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BRIDGEPORT, CT, December 20, 2022 – Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) today announced it has been awarded multiple grants and corporate contributions that total over $160,000. 

In its over 70-year history, JAGFC has been dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a global economy. Combining mentorship with skills building, JAGFC’s interventions help to break the poverty cycle and boost economic mobility. 

“The first half of our fiscal year has been very successful for grant awards. There were many generous donors who have helped us achieve our mission, and we are so grateful for their support. The Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation awarded us with a generous $50,000 grant for general operating support in the Lower Naugatuck Valley,” said Bernadine Venditto, president of Bridgeport-based Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County. “We also won a $10,000 grant from Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders in a partnership supporting entrepreneurial programming, $10,000 from the Prudential Foundation for general operating support, and $10,000 from GE Capital.” 

The nonprofit agency was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee to support programs in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. In addition, the M&T Charitable Foundation awarded JAGFC $60,000 toward the launch of a new leadership and mentorship program for middle school students called Bridgeport Future Leaders. 

“The generosity from our partners helps us fulfill our overarching mission: to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy,” Venditto added. “At Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, we envision a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Our goal is to ensure that every young person in greater Fairfield County is sufficiently prepared to pursue their career of choice and manage their personal finances.” 

“The need in our area is great,” she said. “It would not be possible to serve our young people and our community without the generous funding from corporate foundations like the M&T Charitable Foundation, GE Capital, and the Prudential Foundation, private foundations like the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation and the Katharine Matthies Foundation, and community partners like Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders. We are so grateful for their partnership and support.” 

About Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County 

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) is dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed, through programs which focus on financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Learning experiences, delivered by corporate and community volunteers, provide essential business and life skills, which empower K-12 students to succeed in their careers and to manage their personal finances. JA programs are designed to meet the needs of local schools and students, through in-person or remote learning. JAGFC is committed to delivering practical, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that prepare young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.