Local Programs - Program Highlights

Ernst & Young Presents Young Entrepreneur Award to JA Alum.

Antonio "Tony" Carnevale is presented a check after winning the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Antonio "Tony" Carnevale was a typical high school sophomore attending public school in the Greater Seattle Area. He was drawn to the tech world and enjoyed tinkering with photo editing and logo software programs. It wasn't until a local volunteer from Allstate taught a Junior Achievement program to his class that Tony discovered his hobby could become a viable business. JA Economics, a high school program, introduced Tony and his fellow students to the characteristics of the economic system and career opportunities. He vividly recalls his classroom volunteer. "Our instructor Kevin Giboney told us, 'Anyone can be an entrepreneur. You just need to start with and idea and turn it into a business plan.' It made me believe I could do something I really like to do for a living."

With this new found knowledge, Tony felt he could master the business world. Taking a leap of faith and armed with an understanding of economic principals and how they play out in the business world, he launched a web and graphic design business. Now a senior in high school, Tony's company, Venbit, is profitable and expanding. He was recently awarded the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year through Ernst and Young. JA programs supply students like Tony with the leadership skills necessary to believe in the free enterprise system. You can follow Tony's success on his company website www.venbit.com.

JA Titan Program

Future CEOs got an early start making key business decision as they competed in JA's High-Tech Business Challenge presented by Washington River Protection Solutions at Columbia Basin College last spring. Selected from JA Titan classes throughout the Tri-Cities area, these high school CEOs formed management teams to experience the real-world challenges and opportunities of running a dynamic high-tech company, using JA's online business simulation. Set in the year 2035, the JA Titan simulates the Holo-Generator industry. Student teams make decisions on manufacturing, marketing, R&D and other critical choices. How well they make their decision determines their share of the market - the winning factor in the competition.

Weeks before the Business Challenge, JA volunteers taught JA Titan lessons to over 45 high school students from Richland, Pasco, Kennewick and Finley. The 8 week JA Titan program gives students practical experience in teamwork and consensus building while analyzing situations and thinking critically, applying math skills to chart and interpret data and test their instincts and knowledge to make business decisions. "The JA Titan program and the High-Tech Business Challenge great ways to engage and educate students in the realities of today's business environment and help prepare them to be successful in careers and as informed citizens," said Dom Sansotta, Washington River Protection Solutions' workforce resources manager. "WRPS is pleased to support such an event. The students, as well as our community, benefit from this spirited regional competition."