CEO OF JA OF CENTRAL INDIANA RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Image caption: Jennifer accepts the Charles R. Hook Award at the JA USA National Leadership Conference.

(Indianapolis, IN) — Jennifer Burk, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (JACI), has been honored with the highly regarded Junior Achievement USA® (JA) Charles R. Hook Award. This national recognition is presented annually to a JA Area president who exhibits exceptional achievements in fostering the growth and development of Junior Achievement. Burk was bestowed with this esteemed accolade during the Junior Achievement USA National Leadership Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 15-18, 2024, triumphing over other notable finalists.

In response to receiving this distinguished award, Burk remarked, "I am continually inspired and driven by the bright, compassionate, and hardworking minds of our talented JA staff, our outstanding and engaged board of directors, and our dedicated community partners. Receiving this recognition is a great honor, and I am grateful for the collective effort that makes our mission possible.”

The Charles R. Hook Award serves as a tribute to Charles R. Hook, the former president and chairman of Junior Achievement during the 1940s and 1950s. Under Hook's visionary leadership, Junior Achievement transitioned from a regional initiative in the northeastern United States to a flourishing national and now worldwide organization.

The growth and prosperity achieved by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana under the leadership and guidance of Burk have been remarkable. Through Burk’s unwavering dedication, strategic direction, and tireless efforts, JACI has experienced unprecedented expansion and progress. This exceptional growth exemplifies the mission of Junior Achievement, as students are empowered to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world application.

In recognition of Burk’s extraordinary accomplishments, Jack Harris, CEO of Junior Achievement USA, expressed his admiration, stating, "Jennifer’s achievements are an inspiring model for all JA leaders, as we advance our mission of equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Jennifer exemplifies the essence of Junior Achievement and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success and expansion of our organization. It is with immense pride that we honor her with this esteemed award."

Through Burk’s strategic leadership, JACI has seen remarkable growth, expanding its annual student reach in the past decade, from 10,000 to nearly 60,000 students, with a dedicated focus on marginalized and minority communities. Her financial acumen has resulted in a robust balance sheet and the establishment of an endowment fund, securing the organization's future. Jennifer has spearheaded the development of groundbreaking programs like JA JobSpark and JA CareerIgnite, integral components of JA’s comprehensive K-12 experiential learning curriculum, which are now being implemented statewide and nationally.

Jennifer's ability to forge strong alliances with a diverse array of stakeholders—including education and business leaders, elected officials, foundations, and state agencies—has solidified her reputation as a crucial partner at both local and state levels. Beyond her professional achievements at JACI, Jennifer dedicates her time and expertise to various volunteer roles, serving on multiple boards and committees, and frequently mentoring others. This remarkable growth exemplifies the core mission of Junior Achievement, as students are empowered to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world application.

About Junior Achievement USA®

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA learning experiences are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Junior Achievement is expanding its reach to 18-to-25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills, as well as to pre-K youth to ensure children get a solid head start. Today, JA reaches more than 4.4 million students per year in 99 markets across the United States as part of 12.5 million students served by operations in more than 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

About Junior Achievement of Central Indiana

At Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (JACI), we believe in "possible." Every day, we help young people discover their potential by connecting what they learn in school with life beyond the classroom. Our programs inspire students to explore possibilities, understand how the world works, and pursue their dreams. In partnership with the business and education communities, JACI empowers young people to take charge of their future success. We educate and inspire young adults, ages 18-25, in career exploration, work readiness, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit www.jaindy.org.