Empowering Youth Through Opportunity: SummerWorks Partners with Junior Achievement
Author: Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Friday, 11 Apr 2025
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This summer, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana is proud to once again partner with Louisville’s SummerWorks program to help young people gain valuable job experience and skills that will set them up for lifelong success. In a powerful show of support, Mayor Craig Greenberg, community leaders, and SummerWorks participants recently gathered at JA to rally behind the program and encourage youth and employers alike to get involved.
“At its core, SummerWorks is about setting up our city’s young people for success,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Whether you’re interested in science and technology, education, construction and skilled trades, social services, business, or something else—there’s something for everyone at SummerWorks.”
A Strong and Growing Partnership
Junior Achievement has proudly hosted SummerWorks youth for several years, providing both a meaningful summer work experience and essential workforce education through immersive programs like JA Finance Park. This simulated city experience allows students to take on real-world financial decisions—budgeting, saving,
and planning for their futures.
“Junior Achievement is honored to partner with SummerWorks in preparing and connecting our young people to career opportunities and support,” said Jennifer Helgeson, President of JA of Kentuckiana. “This program is more than a summer job—it’s a launchpad. We are thrilled to even have SummerWorks as part of the JA Finance Park simulation.”
How It Works
SummerWorks connects Louisville youth ages 16–21 with summer jobs, resume support, and essential soft skills training. The program offers positions with leading Louisville employers such as GE Appliances, Humana, and UPS, along with approximately 200 sponsored positions at nonprofits like Junior Achievement.
Whether placed in the private or nonprofit sector, each SummerWorks participant gains more than just a paycheck—they walk away with career experience, confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Invest in the Future
Are you a young person looking to gain job experience—or an employer ready to invest in Louisville’s future workforce? Now’s the time to sign up. Join Junior Achievement and SummerWorks as we work together to empower, educate, and elevate the next
generation.
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, Inc..
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