Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Shines the Spotlight on Local Volunteer, Jason Camarato

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN – After 14 years of teaching Junior Achievement (JA) programs, Jason Camarato, a JA volunteer from Schofield, can’t wait to get back into the classroom next fall. Jason focuses his volunteer time on two JA classes for middle school students, JA It’s My Future^® and JA It’s My Business^®.

JA It’s My Future exposes eighth graders to different career paths they might not have thought of. Students start to see how choices they make in middle school can have an impact on their lives after graduation. They also learn job interview skills, develop their own personal brand, and practice soft skills.

JA It’s My Business teaches middle school students the steps to start a business. Students identify their personal entrepreneurial characteristics. Lessons focus on design thinking to understand a problem, and help students develop a business startup from its ideation, innovation, and market research. Students take part in a product pitch competition that helps them develop public speaking, persuasion, and analytical skills.

One of his most memorable volunteer experiences involved a student who, according to the teacher, was disconnected from school, with late assignments and limited class participation. As the student became involved in the JA exercises to create a business plan and build their own business, the light bulb came on. By the day of the product pitch, the student was the best prepared and had a great business idea to share with the class. Later the student said that the JA activities got them excited about learning. After the JA class, the student’s entire outlook toward school changed for the positive.

“I am always excited to start a new JA program and share my successes and failures with the students to show them how their school lessons apply in the real world,” said Jason Camarato. “I enjoy the students challenging me with questions and seeing their perspectives. I highly recommend volunteering with JA to lead a classroom program!” Jason added.

Jason is currently the Technical Services Manager for Accurex, part of the Greenheck Group. The Greenheck Group, located in Schofield, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of kitchen ventilation systems and HVAC equipment.