Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Announces Updates to Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center

Author: Ricky Pollitt
Community Involvement
Published: Wednesday, 25 May 2022

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Image caption: Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore displays images of the new Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center

Eastern Shore, MD – Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore announced updates to its upcoming Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center on Tuesday, May 24 at Salisbury University, hosting a packed room of community leaders, elected officials, education advocates and JA supporters.

The event unveiled the center’s progress, showcasing 3D printings and images that will make the facility a focal point of education on Maryland’s eastern shore. Junior Achievement also revealed its new logo and branding, reflecting the organization’s evolution from a supplemental youth development program in the 1980s to a fully integrated K-12 education partner today.

To help share JA’s progress, the event was highlighted by author and public speaker Walter Bond who motivated the crowd and spoke to the importance and impact the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center will have on students for years to come.

“The event was more than we could have imagined, and having Walter serve as our keynote speaker inspired the audience to devote resources to the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center,” said Jayme Hayes, president of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore.

“This facility will house over 10,000 students a year from seven different counties, offering financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs to all ages. Our students will be better prepared to succeed outside the classroom because of the impact provided by the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center.”

The event also featured Junior Achievement alumna Jasmine Shuman, who illustrated how the organization directly impacted her future success. As a single mother who has faced challenges throughout her adult life, Shuman noted she wouldn’t be where she is today without Junior Achievement programs.

“Junior Achievement has helped many and continues to impact and transform the lives of both young and old,” Shuman said. “Without JA, there wouldn't be any involvement in communities to help further youths' experience of career development, financial literacy and professionalism. I believe Junior Achievement is needed for everyone because we all may come into contact with someone in need of help or to even be the help!”

The Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center is expected to open in late 2023. To learn more about the project or donate, visit inspiredbyexperiencejaes.org.

About Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating youth, grades K-12 both public and private, on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Our hands-on, age-appropriate programs inspire youth to live within their means, prepare for the world of work and understand the free enterprise system. We are an enhancement to what kids learn in school and a direct link to real-life applications, making school relevant and increasing students’ engagement in the classroom.

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