Heart of Canal Street donation to JA BizTown brings opportunity for kids to prepare for the future

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown

MILWAUKEE -- Junior Achievement of Wisconsin encourages the next generation to plan for the future. The organization is continuing its mission this holiday season, now with a little extra help from the community.

"These are lifelong skills that they are learning," said Michael Frohna, president of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. "They understand commerce, budgeting, loans, profit and how to be a good consumer."

Friday, Dec. 21, kids took part in a full-day immersion experience in Junior Achievement's "BizTown," which gives students a glimpse at working in the real world.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown

"We have to learn how to work independently," said Alex Ribecky, fifth grade student.

One of those jobs was taking on the anchor desk at FOX6, and another -- calling the shots at Culver's.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown

"They'll learn in the classroom what kind of jobs they might be interested in. They'll learn how to apply for a job, they'll interview for a job and then they get a job," said Frohna.

Friday, those opportunities grew with a $35,000 check presented by Heart of Canal Street -- Potawatomi Hotel & Casino's signature community program.

"We were able to raise $1.16 million for 31 fantastic organizations that provide direct service to children throughout southeastern Wisconsin," said Ryan Amundson, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.

Encouraging students to explore a variety of career paths and prepare for the future.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown

"Because we believe that when students are inspired and surrounded by adults who care, that's when communities prosper," said Frohna.

About 15,000 students participate in JA BizTown every year.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin BizTown