Drawing on their real-world perspective and real-work experience, “volunteachers” from Ashford University spent part of their workday on December 11 interacting with students, grades K-5, at Pomerado Elementary in Poway, Calif. The Ashford employees shared what it is like to be an adult in the business world. Using class materials created by Junior Achievement (JA), the lesson plans were designed to broaden elementary school children’s view of how the world works for adults.

“Ashford University faculty and employees are committed to giving back and are dedicated to improving lives,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president and chief executive officer of Ashford University. “The Junior Achievement program is an excellent opportunity for us to show children what working adults do, and we enjoy participating in it.”

In addition to offering the expertise of employee volunteers, Ashford University also supported JA’s Teacher Enrichment Program with a monetary donation.

Earlier this year, more than 120 employees from Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education participated in Junior Achievement’s annual Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser event held on March 13.

Junior Achievement’s “what adults do” learning experience is at the core of JA Teach Day. Children in the classroom are exposed to different facets of an adult’s workday experience, and JA lessons relate big-picture economic concepts and responsibilities to each student’s experience in their family, community, and country. More information on Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties can be found on their website at jasandiego.org.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor’s programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit ashford.edu or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement Of San Diego, Inc. works locally to impact 52,000 students in K-12 classrooms in the 2013-2014 school year. Junior Achievement’s financial literacy programs take thousands of volunteers who lead classes and experiential programs. For more information on programs in San Diego and Imperial Counties, please visit www.jasandiego.org.