SALISBURY, Md. — The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation donated $10,000 to fund second-grade Junior Achievement programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot and Caroline counties. The program, JA Our Community®, introduces students to the intersection of work readiness and teaches how citizens benefit from and contribute to a community’s success.

“The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation has made a tremendous impact on our area youth,” said Jayme Hayes, president of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore. “With the programming funded by this donation, JA has been able to share with 1,749 students the concepts of career choices; why people pay taxes; and how money moves through a community. That is of immeasurable value to their futures.”

At the April 24 Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s Leadership Day at Beaver Run Elementary School, the second-grade classes received JA Our Community®, as well as guidance from local and regional community leaders, including Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms. and Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, were on hand to mark the occasion and present the staff with a donation check.

“Perdue and its associates have been long-time partners with Junior Achievement,” said Nechay. “We’re happy to be able to continue our support on the Eastern Shore and to ensure the important learning opportunities for students through the JA Our Community program.”

— Perdue Farms