LightHouse Program Teams Up with Junior Achievement of North Louisiana
Over 30 middle school LightHouse children silently paid attention as Junior Achievement of North Louisiana volunteer, Dan Farris, led JA It’s My Business! program at Fair Park Middle School. 
This is all part of a collaborative effort between Volunteers of America North Louisiana’s afterschool and summer program, the LightHouse, teaming up with Junior Achievement of North Louisiana to bring quality, educational experiences to students.
Through engaging activities, JA It’s My Business! provides middle school students an opportunity to practice the initial steps necessary to start a business. The two-week program content provides an authentic entrepreneurial experience for students, with each session building up to a product-pitch competition.
Dan Farris, JA volunteer, shared why he commits his time and service. “Coming from an underprivileged background, it has always been important to me to give back to the community, especially children. My efforts through the LightHouse and Junior Achievement allow me to do just that. Some children are dealt a rough hand, but with some support and guidance, they are fully capable of discovering and achieving their dreams and ambitions.” He adds, “We’re fortunate to have programs like Junior Achievement and the LightHouse in our community.”
In the 2016-18 academic year, 100% of the 688 LightHouse kids stayed in school, 2.93 was their average GPA, and 100% of LightHouse children avoided the juvenile justice system and teen pregnancy. The LightHouse is funded in part by grants from The Community Foundation of North Louisiana and the United Way of Northwest Louisiana. For more information about Volunteers of America North Louisiana, visit www.voanorthla.org.