The tension was high. Low murmured conversation was taking place at each table. Every once in a while, a “YES!” rose above the low din. As the 90 minute regulation time was winding down, the noise got a little louder as players were eliminated and winners were elated. Lunch was served and then the whole thing repeated itself.
On Saturday, Feb. 18 the 6th Annual Hasbro Junior Achievement Monopoly Tournament took place at Mandan High School. With more than 100 players, the cafeteria at Mandan High was transformed into tables and …

At no time in recent history has the need for financial literacy and economic education been more evident than it is now. From the Federal Government scratching its head over a smart financial strategy to the college freshmen wondering how to make ends meet, the ability to understand economics is universal.
Junior Achievement of Bismarck- Mandan is a local non-profit with a mission to educate youth about the importance of financial savvy. The program equips local volunteers with the tools they need to enter Bismarck- Mandan schools and inspire youth to …

The Junior Achievement (JA) Wrap Up was held May 10 at the Bismarck- Mandan Chamber. The event is hosted each year and is intended to share the program’s reach and impact on area students, as well as success stories. Additionally, volunteers and teachers are recognized for their contributions to the program.
JA Program Director Sally Paulson, along with JA Chairman Keith Schmaltz presented the following 2010-11 statistics:
1st Grade- 55 students
2nd Grade- 149 students
3rd Grade- 737 students
4th Grade- 515 students
5th Grade- 650 students
6th Grade- 472 students
9th Grade- 634 students
11th and 12th Grade- …

Being socially responsible is a big job and deciding which programs and non-profits to support in these economically challenging times takes some serious contemplation. What makes a program worthwhile and attractive to support for these companies? I think there are a few areas to consider.
Transparency-Junior Achievement is transparent. Everything we do is open to anyone who would like to look at the local organization. We run a tight ship. There are not huge overhead costs to soak up incoming donations. Our board and staff make sure each expense is justified …

The Junior Achievement (JA) year is coming to an end and it was another great year for JA in Bismarck-Mandan!
Although we see the economy starting to come back, the need for financial literacy and economic education continues to be vital for our future. Over the last year, we have been reminded constantly of the everyday risks of poor financial management. Unfortunately, these issues touch people of all walks of life, often leaving the financially uneducated as the most vulnerable.
With more than 90 years of experience, Junior Achievement continues to be …

Tom Nosbusch from MDU has been the Junior Achievement (JA) chairman of the board for the last two years. We greatly appreciate his commitment to Junior Achievement and the Board of Directors. Keith Schmaltz, Northwest Contracting, has agreed to be chairman for the upcoming year. Thank you to both Tom and Keith!
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to board member extraordinaire, Brian Maciej from Best Buy. Brian has been such a great supporter of JA throughout his time in Bismarck- Mandan and we will certainly miss him! …

JA Casino Night 2011 at Apple Creek Country Club
On May 20, 2011, the spirit of Las Vegas is taking over Apple Creek Country Club at the fifth annual Junior Achievement Casino Night. Though the money may be play, the fun will be real!
Apple Creek Country Club will be turning from a golfer’s haven to a gambler’s oasis for the night. With black jack, poker, a paddlewheel and roulette spanning the club, there will be no shortage of places to play.
After getting their fill of the Vegas life, players can “cash” …

Saturday, Feb. 12 marked the 6th Annual JA Monopoly Tournament. The fundraiser, which was hosted at Dorothy Moses Elementary in Bismarck, attracted more than 100 players who had the chance to see how the game of Monopoly relates to real life situations and financial decisions.
“Even though this is a game, the younger players start to make the connection between buying and selling and money management and how it aff ects their real life,” said event organizer and JA Director Sally Paulson.
Mr. Monopoly Jon Simmers served as the official emcee. He …

Capital Credit Union pledged support of the Junior Achievement (JA) program by donating $7500 to the non-profit.
“Capital Credit Union’s generous support will allow JA to continue teaching area youth about the economics, finances and entrepreneurism,” said JA Program Director Sally Paulson. “Their gift in particular is allotted to the education of local middle school students through our NEFE curriculum.”
JA’s NEFE Financial Planning Program introduces 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 …

Junior Achievement (JA) and Cumulus Broadcasting will hold the 6th Annual JA Monopoly Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Dorothy Moses Elementary in Bismarck.
The tournament will crown winners in three categories and help to raise enough funds to reach 4,000 students in 200 classrooms throughout Bismarck- Mandan.
“This year, we will be holding the event at Dorothy Moses Elementary,” says Sally Paulson, JA program director. “Everyone will have a great time, guaranteed!”
The tournament, which is open to children in grade 4 through adults, pits players against each other through three age …

Junior Achievement of Bismarck-Mandan hosted new and returning volunteers at their semi-annual JA Training last month.
Attendees were given a glimpse at what the non-profit provides area youth and what their commitment as volunteers entails. They learned that JA delivers fun and interactive curriculum centered on financial education and entrepreneurism. They also learned that the commitment is minimal, flexible and very rewarding.
If you missed the training, please contact Sally Paulson for a personal introduction to JA. The non-profit is still searching for classroom volunteers. Call 223-5660 or e-mail spaulson@ bismarckmandan.com or …

Junior Achievement of Bismarck-Mandan (JA) continues to receive requests for community members to facilitate the JA curriculum in area classrooms. Please consider volunteering with JA to help educate area students about the importance of economics, finances and entrepreneurism.
Each volunteer gets a kit that contains everything needed to enter a classroom. Curriculum topics include Our City, Our Region, Our Nation, Global Marketplace and the NEFE Financial Planning Program. To find out available grades and schools, please contact Sally Paulson at 223-5660 or spaulson@bismarckmandan.com.

Junior Achievement of Bismarck- Mandan (JA) is growing by leaps and bounds, and needs the community’s help to meet classroom requests. Volunteers are needed to guide readymade curriculum for the following programs in Bismarck-Mandan: 3rd Grade-Our City; 4th Grade-Our Region; 5th Grade-Our Nation; 6th Grade-Global Marketplace; and 9th Grade-NEFE Financial Planning Program.
Volunteers do not need to be a teacher to present the materials, just a willingness to support the economic education of area youth and the desire to bring real-life experience to a classroom. To learn more about JA and …

Did you know that any contributions made to the Junior Achievement (JA) program in Bismarck-Mandan are now tax deductible? JA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Financial contributions help administer curriculum that teaches students about business, economics and free enterprise to more than 3500 students in Bismarck-Mandan schools.
Although local donations benefit the Bismarck-Mandan chapter, JA’s reach is worldwide. In fact, JA Worldwide is the largest organization dedicated to teaching youth the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. It was established in 1919 and is taught by volunteers in …