Junior Achievement and Teach For America Rhode Island Host Seventh Annual Education Awareness Week

PROVIDENCE, R.I.,— Junior Achievement (JA) in partnership with Teach For America Rhode Island (TFARI) will host the seventh annual Education Awareness Week from April 8 -12. Education Awareness Week highlights the incredible work of educators who lead Rhode Island’s classrooms and schools; the potential that every student possesses for success in school and career; and the opportunity that all children deserve to realize their potential through a strong academic foundation. The week brings elected officials and business leaders from across the state to serve as guest teachers who will develop and lead special lessons based on their areas of expertise offering students a firsthand look into different career paths. This year’s celebration will focus on the foundation an excellent K-12 education provides for success in a student’s pathway toward college and/or career and will be kicked off with a special proclamation from Governor Raimondo.

Lee Lewis, president of Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, added, “We are thrilled to work with so many business, community, and government leaders who will share their educational and professional experiences with Rhode Island students. It’s critical that we provide our young people with a strong education and prepare them for career paths in high-growth industries that benefit them, their families, and their communities.”

Junior Achievement and Teach For America collaborate on national and regional initiatives focused on partnering with communities to increase opportunities for students and eliminate educational inequity. Education Awareness Week is one example of this collaboration.

Kristine Frech, executive director of Teach For America Rhode Island, added, “Our work hinges on the collective power of a broad and diverse coalition of leaders that believe every child across the state deserves access to an excellent and equitable education and opportunities that expose them to real world careers across a variety of sectors. We are continuously grateful to partners such as Junior Achievement for their long vested stake in improving educational and career outcomes for our state’s most at-risk students and communities.”

On Monday, April 8, at 11am  there was a Education Awareness Week Proclamation Ceremony at Rhode Island State House.

Governor Raimondo signs proclamation declaring officially the week of Education Awareness week in Rhode Island, with Lt. Governor Dan McKee alongside other state leaders, Kristine Frech, Executive Director of Teach For America Rhode Island, and Lee Lewis, President of Junior Achievement, will also offer remarks. Students from Mt. Pleasant High School will tour the State House and participate in a mock legislative session and job shadow activities with elected officials.