More than 100 volunteers from local businesses in the Minot area took the time to bring business education to 114 classrooms the past school year. The Minot Area Chamber EDC facilitates the Junior Achievement program, which focuses on bringing economic education to students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Junior Achievement is a nationwide program that was brought to Minot in 1997. Its curriculum covers subjects such as entrepreneurship, goods and services, local government, taxes, banks and credit unions, and more.

“It’s good to lead by example and show the kids how fun volunteering can be,” said Nancy Wegenast, who has been volunteering for the program since Junior Achievement was brought to Minot, “The kids are active participants in each lesson, raising their hands and engaging with the material. They don’t just sit back and listen. It’s enjoyable to see that.”