Recent research conducted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), in partnership with Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego), highlights the significant organizational advantages for employers who host high school and post-secondary summer interns.

Boosting Productivity, Collaboration, and Company Culture

Student internship programs led to positive improvements in internal company culture and workplace dynamics.

• Leadership Development: 74% of employers noted an increase in leadership and coaching skills among their employees.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: 62% of employers reported an increase in collaboration across teams, strengthening internal culture and communication, and enabling employees to work together in new ways, reinforcing a culture of teamwork.
• Employee Engagement: 74% of employers noted there was higher enthusiasm and energy at work after hosting interns.

Student internships are not only about developing future talent. They create opportunities for current employees to grow as mentors, leaders, and cross-functional contributors. This leads to a more engaged workforce and a stronger organizational culture.

Strengthening Community Engagement and Corporate Impact

For many organizations, community impact is a core component of their mission or corporate social responsibility goals. Hosting interns can be a powerful way to create an impact in their community, with many employers citing this as a primary reason for participating in youth internship experiences.

• Meaningful Contribution: 67% of employers stated the greatest benefit to hosting interns was the community connection and impact they made in supporting young people.
• Connection to Community: 72% of employers felt more connected to the San Diego community.

Employers consistently shared the personal and professional value of the experience.

William Rivera, Division Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships at San Diego State University Division of Research and Innovation, shared, “Being an employer partner with JA SYEP was genuinely special both personally and professionally. Getting to see the students grow, watching their confidence build, practical skills take off, and just seeing their excitement as they connected what they learned in class to real work — was incredibly rewarding for me. The whole experience reminded me why it’s so important to support youth programs and invest in mentorship.”

Experiences like these exemplify the power of student internship programs in strengthening local ties, shaping future talent, and providing a clear pathway for community investment and impact for businesses.

Building a More Inclusive and Future-Ready Talent Pipeline

As employers continue to navigate workforce shortages, skills gaps, and evolving industry needs, developing a diverse and future-ready talent pipeline has become a strategic priority.

• Retaining Talent: 50% of employers extended internships or offered students full-time employment, and an additional 25% wished to retain interns but faced budget limitations.
• Recruitment: Over 90% of employers viewed internship participation as a way to diversify or expand their recruitment pipeline.

By offering real-world experiences to young people, organizations help cultivate future professionals who are prepared, connected, and aligned with regional workforce needs. At the same time, employers gain early access to emerging talent and can shape their skills to meet organizational and industry demands.

Be a Part of the Solution

Hosting student interns provides a unique opportunity to make a real impact, driving growth for your organization while empowering the next generation of talent:

Employers who host student interns have the unique opportunity to:

• Support the next generation of San Diego talent
• Strengthen employee engagement and leadership
• Diversify and expand recruitment pipelines
• Advance community impact and regional prosperity

By participating, your organization plays a direct role in shaping the future workforce, while benefiting from fresh perspectives, stronger teams, and expanding your reach in San Diego.

Are you an employer interested in hosting student interns? Get in touch with the JA Summer Youth Employment Program team by completing our Site Host Interest Form or contacting Pana Hap at phap@jasandiego.org.

The post Research Shows Student Internship Programs Help Drive Business Outcomes appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

As you consider your end of year giving plan, please consider including JA San Diego in your plans. Your investment will inspire young people to see what’s possible. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or considering a gift for the first time, here are several powerful ways to support JA students before December 31.

1. Make a Direct Gift 

A direct contribution is one of the most effective ways to support JA students and programs. You can give in the way that works best for you: online, by mail, or bank transfer. This is a great option for people interested in giving at any level!

• One-time gifts help us meet immediate needs and expand hands-on learning experiences for local students.
• Monthly gifts provide sustained, reliable funding that allows us to plan ahead and reach even more young people throughout the year. Join the JA Investors Club today!

2. Donate Stock or Appreciated Securities

Donating appreciated securities is a simple and tax-efficient way to make a meaningful difference for young people. You may be able to offset capital gains taxes while your gift directly supports students across the San Diego region. Please contact us and we can provide clear instructions to help you initiate a stock transfer with ease.

JA San Diego does not provide financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisor to see if donating stock or appreciated securities could provide tax advantages for you.

