Spare Some Time for Junior Achievement’s Bowl-a-Thon

Come join the Junior Achievement of Texarkana for its Beach Blanket Bowl-a-Thon from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 18 and March 20 at College Bowl.

Each year, students, business people and other friends of Junior Achievement, get together to bowl and raise money for JA and have a great time in the process. You can also volunteer to be part of a five-person bowling team. Become a team captain and recruit four other members like coworkers, family, or friends.

“The financial night will be March 18 and is primarily for financial institutions since a lot of Junior Achievement volunteers are from the banking industry,” said organizer Jennifer Lockman. The other game will also be held at College Bowl but on March 20.

Businesses can sponsor a lane and have their company banner displayed at both events. Lane Sponsorship is $150.

All teams must register and turn in a minimum of $275 prior to their shifts to bowl at the event.

Lockman said the goal is to raise $10,000 from the Bowl-a-Thon, but beyond the monetary goal, the board is working hard to promote the need of financial literacy in our community.

“A program kit costs $275 for 25 students so the cost to provide these programs is pricey. There are different programs for different grade levels, but in general, the kids learn how to be responsible and ethical with their money. There’s a tax lesson for the elementary school-aged kids that I personally just love. It demonstrates to them why it’s important to pay taxes and demonstrates that everyone has to pay taxes. It’s a supplemental education that incorporates games and songs to keep the students engaged while learning concepts that aren’t so ‘fun’ such as: consumer, assembly line, business, corporation, government, budgeting, etc.,” she said.

Junior Achievement of Texarkana is also issuing a challenge to all businesses from now until the Bowl-A-Thon. Allow your employees to wear jeans on one or all Fridays for a small donation to go to Junior Achievement. For example, if 200 employees give $5 to wear jeans one Friday, that would equal $1,000. This would fund programs for three classrooms.

The purpose of Junior Achievement is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

High School Program:

JA Personal Finance introduces 12th grade students to the importance of making wise financial decisions. The program demonstrates the importance of planning, goal-setting and thoughtful decision making within the context of personal financial decisions. The dynamic interaction between JA volunteers and students promotes active learning and brings theory to life.

Middle School Program:

The program promotes fundamental business and economic concepts, explores career interests and opportunities, and develops financial literacy. JA Economics for Success stresses the importance of an education along with economic concepts, and information about the world of work. Our lessons are designed to help students understand the economic consequences of dropping out of school.

Elementary Program:

The K-6 program helps students understand their roles as individuals, workers and consumers in an expanding environment. This program is designed to show students the relevance of education in the workplace, as well as prepare them for secondary school and life-long learning.

For more information about the Bowl-a-Thon, contact Kaitlyn Flanagan at (870) 648-5884.