The Bechtel Group Foundation announced today it has donated $20,000 to the Junior Achievement of Washington, Southeastern Washington Chapter (JA). This most recent gift enables Junior Achievement to deliver their free, virtual programs to educators and students to help sustain learning during the pandemic.
“Bechtel’s generous support has allowed thousands of young people throughout the Tri-Cities area to receive JA’s essential work readiness and financial literacy programs,” said Tamra Meyer, Director of Central Washington & Southeastern Washington. “This vital partnership ensures local students gain the skills and knowledge they need to plan their future and define success on their own terms. This know-how is proving to be of the utmost importance during the pandemic as we need to show students that they can still build a strong future, despite unexpected downturns.”
Bechtel leadership also participated as speakers for JA’s new free program Lunch With Leaders, where business leaders across the state met with students virtually, discussed their career journey, and answered student questions. Deputy Project Director Felice Presti and WTP Controller Manager Cynethia Sims each discussed details about why they chose their career, their typical day, what motivates them, and much more.
“It was a great pleasure to connect with the students,” Presti said. “This opportunity allowed me to share skills and knowledge that the students can use in the future. By providing work readiness programs and resources, Junior Achievement is empowering our local students with the skills to work towards a brighter future.”
Junior Achievement is one of four nonprofits in Bechtel’s global stewardship program, which supports STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and humanitarian engineering efforts with Foundation gifts and company volunteers. Since 2011, Bechtel has donated a total of $235,000 to Junior Achievement of Washington, Southeastern Washington Chapter, and has contributed US$4.5 million to Junior Achievement globally.
Contact: Staci A. West, 509-378-0308 or sawest@bechtel.com