October 14, 2019
Junior Achievement of Upper Midwest announced that Martin Scanlon, Chief Financial Officer at ECMC Group, has been selected from more than 237,000 U.S. volunteers to earn the organization's premier award for volunteerism, the Bronze Leadership Award.
Junior Achievement volunteers play a key role in bringing the organization's mission to life. By sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills with students, volunteers help students make the connection between whey they learn in school and how it can be applied in the "real world."
"Martin is a wonderful example of how one person can make such a huge difference in the lives of young people in our community," said Gina Blayney, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Upper Midwest. "The local business community has been extremely supportive of Junior Achievement's vision of preparing local students to succeed in school and in life," said Blayney. "Martin is a remarkable example of that spirit of generosity. In a very real way, he helps our region's students develop critical 21st century skills, contribute to the community and participate in the revitalization of the economy. He also encourages his colleagues at ECMC Group to serve as mentors to local students."
In 2003, President George W. Bush established the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program to thank and honor individuals who inspire others to engage in volunteer service. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for this award, which recognizes corporations with a U.S. presence that provide volunteers to teach JA programs anywhere in the world.
According to a recent survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA®, 98 percent of JA volunteers are satisfied with their volunteer experience at Junior Achievement. JA volunteers also report gaining valuable professional development from their JA experience, such as enhancing public speaking, leadership, and time management skills. For more information on how you can become a Junior Achievement volunteer, please visit www.jaum.org/volunteer or call 651.255.0055.
About Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest has been serving students in Minnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin since 1949. In 2019, the national organization, JA USA, celebrates its 100th anniversary, and we're celebrating 70 years locally. During the 2018-2019 school year we reached more than 167,000 students in grades K-12 with financial literacy, work and college readiness, and entrepreneurship education. Our programs are implemented by more than 10,000 volunteers, mostly business professionals, who share their skills and experience to motivate and inspire students to succeed. For information visit www.jaum.org.