3. Recommend a Grant from Your Donor-Advised Fund 

If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF), year-end is a wonderful time to support local students. A DAF grant helps JA deliver engaging, experiential learning opportunities in financial literacy, career exploration, and entrepreneurship. You can also set up recurring DAF grants, which offer steady support and allow more students to access life-changing programs year-round.

4. Make an IRA Charitable Rollover

For individuals age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can be a simple and meaningful way to invest in San Diego’s future workforce. A QCD can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and the amount donated may be excluded from your taxable income. To qualify, the gift must be made directly from your IRA to Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Please note that JA San Diego does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor or tax professional to determine whether a Qualified Charitable Distribution is right for you.

5. Leave a Legacy Gift

Many supporters use the end of the year to revisit their long-term plans and consider the impact they want to leave behind. Including JA San Diego in your will or trust helps ensure future generations of students have access to transformative learning experiences. Other options include naming JA as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or investment account. Learn more about Legacy giving here.

Keep Year-End Deadlines in Mind

To ensure your gift counts toward this tax year:

• Online donations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 31.
• Mailed checks should be postmarked by December 31.
• Stock transfers, IRA rollovers, and DAF grants may require additional processing time. Your financial or tax advisor can provide personalized advice on timing.

The JA San Diego team is always here to help with any organization-specific questions or steps.

Subject matter expert Jennifer Barnes, CEO & Founder of Optima Office, Inc., an organization that specializes in accounting, shared, “December is the perfect time to maximize your charitable impact. Donations made before December 31st are deductible on this year’s tax return, and with the IRS allowing up to 60% of AGI for cash contributions to public charities, strategic year-end giving can create meaningful tax savings while supporting causes that matter to you. If you’re considering larger gifts, donating appreciated stock can be even more tax-efficient – you avoid capital gains tax and still get the full fair market value deduction.”

Don’t Forget Your Employer Match

Many companies match donations dollar-for-dollar or more through a matching gift program which can instantly amplify your impact. Check with your employer to see how you can apply for a matching gift today. A simple check can make your generosity go even further.

Thank You for Investing in San Diego’s Young People

Every contribution, whether it’s made today, given throughout the year, or included in your long-term plans, helps JA San Diego open doors of opportunity for young people. Your generosity, your partnership, and your belief in our students truly make a difference. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and inspiration to our students.

If you are ready to make your year-end gift now, please visit our website HERE or contact Jessica Woodyard at jwoodyard@jasandiego.org or by calling 619-906-4902.

The post Your Year-End Giving Guide: Creating Brighter Futures with JA San Diego appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Youth workforce development nonprofit honors San Diego leaders for excellence in business, education, and philanthropy

Pictured left to right: Charlie Yim, Shirley N. Weber, and Jack Raymond. | Photo by Carlos Cacho

Oct. 24, 2025 (San Diego, CA) — Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego) inducted the next class of Lifetime Laureates at the 2025 JA San Diego Business Hall of Fame presented by US Bank, recognizing four local leaders with a commitment toward uplifting the San Diego region. This year’s honorees are Jack Raymond, Darlene Shiley, Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., and Dr. Chun Bin “Charlie” Yim.

“We are honored to recognize these individuals for their work and investment in the San Diego community through education, business, policy, and beyond. They have had a transformational impact and serve as role models, especially for our youth,” said Sidd Vivek, President and CEO of JA San Diego.

Established in 1986, the San Diego Business Hall of Fame recognizes individuals in the community who embody business and philanthropic excellence.

Jack Raymond, Chairman and CEO of Raymond Companies

Jack Raymond has held numerous leadership roles in educational and community organizations, including the Escondido Elementary School Board of Trustees, the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, Escondido Community Foundation, and the San Diego Economic Development Corporation. He has been recognized for his many contributions, including the LEAD San Diego Visionary Leadership Award for Regional Collaboration and the Escondido Business Leader of the Year.

Darlene Shiley, President of The Shiley Foundation

A patron of education, medical research, and the arts, Shiley’s contributions are evident throughout the San Diego region. Shiley serves as president of the Shiley Foundation, stewarding the philanthropic commitment of her and her late husband, Donald Shiley, in donating their estate. Shiley additionally volunteers her time as a mentor to university students.

