Volunteer Spotlight: Tobias Bell, Sage Software

What motivates you to volunteer? As adults, we view the issues of our society every day. To volunteer with the kids Georgia is my way of molding a better future. If I can impact our youth in a positive way, they will then use those ideals to be a great contribution to society.  

Why JA of Georgia? As an Atlanta native, being able to impact my city directly by encouraging its residents has always been a dream of mine. The image of Georgia is viewed on a national scale and JA is a huge contributor to the prestige of the state of Georgia. 

What’s your best ah-ha moment or memory with JA of Georgia? Working in JA BizTown’s Bank of America I had a young man that seemed to have no drive, no ambitions as far as his future. Just so happens he was made CEO. This young man displayed one the best illustrations of leadership I’ve seen at JA. He managed, directed his peers, he didn’t even go shopping because he wanted to make sure his business was running sufficiently. Afterwards I spoke with him and he stated he wanted to become an entrepreneur -  just showing these kids a direction can impact their lives tremendously.

Cottrell's continue to fuel tomorrow's generation

In 1987 Mike Cottrell bought his father’s small manufacturing business with a goal to become the best company in his industry and give back every step of the way. Today, Cottrell Incorporated is the leader in manufacturing automobile haulers in North America, and Mike and Lynn Cottrell are devoted members of north Georgia’s communities.

Cottrell grew up in Pennsylvania during a time when manufacturing fueled the economy. “Of course I knew about manufacturing, but it was not until I got involved with Junior Achievement that I discovered the various plants and career opportunities available,” said Cottrell. “It was an eye-opening experience for me and set the course for my future.”

Early on Cottrell set the vision for his company to become the premier manufacturer and employer in the industry. His leadership focused around the belief that in order to grow you must be the best in everything. “When you create the best place to work you attract and retain the top talent, which in turn develops the best product. Yes, I cast the vision, but the people made it happened. They are the ones who brought the vision to life, and for that I am forever thankful.”

“I’m a doer, not a talker. I believe that if more people are able to align their passions to their careers there will be more doers in this world.”

— Mike Cottrell

Throughout Cottrell’s career he was dedicated to his commitment to give back. As his company grew so did the impact of his investment. From supporting efforts to fuel tourism to community activism, the Cottrells have remained unwavering supporters of north Georgia. “Lynn and I love this community, and are fortunate that Cottrell Inc. has provided us with the ability to support it, especially around education.”

Mike and Lynn Cottrell have been longtime supporters of University of North Georgia. Their transformational gifts have helped spur the growth of the business school and provided scholarships for students in need. In January 2017, it was announced that the Cottrells will continue their legacy of fueling the futures of young people by becoming the lead investors in the first ever JA Discovery Center located outside of metro Atlanta. “I’m a business person and I think one of the keys to being successful is education, and we must provide opportunities for all students.”

The Mike & Lynn Cottrell JA Discovery Center of North Georgia will open August 2018 and serve middle students throughout the region. This will be the third JA Discovery Center in Georgia and will be located on the grounds of the Alliance Academy for Innovation of Cumming and Forsyth. The Center will house JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, immersive simulations where students explore industries and careers, and acquire foundational knowledge for financial well-being.

“Deciding on your career is a major decision in life. Children deserve the opportunity to be exposed to many opportunities.”

“I’ve spent my entire life in manufacturing and I credit a major component of that to Junior Achievement.  I’ve lived a life I love and I am thrilled by the possibility of inspiring thousands of children to do the same.”

Find out more about the new Mike & Lynn Cottrell JA Discovery Center at North Georgia.

AT&T and JA of Georgia collaborate to bring learning beyond the classroom walls

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is bringing important career readiness experiences to students in metro Atlanta as part of AT&T’s signature education initiative AT&T Aspire. More than 50 students from Cedar Grove High School were assigned an AT&T mentor through the JA Job Shadow™ program, which gives students a firsthand glimpse into a professional career.

JA Job Shadow™ begins in the classroom with three sessions to help students learn more about careers, including how to identify a career based on interests, steps in researching potential jobs and developing job-hunting skills like networking and interviewing. The students then will visit an AT&T corporate office to shadow an employee for half a day to see first-hand how education translates to a satisfying and successful career.  

“These type of real-world experiences are the kind that can ignite a passion within a student,” said Jack Harris, President and CEO of JA of Georgia. “Through the AT&T Aspire program, we are giving students the opportunity to be exposed to different paths and to help them realize the endless careers available in their own community.”

During the 2015-2016 school year Junior Achievement and AT&T seek to impact more than 7,000 students nationwide. This could not be achieved without the support of AT&T mentors that are a part of the company’s Aspire Mentoring Academy program. Through Aspire Mentoring Academy, AT&T employees connect with students to help them discover their passions and potential. Aspire Mentoring Academy is part of AT&T Aspire, a signature initiative to promote student success in school and beyond.

“This was my first time mentoring JA students," said Bryan Bigelow, AT&T Employee. "The time spent was very rewarding to not only myself, but as well as the students. It was a pleasure getting to know the students and their aspirations and goals. I looking to doing this again.” 

The collaboration between JA of Georgia and AT&T is a continuation of their joint commitment to providing authentic and relevant experiences that help young people in the community be in control of their future success.

See what students and AT&T mentors who have completed JA Job Shadow™ have to say about the program: http://youtu.be/L3NWazI2_UM.   

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.