24 Mar How Junior Achievement of Dallas Is Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders
On this episode of The Jeff Crilley Show, Jeff sits down with Chris LaTurno, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, to explore how the organization has been preparing students for success since 1954. Chris explains how JA’s hands-on model combines classroom curriculum with immersive simulation experiences like BizTown and Finance Park, giving students practical lessons in business economics and personal finance. He shares a powerful story of a disengaged student who left calling it the best day of his school year—evidence of the impact experiential learning can have. The conversation also addresses the growing need for financial literacy amid rising consumer debt and low savings rates nationwide. Chris reflects on his own journey from a 13-year banking career into nonprofit leadership and outlines his vision to expand JA’s reach across North Texas with the help of thousands of corporate volunteers.
Key Topics
- financial literacy education for K–12 students
- workforce readiness and entrepreneurship training
- the BizTown business economics simulation
- the Finance Park personal finance simulation
- the Dallas Business Hall of Fame fundraiser
- corporate volunteer engagement in schools
- the transition from banking to nonprofit leadership
Episode Timestamps
- 02:02 – What Junior Achievement of Dallas Does
- 02:20 – Inside the BizTown Student Simulation Experience
- 04:01 – Why Financial Literacy Must Start Early
- 05:58 – Dallas Business Hall of Fame and $1.25M Milestone
- 08:00 – A Calling: From Banking to Nonprofit Leadership
- 09:00 – The Power of 3,000 Corporate Volunteers
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Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:28 – Show Opening and Host Background
- 01:22 – Introducing Junior Achievement of Dallas
- 01:52 – JA Programs and Student Impact
- 04:01 – Financial Literacy and Why It Matters
- 04:58 – Dallas Business Hall of Fame Fundraiser
- 07:56 – Chris LaTurno’s Career Journey
- 08:59 – Final Thoughts and Call for Volunteers
- 10:05 – Closing Remarks and Wrap-Up