TRAVELERS HONORED BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WITH A U.S. PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Volunteers provided students with critical mentoring and positive role models

Hartford, CT – Junior Achievement USA^® (JA) today announced that it will honor The Travelers Companies, Inc. with a Silver level 2020-21 U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award in appreciation of their valued partnership and support despite the continued limitations on volunteerism during the pandemic. The U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award will be presented to 55 organizations at a virtual awards ceremony and celebration on March 2 at 2 p.m. ET.

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 as a way to thank and honor individuals who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, 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.

"Our research shows that in light of the pandemic, one-third of teens are looking for additional emotional support from caring adults this school year,” said Jeremy Race, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. “Junior Achievement volunteers are important mentors for young people, bringing our programs to life. JA volunteers share their experiences and skills with students while delivering our programs, teaching them how to manage their money, succeed in the workforce, or start a business that creates jobs and grows the economy. JA’s volunteers are critical to our organization’s success and are a vital part of our mission.”

“Junior Achievement volunteers help build communities by empowering the next generation’s success,” said Jay Buth, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England Board Chair and VP, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, Eversource Energy. "JA could not exist without the dedication of its volunteers. We are grateful for this opportunity to recognize their invaluable support."

Junior Achievement’s kindergarten through high school programs are delivered across the country by a network of dedicated volunteers, including more than 430 volunteers from Travelers. JA programs provide innovative, hands-on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education to thousands of students in Connecticut each year.

“Taking care of our communities is core to who we are, and our culture of volunteerism runs deep,” said Rita Ortiz, Senior Director of Community Relations at Travelers and Assistant Vice President of the Travelers Foundation. “Our employees dedicate a significant amount of their time to supporting important causes and organizations, like Junior Achievement, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized for their efforts.”

The complete list of recipients can be found here.

About Junior Achievement of Southwest New England

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in over 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Visit jaconn.org.

About Junior Achievement USA^® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches 2.5 million students per year in 103 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

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