2025 Partners in Achievement Breakfast: A Morning of Inspiration and Impact
Author: Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
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Thursday, 29 May 2025
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Image caption: Student speakers gather at the 2025 Partners in Achievement Breakfast
On May 15, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Partners in Achievement Breakfast brought together business and community leaders, educators, and supporters from across Connecticut for a morning dedicated to student achievement and impact. For 22 years, this signature event has showcased the real-world outcomes of JA programs, told through the voices of students themselves.
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An Invitation to Be a “Game-Changer”
The morning began with a burst of energy as students from Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School and Connecticut River Academy – Middle Level welcomed guests as greeters and led interactive activities. Designed and created by the CT River students through their JA Finance Park curriculum, these hands-on experiences gave attendees a chance to engage directly with the next generation of innovators and leaders. Guests enjoyed playing JA Jeopardy, participating in Mini-Mic Interviews, and building a Jenga® Tower of Achievement — all activities that showcased the financial literacy and leadership skills students have developed through Junior Achievement’s curriculum.
Voices That Powered the Morning
Trinity, a third grader, led the program with confidence and natural wit, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged throughout the morning. Her genuine warmth and thoughtful reflections set the perfect tone for a day filled with inspiring and heartfelt moments. Jeremy Race, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England highlighted exciting new programs, including the JA Maritime initiative addressing workforce needs, expanded free college credit partnerships, and the upcoming state-of-the-art financial education center in Hartford—all designed to equip Connecticut’s youth for a bright future. The audience was then honored to hear from Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, who shared meaningful words and a personal story on the importance of financial education.
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At the heart of the Partners in Achievement Breakfast were the incredible student speakers—Trinity, Sleiman, Cori, Shahd, Sham, and Devin - each sharing their unique journey and showing the true impact of JA programs across the state.
Sleiman and Cori spoke about earning dual credit from Central Connecticut State University, how they’re gaining clarity about their future careers, and how these opportunities are giving them a head start toward achieving their goals. Shahd and Sham reflected on their excitement about participating in the JA Stock Market Challenge. This experience taught them valuable lessons about the stock market, teamwork, and leadership while navigating real-world financial scenarios and risks. Finally, Devin wowed the audience with her innovative invention, ‘Filter It’, a system designed to reduce greywater pollution and protect marine ecosystems. Her journey from concept to impact, made possible through JA’s Tech4Sustainable Futures program, captured the spirit of student-led problem-solving.
These testimonials are just a glimpse into the thousands of lives touched by JA across Connecticut and serve as a reminder of what’s possible through community support and student empowerment.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community of supporters, Junior Achievement programs continue to reach more students across Connecticut with the tools, confidence, and experiences they need to build successful and financially secure futures.
We are deeply grateful to each of our valued sponsors, whose partnership was crucial in bringing this meaningful event to life!
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Even if you couldn’t attend, there are still many ways to support JA’s mission in your local community, whether by volunteering in a program or making a gift at jaconn.org. Your commitment helps ensure that students across Connecticut are prepared to lead, thrive, and achieve economic success.
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