Community Matters with Scott Cordischi featuring Junior Achievement RI with Cassi Steenblok 11-29-25

It's all about the students and preparing them for success in their lives and careers, as they become adults in the workforce. Junior Achievement Rhode Island (jari.org) has been a key component in that effort since 1922, after the national Junior Achievement organization came on the scene in 1919. Cassi Steenblok, Director of Development joins the program for the latest happenings. She explains that the most under served segment of the student population in the Ocean State get the benefit of learning skills ranging from running a business to the latest in artificial intelligence (AI). In the 2024-2025 school year, they “reached nearly 12,000 students in 75 schools in 22 different districts”. A peek behind the curtain occurs on December 9th through December 11th at JA Inspire career fair in Providence, when students can get hands-on experience. “JA Inspire is a coalition of educators and industry leaders, led by Junior Achievement of Rhode Island. At the center of our work is a powerful career exploration fair where 5,000 8th graders from around the state visit the Rhode Island Convention Center to learn from 90 exhibitors representing high-growth, high-demand careers here in Rhode Island”. The best part, all the programs JARI provides are FREE! You can imagine fundraising is key to continuing to provide this successful school centric programming. Volunteers and donations from businesses and individuals are welcome and “Giving Tuesday” is a great time to get on board.