East West Bank and KPMG Take the Lead with Inspiring Eighth Graders at McAuliffe Middle School

Author: Courtney Azuike
Community Involvement
Published: Wednesday, 24 Mar 2021

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Image caption: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

McAuliffe Middle School in Fort Bend ISD hosted their annual eighth grade Career Day and just like many other campuses they adapted their program to a virtual format. Although this format was new to all involved, the campus and volunteers were committed to making this event a success for every student. During this one-day virtual event, eighth graders participated in two Junior Achievement programs, JA Career Speakers Series and JA Your Career, Your Future. East West Bank volunteers led the charge for the JA Career Speakers Series. The volunteers shared invaluable information about their career path as well as their company. Alex Chang with East West Bank expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to make an impact at McAuliffe MS, “Young people are incredibly resilient, curious, & impressionable. Junior Achievement is a wonderful program that allows for people in the community to interact and spend a little time with them. The interaction helps stir their curious minds and hopefully make an impression that will help inspire, keep them on the right path, and/or help guide them to a better path.” Thank you to Angel Pham-Truong with East West Bank for helping recruit volunteers for this event and her dedication to making a difference through JA.

In addition, seventy KPMG interns led the JA Your Career, Your Future portion of the event. During this program, students learned the importance of soft skills to obtain and maintain a job, various different careers they can pursue in all endorsements, as well as the post-secondary education required to obtain specific jobs. In addition, students played a virtual game that emphasized the importance of budgeting and life choices. Thank you to Natalie Holland, KPMG’s JA Volunteer Coordinator, for helping to recruit volunteers for the event.

Junior Achievement is very appreciative of Twana Jones the entire McAuliffe MS family. We look forward to our continued partnership!