Shirley N. Weber, PhD, California Secretary of State

Shirley Nash Weber, Ph.D., serves as the current California Secretary of State. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California history. Before her appointment, Weber served as an Assembly Member representing California’s 79th Assembly District and as a member and chair of the San Diego Unified School District. Weber is committed to creating equitable and fair policies and has successfully enacted reforms in education and criminal justice.

Dr. Chun Bin “Charlie” Yim, Entrepreneur

Born in Seoul, Korea, Charlie Yim moved to San Diego in 1969 to work with the Peace Corps. He later attended San Diego State where he earned a bachelor’s and doctoral degree. Yim spent several years serving in the public sector before dedicating his time to entrepreneurial endeavors, turning struggling businesses into huge successes. Yim has served in leadership roles for organizations focused on international business relations and is a philanthropist in the San Diego community.

About Junior Achievement of San Diego

Since 1950, Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego) has been inspiring and equipping youth to achieve economic success by planning for their futures and making informed academic and career choices. Through proven experiential learning programs, such as the McGrath Family JA BizTown and Mission Fed JA Finance Park, students build the financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills needed to thrive in a global economy. Annually, JA San Diego serves 30,000 students with the support of over 4,000 community volunteers.

Media Contact
Catherine Van Weele
Marketing & Communications Manager
cvanweele@jasandiego.org
(619) 906-4909

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2025 Business Hall of Fame Photo Gallery | Photos by Carlos Cacho

The post Four Local Community Leaders Inducted Into the 2025 San Diego Business Hall of Fame appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Tony Freitas is an educator at San Diego Unified School District, where he has worked for 17 years. He has been teaching at Innovation Middle School for the past seven years and is currently an AVID teacher. Tony is also the varsity softball coach at Santana High School. Prior to becoming a teacher, Tony worked as a teacher’s aide while obtaining a degree at CSU Fullerton.

Tony is 44 years old and has been married for 16 years. As a father to two children, Tony enjoys spending his free time coaching his kids in their sports. In addition to his kids’ sports, Tony is a huge Padres and Chargers fan.

What is one thing you enjoy about teaching?
One of my favorite things to do is find exciting experiences and activities for my AVID students, helping them to grow into well-rounded adults. I have worked with Junior Achievement for years and have enjoyed the opportunity to be able to enrich my students with their programs and mentorship.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
I think I would tell my younger self to be patient. When I look back, I was always concerned with what would be the next phase in my life instead of just enjoying the moment. The older you get, the faster the time seems to go. I have learned over the years to enjoy every moment and to not always worry about what is coming next.

What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
I was born and raised in San Diego and I love living here. The cost of living here is tough, but it is well worth being in America’s Finest City. Where else could you go snowboarding in the local mountains and surf at the local beaches in the same day? Also, being a huge baseball fan, I love supporting the Padres with my friends and family at Petco Park or at any of the local bar and grills. Lastly, you can’t beat the San Diego weather. I don’t do too well being in cold temperatures, so sunny SD is right up my alley.

The post JA Spotlight: Meet Educator Tony Freitas appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

“Life Science Cares San Diego is proud to support Junior Achievement through investment in the JA Fellows Alumni program. By providing scholarship support, we help ensure that talented, often under-resourced young people have the opportunity to pursue higher education and explore career pathways,” said Alicia Quinn Kitagawa, Executive Director at Life Science Cares San Diego. “This partnership reflects our belief that access to education is a powerful driver of equity and economic mobility.”

Seven alumni from the JA Fellows program have been selected to receive the multi-year scholarship to support their post-secondary plans. Learn more about the 2025 recipients and their academic and career plans.

Beyonce
Beyonce is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, majoring in public health. She aspires to build a career in research, with a focus on advocating for underserved communities through the study of medicine and diseases.

Bianca
Bianca is a sophomore at UC Merced, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Law and Policy. She aspires to pursue a career in law or government, where she hopes to contribute to her community.

Carolina
Carolina is attending Southwestern Community College and is majoring in biology. She plans to transfer to a radiology program at Mesa College.

Christian
Christian will be attending the University of San Diego, studying in the STEM field. He is interested in specializing in biomedical engineering and wants to use STEM to discover, invent, and solve ways to help our world.

Erika
Erika is a student at San Diego State University, majoring in business marketing with a specialization in integrated marketing communications and minor in economics. Erika plans to continue to grow in her marketing position for Shiny Details and administrative assistant position in Marin Custom Cabinets. Her long-term goal is to work in a community coordinator position for a non-profit organization, while additionally fulfilling her everlasting dreams of owning a Mexican Restaurant/Tavern.

