The South Carolina education system is struggling to create high tech workers, let alone entrepreneurs, yet studies have shown that nearly all new net job creation is through startup companies.

If we are to raise wages and create a better future for ourselves and our children, then we have to give them the tools and experiences that will prepare them to start companies of their own or to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of the startups of their peers.

Junior Achievement of the Upstate is making an aggressive attempt to fill the gap and provide education in fiscal responsibility as well as entrepreneurial readiness training at multiple grade levels. New programs provide business simulations in a supportive and competitive environment developing skills and encouraging the youth of Upstate SC to create their own future. Join us in October as we hear from Connie Lanzl, the incoming President of Junior Achievement, as she describes these new programs and tells us how we can use the power of our group to create the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

GSATC Learning Lunch

During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the GSATC is collecting old and discarded cell phones, batteries and chargers at all of our October events for Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program that helps victims of domestic violence. Your old phones will be recycled or refurbished and given to victims of domestic violence so they have a critical communication tool to feel safer and less isolated when they attempt to remove themselves from a violent situation.

For more information about HopeLine, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About our Speaker

Connie Lanzl, President, Junior Achievement of Upstate South Carolina

JA of Upstate SC was established in 1972 in this area and is a 501(c)3. Connie Lanzl accepted the position of president in August of 2010 and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of JA programs serving schools in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. By working with schools, businesses, and volunteers, JA provides hands-on, experiential lessons focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for students in grades K-12. In order to impact as many students as possible, Lanzl spends much of her time building relationships with individuals in business and education, securing sponsorships, and elevating awareness in all five counties. The overall vision is to help drive the economy – and therefore all the good things that follow – by helping to develop a workforce that is prepared, knowledgeable, entrepreneurial, and financially astute.

Lanzl came to Greenville in 1997 when her husband, Steve, accepted a job as Bowater’s CIO. She continued her career in educational fundraising first at Camperdown Academy and then at Christ Church Episcopal School for the last twelve years as director of the development office. Prior to moving to South Carolina, she headed development offices in an independent school in Philadelphia and an international school in Tokyo, Japan, and has done work as a consultant for capital and endowment campaigns.