Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania receives $25,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual

MILWAUKEE, April 25, 2014 – Contributing to the community is a way of life for Jack Carr. He is being recognized by Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, for his work with Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania (JANEPA) as a recipient of the company’s 20th annual Community Service Award.

Carr, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Moosic, Penn., was chosen as one of four most exceptional volunteers across the country, earning him a $25,000 grant for JANEPA. The honor identifies 16 Northwestern Mutual financial professionals that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit, and awards the organization with a grant on behalf of the volunteer’s work.

JANEPA serves more than 10,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization, a global leader in cutting-edge, hands-on education, pursues its mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy by providing in-school programs focused on three key content areas: entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. Carr became involved with JANEPA six years ago after searching for a nonprofit whose mission closely aligned with his skill and knowledge set. As a chairman of the board of directors and in-classroom volunteer, Carr has helped increase donation volume and volunteer recruitment, giving more students access to these essential programs.

“I have a strong passion for assisting individuals in the area of financial literacy,” said Carr. “Not only does Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania give students the resources necessary to learn and practice important money concepts, the organization also teaches a fundamental understanding and appreciation for entrepreneurship – an area I am personally vested in.”

The nonprofit will use the grant to support Junior Achievement’s BizTown program, a simulated community that makes the connection between classroom learning and the real world by providing students with the opportunity to practice essential skills for their future. JANEPA will be able to further develop initiatives around science, technology, engineering and math concepts, specifically by adding related careers to the program’s career exploration portion. 

“Achieving meaningful, lasting change in communities is only possible when someone takes the first step,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “The work Jack does not only impacts those involved with the organization, but serves as a model for all of us to follow.”

The Community Service Program honors 16 financial professionals throughout the country who consistently work as exceptional volunteers in their communities. Since 1995, the company has donated more than $4 million to nonprofits on behalf of its representatives.