15 March 2024
The UPS Store, Inc., Empowers the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with $2.9 Million Donation to Junior Achievement USA®
As part of the Start Small, Grow Big program, funds contributed from customers in 2023 will help prepare young students for success
SAN DIEGO, March 15, 2024 – Today, The UPS Store, Inc., announces its donation of $2.9 million to Junior Achievement USA® through its Start Small, Grow Big program – an initiative designed to support aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs. Customers at more than 5,200 The UPS Store® locations in 2023 helped to nearly double the previous year’s contribution, underscoring the company’s dedication to shaping a brighter future for young individuals.
A recent survey by Junior Achievement USA found that three in four teens would be likely to consider becoming an entrepreneur, but they need more information on how to be successful. One-third of teens surveyed also expressed they would need a role model who is a business owner for guidance. To help bridge this gap, The UPS Store Start Small, Grow Big program supports Junior Achievement USA® programs across the nation that enable students to receive lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and hands-on entrepreneurship modules and mentoring.
“It is an honor to show our commitment to the small business owners of today and tomorrow in such a powerful and actionable way,” said Sarah Casalan Bittle, President, The UPS Store, Inc. “Our Start Small, Grow Big program provides opportunities for school-aged children to learn practical life and business skills that will give them the confidence to excel in their personal and professional lives.”
The steps to donate to the program are easy and quick for customers of The UPS Store network. After purchasing products and services at a The UPS Store location, such as packing, shipping, printing marketing materials, and shredding documents among others, customers can opt to help support the next generation of entrepreneurs by simply donating upon checkout at any The UPS Store location in the U.S. (https://www.theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store). Start Small, Grow Big program supporters can also make a donation online through the Junior Achievement website.
“We are beyond grateful to The UPS Store network and their Start Small, Grow Big program for their transformative contribution,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, President & CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “This generous investment significantly contributes to the mission of our organization and our goal of supporting young people who are exploring starting their own business in the future. With The UPS Store network’s support, we can equip young minds with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving entrepreneurial landscape.”
Visit https://www.theupsstore.com/startsmall for more information about the Start Small, Grow Big program.
About The UPS Store
With more than 5,200 locations across North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nation's largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print, and business service centers. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of United Parcel Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation (although one or more may be company-owned). Services, prices, and hours of operation are subject to change and may vary by location. For additional information about The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com. Follow The UPS Store on social media at @TheUPSStore, facebook.com/theupsstore, and instagram.com/theupsstore.
About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
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 102 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.
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