Sebastian
Sebastian is planning to pursue higher education at San Diego State University Fowler College of Business, where he will major in finance and learn the necessary functions of a successful business person before applying those skills in the real world by eventually establishing his own business.

Yulia
Yulia is an incoming freshman at UC Berkeley, majoring in psychology on a pre-med track. She plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. She always wanted to be in the medical field as well as to work with children; combining both interests, she would like to become a pediatrician to help children thrive.

The post Life Science Cares Awards Multi-Year Scholarships To JA Alumni appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Eloisa Orozco has helped implement work-based learning opportunities for high school students at Encore Capital Group through the JA Summer Youth Employment Program.

Eloisa currently leads strategic internal and external communications for Encore, a global specialty finance company with operations in eight countries. Her role involves brand building, reputation management, and championing employee voices and experiences. Additionally, she oversees the company’s global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, Community Impact programs, and Corporate Giving initiatives.

Previously, Eloisa enjoyed a successful tenure at WM, formerly Waste Management, a FORTUNE 200 company and North American’s leading environmental services provider, championing people and the planet. Prior to joining WM, she served as the Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in San Diego County, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to ending impaired driving, supporting victims, and promoting safer communities through education and advocacy.

Eloisa attended California State University, San Marcos, where she earned a BA in Sociology with a minor in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Sociological Practice.

How and why did you first get involved with JA?
I’ve had the pleasure of supporting JA’s mission locally in San Diego since 2023 in my capacity as Global Community Impact Leader for Encore Capital Group (Encore), and as part of the team that helped establish our relationship with Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Since then, it’s been an absolute joy to continue cultivating our local relationship, as well as expanding Encore’s support of JA’s mission across the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica. We began our relationship with JA in San Diego, and now we have colleagues volunteering with JA affiliates in three countries! Most recently, we welcomed seven bright and ambitious JA SD Fellows to our headquarters for a two-week, summer work-based learning experience.

As an organization dedicated to creating pathways to economic freedom, we believe that financial education is a key factor in achieving economic freedom. By supporting the mission of Junior Achievement, we are contributing to connecting young people with the skills, tools, and resources they need to take control of their money and responsibly manage debt. On a personal level, I’m a believer in the power of partnerships and have deep appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to changing others’ lives. And JA is changing lives.

What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
Learn how to invest early! Stay focused on your financial goals, and do not let anyone or anything deter you.

What is one memorable moment you have during your time as a JA volunteer?
This summer, we welcomed seven bright and ambitious JA San Diego Fellows to our headquarters for a two-week, work-based learning experience. I had the pleasure of serving as the program administrator and coordinated learning sessions for them, including personal branding, résumé building, LinkedIn profile setup, and networking. In addition, my team and I organized a CSR activity in which the youth and their work experience supervisors crafted greeting cards for an organization dedicated to delivering handmade cards to children and families facing challenges. Hosting the students for this experience was a complete team effort, and I am thankful for my colleagues who served as supervisors.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

The post JA Spotlight: Meet Eloisa Orozco appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

SYEP in Action

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Thank You To Our Partners

The post Summer Youth Employment Program 2025 Recap appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Meet the 2025 JA Experian Scholarship Recipients

Aaliyah
Aaliyah is a biology major on the pre-med track, currently pursuing her undergraduate studies with the goal of becoming a physician. She is passionate about healthcare and committed to serving underserved communities through medicine.

Alejandro
Alejandro is a rising senior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter. He plans to pursue a career as a doctor, specializing in oncology. After high school, Alejandro hopes to continue his education at UC Los Angeles or UC San Diego.

Alexxa
Alexxa plans to major in kinesiology at San Diego State University. She is currently pursuing a career as a physical therapist for professional athletes.

Alyssa
Alyssa is a junior at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter. She aspires to attend a 4-year university as a nursing or pre-med major, in order to obtain the higher education and tools that I need to achieve a career in the medical field. After completing her nursing schooling, she plans to work at a hospital in order to help treat patients who are facing a medical challenge, give back to her community, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Beyonce
Beyonce is currently pursuing her undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, majoring in public health. She aspires to build a career in research, with a focus on advocating for underserved communities through the study of medicine and diseases.

