Since 1919, Junior Achievement (JA) has worked to educate young people on preparing for a future career and managing their finances. It’s the world’s largest organization of its kind, operating in 123 countries and providing hands-on programs for 9.7 million students.

JA’s South Texas branch is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the site of CGI’s U.S. Service Desk, a 100+ member operation that provides critical, round-the-clock IT support services to clients across the U.S. CGI members working there have partnered with JA to raise money and provide educational support.

In 2011, for example, CGI members volunteered for JA’s Finance Park Program designed to teach young people about a wide variety of finance topics, including saving and investing and personal budgeting. The program consists of a four-week curriculum that culminates in a day-long budgeting simulation. During the simulation each student becomes an adult for the day, responsible for handling a fictional life situation that requires him or her to make important financial decisions. CGI members served as mentors during the simulation, helping a diverse range of young people—from eager students to troubled teens.

Our San Antonio members have also helped to raise money for JA, participating, for example, in JA’s 2011 Bowl-A-Thon in which they raised nearly $1,500.

The team’s support of JA is part of an overall commitment to community service that, in 2011 alone, involved raising money for victims of the Japan earthquake, manning the phones during a televised fundraiser for the region’s public broadcasting station, and raising hundreds for the American Heart Association by participating in the San Antonio American Heart Walk.

“2011 was a terrific year for supporting our local community, and we look forward to continuing to help in different ways in the years ahead,” said Technical Support Representative Stephanie Campos.