On Monday, students at North Albany Academy joyfully hoisted a ceremonial check representing a $10,000 donation from Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York..
The donation will support expansion of Junior Achievement through AVID and financial literacy programs operating in 98 classrooms throughout the City School District of Albany.
“We’re so grateful to our community partners at Junior Achievement and Bank of America for supporting these programs that are vital to student success,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
District community partners are equally excited about the effort.
“Bank of America is thrilled to expand our decade-long partnership with Junior Achievement through the City School District of Albany,” said Jennifer L. MacPhee, Albany and Hudson Valley president at Bank of America. “It is essential that we continue to provide access to financial literacy to our youth and young adults, equipping them with the skill set to succeed and make sound financial decisions.”
Junior Achievement supports a range of programs in district elementary, middle and high schools. The programs are grade-specific and designed to teach students the basics about economics and show them the relevance of education in the workplace.
“It is a genuine privilege to partner with a community pillar like Bank of America. We are fortunate to collaborate with two of the most passionate and dedicated educational leaders in North Albany Principal Lesley Buff and Superintendent Kaweeda Adams. Giving these amazing kids a sense of purpose is our 'why,'” said Derek S. Martin, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York.
AVID – short for Advancement Via Individual Determination – is a national kindergarten-through-high-school initiative designed to increase the number of students who succeed in college and career. The program is offered at two elementary schools, all three middle schools and Albany High School.
North Albany Academy Principal Lesley Buff implemented AVID at her school three years ago; the school has since embraced the program and this year was named an AVID Showcase School for the northeastern region. In addition, North Albany is one of six district elementary schools that enjoys a thriving partnership with Junior Achievement.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves about 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.
