Country Bank pledges $30,000 to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts

Posted on June 21, 2023

Country Bank proudly supports Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Massachusetts. For more than 100 years, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts has provided economic education and financial literacy programs to the youth of Western Massachusetts and Vermont. JA of Western Massachusetts impacts thousands of young people each year, opening their minds to their potential and preparing them for life after graduation.

“Junior Achievement of Western MA is deeply grateful for Country Bank’s support of the JA Career, Leadership, & Innovation Center (CLIC). As a CLIC founding sponsor, this generosity has propelled JA into the construction phase of this campaign, with renovations now underway in our current office space in Tower Square, Springfield,” stated William Dziura, Development Director of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts

Beginning in fall 2021, JA will offer a 21^st century environment for young people to engage with JA programs, including:

• Career Exploration: Helping students identify fulfilling career options and make wise decisions pertaining to post- secondary education.
• Innovation & Leadership: Helping students expand their thinking and skill development, preparing future leaders, entrepreneurial thinkers, and innovators.
• Financial Education: Providing students with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to make informed and effective decisions with all their financial resources.

“It has been my honor to be affiliated with Junior Achievement of Western Mass since the mid 90’s as both a classroom volunteer and former board member. I have seen the positive and lasting impact these programs have on the students. This center is just one more example of Jennifer Connolly’s tireless commitment to the students and her Team’s creative approach, leveraging technology to expand the program’s reach,” stated Tom Wolcott, FSVP, Commercial Loan Officer at Country Bank.

From left to right: William Dziura, Development Director of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, Tom Wolcott, First Senior Vice President Commercial Banking of Country Bank and Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President Community Relations of Country Bank and Junior Achievement Board Member.