PHOENIX, Ariz. – May 10, 2016 – Marking its significant 10th anniversary, AAA proudly recognizes 24 local high school graduates from its impactful Aaa Cares Program. This initiative is thoughtfully structured to equip students with essential skills for thriving business careers, demonstrating AAA’s commitment to community enrichment and youth development.
Established in 2006, the AAA Cares program has become a cornerstone of career readiness, successfully guiding over 200 students towards professional success. The intensive 18-week program is powered by the dedication of AAA employee volunteers, who generously contribute their time and expertise. Participants receive comprehensive training in crucial areas such as effective interviewing techniques, confident public speaking, and navigating contemporary business technologies. Furthermore, the curriculum is designed to instill fundamental business skills, enabling students to become valuable and contributing members of any team or organization.
The highlight of the program year is the AAA Cares graduation ceremony, held on May 10th. This special event celebrates the students’ accomplishments and provides them with vital tools for their future. Graduates are awarded laptops to support their continued learning and technological access, along with graduation certificates acknowledging their successful program completion. Outstanding achievements are further recognized with special awards. Importantly, the AAA Cares program is integrated with the academic schedules of participating students, offering school credit upon successful completion. For many, the program serves as a launchpad into the professional world, with opportunities for paid internships or direct employment at AAA being extended to select graduates.
Angie Jones, co-leader of the AAA Cares program, emphasizes the reciprocal benefits of this mentorship initiative. “The mentors involved in the program gain just as much as the students,” she noted. “It’s a deeply rewarding experience to witness firsthand how you can positively influence a young person’s life and lay the groundwork for their future success. AAA places a high value on giving back to the communities where we operate and serve, and AAA Cares perfectly embodies our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals.”
The vision for the AAA Cares program originated from the IT professionals at CSAA Insurance Group, the trusted AAA insurance provider for AAA members in Arizona. Recognizing a critical need to cultivate foundational business acumen in young people, particularly those from underserved economic backgrounds, they initiated this program to bridge the skills gap.
The selection process for AAA Cares involves close collaboration with Deer Valley and Glendale Union High School districts, with recommendations primarily coming from alternative high schools within these districts. The program specifically targets students who are identified as likely to benefit most from the specialized skills training offered. Each student is paired with a dedicated volunteer mentor who provides not only technical guidance but also invaluable personal encouragement and support.
To maintain the highest standards of student welfare and program integrity, all mentors undergo thorough screening by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. This partnership ensures compliance with established youth mentorship standards. The non-profit organization also plays a crucial role in training program volunteers and maintaining close engagement with the participating students throughout the program duration. The success of AAA Cares is further amplified by the generous contributions of numerous corporate partners. Verizon Wireless, Avaya Inc., EMC, Axiom, More Direct, Nice Systems, HP, Cognizant, Microsoft, Oracle, and Jett Enterprises have all provided significant resources, demonstrating a collective commitment to supporting youth development and career readiness within the community.
“The effectiveness of the program is undeniable – I’ve seen its positive impact year after year,” Jones affirmed. “I feel incredibly privileged to be part of AAA, an organization that invests so comprehensively in community initiatives like AAA Cares.”
AAA Arizona, the local affiliate of AAA, is a prominent provider of automotive, insurance, and travel services to over 860,000 members across Arizona. Demonstrating its extensive reach and member support, AAA’s Roadside Assistance responds to over 450,000 requests for assistance annually on Arizona roads. Beyond roadside services, AAA Arizona offers a wide spectrum of member benefits, including insurance solutions, travel planning services, auto repair facilities, exclusive discounts, and financial services. Since its establishment in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for traveler safety and security, reinforcing its commitment to the community it serves.
CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, underwrites automobile, homeowners, and various personal lines of insurance for AAA members in partnership with AAA clubs across 23 states and the District of Columbia. Established in 1914, CSAA Insurance Group holds an A+ rating from A.M. Best, underscoring its financial strength and reliability. It is recognized as one of the top 20 personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Further demonstrating its corporate social responsibility, CSAA Insurance Group was honored as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light in 2014.
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