Early Childhood Development

More Nova Scotia students in grades 9 to 12 will have access to hands-on learning in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship this school year.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey announced an enhanced partnership between government and Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia today, Jan. 14.

"The business community and education can work together to provide students with more opportunities to learn about career choices and the world of business," said Ms. Casey.

"By expanding the delivery of Junior Achievement to students in all school boards, we will stimulate their innovation, creativity, problem-solving skills, personal initiative and teamwork, and help develop our future entrepreneurs."

Partnering with local businesses and ensuring access to Junior Achievement programs in all school boards is one way government is modernizing the education system as part of Nova Scotia's Action Plan for Education.

Government is increasing funding to Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia to $125,000 for the 2015-16 school year, up from $50,000, to expand the delivery of programs that will enhance and support learning at different grade levels:

  • all grade 9 students in 382 classes across the province will participate in the Economics for Success program, which improves students' ability to plan and manage their education and financial futures by helping develop employability and interpersonal effectiveness.

  • expand the Company Program to high school students in all school boards and increase the number of program offerings from 29 to 35. The program enhances critical-thinking, presentation and leadership skills.

  • double the number of Dollars with Sense programs delivered to Grade 10 students. The program increases knowledge of financial planning techniques, improves financial literacy, numeracy and personal management, and boosts self-confidence and the ability to make wise investment choices.

"Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy," said Kristin Williams, president and CEO, Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia.

"We are pleased to partner with government to enhance curriculum offerings. By producing more financially literate graduates with leadership potential, we can contribute to our province's economic prosperity."

Junior Achievement will also work to increase after-school participation in the personal development credit program offered through the department. Labour and Advanced Education announced last month that government will also provide $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia for the opportunity to reach more than 10,000 students across the province to deliver student assistance information, starting in Grade 9.

Expanding the delivery of Junior Achievement in all school boards is part of government's action plan that focuses on fundamental changes to renew, refocus and rebuild the education system for the first time in a generation. The action plan can be found at www.ednet.ns.ca/ .

For more information on Junior Achievement, visit www.janovascotia.org.