Christian
Christian will be attending the University of San Diego studying in the STEM field. He is interested in specializing in biomedical engineering and wants to use STEM to discover, invent, and solve ways to help our world.

Erika
Erika is a student at San Diego State University majoring in business marketing with a specialization in integrated marketing communications and minor in economics. Erika plans to continue to grow in her marketing position for Shiny Details and administrative assistant position in Marin Custom Cabinets. Her long-term goal is to work in a community coordinator position for a non-profit organization, while additionally fulfilling her everlasting dreams of owning a Mexican Restaurant/Tavern.

Jasmin
Jasmin plans to attend Southwestern Community College and is interested in pursuing a career in architecture and real estate.

Kally
As a SABE (Sustainability Academy of Building & Engineering) junior at Hoover High School, Kally plans to attend college to study civil engineering. She hopes to expand her knowledge in this field in order to become someone who can contribute to constructing the world around us and make it a better space.

Samantha
Samantha plans to attend San Diego State University to study biology and chemistry. She plans to pursue a career in genetic counseling.

Steven
After graduating from Lincoln High School with a 4.2 GPA, Steven will be attending UCSD in the fall pursuing a major in biochemistry. He hopes to land a career in the biotech industry, working in research and disease treatment.

Tanaya
Tanaya will be attending Coppin State University majoring in nursing. She currently plans to become a NICU nurse.

Tracy
Tracy is a first-generation college student and will attending UC San Diego in the fall. She is majoring in human biology and plans to pursue her dream in becoming an optometrist.

The post JA Experian Scholarship Awards $30,000 To JA Fellow Students appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Over the course the semester, students from Lincoln High, Hoover High, and Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School engaged in various career readiness activities. Through site-visits to local businesses, career panels, and mentorship opportunities students strengthened their communication skills, gained familiarity with workplace culture, and the developed their professional networks in local industries.

“I thought I had really good social skills at the beginning, but I definitely learned more advanced social skills and how to have a conversation in professional settings,” said Isabella, a JA Fellow at CVLCC. “I also learned more about networking, and not just talking to them and getting their LinkedIn, but actually making a meaningful conversation that I could connect back with them later in order to ask questions or ask for advice.”

From Classroom to Career: The Summer Youth Employment Program

The JA Fellows experience culminates in the Summer Youth Employment Program, where students apply their skills in paid work-based learning roles. Partnering with leading San Diego employers—including banking institutions with Mission Fed Credit Union, small businesses like Maya’s Cookies, and healthcare providers such as Neighborhood Healthcare—JA Fellows gain firsthand industry experience and familiarity with workplace expectations.

Santiago, a rising senior at Hoover High, will be working at the County of San Diego Treasurer & Tax Collector’s Office exploring the career pathways within the public sector. He is interested in pursuing a career in the finance or STEM fields.

“I’m mostly looking forward to learning about how things on the inside work, not just necessarily the money aspect, but all the things that go into taxes,” said Santiago.

Preparing for Long-Term Success

Students have become equipped with the practical skills, industry exposure, and professional networks that will serve as critical foundations for their career development. As JA Fellow students transition into their summer work experiences and embark on their journeys of early adulthood, they are positioned to apply these competencies to thrive in their future careers.

The post JA Fellows Celebrate Semester Achievements appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Breanne is currently a math teacher at King-Chavez Community High School where she has taught for three years. Prior to King-Chavez, Breanne taught in the state of Iowa for seven years. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA where she earned a B.S. in mathematics at CSUB. Additionally, Breanne attended Iowa State University where she earned her M.A. in mathematics education.

Breanne recently got involved with JA San Diego this school year through JA Stock Market Challenge to provide her students with hands-on learning on personal finance and investing fundamentals.

What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
As a new transplant to San Diego, I really love all the county has to offer. It seems like there is always something fun going on or new things to explore. Being a foodie, I really appreciate all the different types of cuisine there is to try.

What is your favorite book or movie?
I love to read, but am terrible at picking favorites. One book I read recently that I absolutely loved, though, is God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?
I like to spend time with my twin baby girls, cheering on Iowa State athletic teams, reading, and learning how to play new board games.

The post JA Spotlight: Meet Educator Breanne Ulloa appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.