The Aaa Cares Program, a remarkable initiative by AAA, is proudly marking its 10th anniversary this year. This program is dedicated to equipping local high school students with essential business skills, preparing them for successful careers in the professional world. In a special ceremony on May 10th, AAA recognized 24 graduating students from the program, highlighting the significant impact of AAA Cares over the past decade.
Since its inception in 2006, the AAA Cares program has empowered over 200 students, offering a nurturing and supportive environment where they can cultivate vital business proficiencies. This comprehensive 18-week program is driven by the dedication of AAA employee volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide practical training in key areas such as effective interviewing techniques, confident public speaking, utilizing modern business technologies, and mastering fundamental business skills. These skills are crucial for students to become valuable assets in any workplace and contribute meaningfully to their future employers.
The graduation ceremony on May 10th was a momentous occasion for the students, marking the culmination of their hard work and dedication. Each graduate was presented with a laptop, symbolizing their readiness for the digital age workforce, along with graduation certificates and well-deserved awards. Importantly, participating students also receive school credit for their commitment to the program, recognizing the academic rigor and value of AAA Cares. Furthermore, demonstrating AAA’s commitment to these students’ futures, some graduates are offered paid internships or even full-time employment opportunities within AAA, providing a direct pathway to career success.
Angie Jones, co-leader of the AAA Cares program, eloquently captured the mutual benefits of this initiative. “The mentors in the program benefit just as much as the students do,” she stated. “They get to experience firsthand how it feels to make a real difference in someone’s life and help pave their way for future success.” Jones emphasized AAA’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement, adding, “It’s a core value for AAA to give back to the communities where we live and serve, and AAA Cares serves as a powerful example of how we can positively impact the lives of young people.”
The vision for the AAA Cares program originated from the IT professionals at CSAA Insurance Group, the trusted AAA insurance provider for members in Arizona. These professionals recognized a pressing need to impart foundational business skills to young individuals, with a particular focus on reaching out to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to social responsibility and fostering equal opportunity within the community.
Students currently enrolled in alternative high schools are thoughtfully recommended for the AAA Cares program through established partnerships with the Deer Valley and Glendale Union High School districts. Priority consideration is given to students who are identified as being less likely to acquire these essential business skills through traditional educational pathways. Each student is paired with a dedicated volunteer mentor who provides not only technical guidance and support but also invaluable words of wisdom and encouragement, fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
To ensure the highest standards of student welfare and program integrity, mentors undergo thorough screening by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, aligning the program with their rigorous standards. This esteemed non-profit organization also plays a vital role in training program volunteers and maintaining close engagement with participating students throughout the program duration. The success of AAA Cares is further amplified by the generous donations of resources from prominent organizations including Verizon Wireless, Avaya Inc., EMC, Axiom, More Direct, Nice Systems, HP, Cognizant, Microsoft, Oracle, and Jett Enterprises, highlighting the collaborative community support for this impactful program.
“The program demonstrably works – I’ve witnessed its positive outcomes year after year,” Jones affirmed. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of AAA, an organization that invests so significantly in the community.”
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, is a leading provider of automotive, insurance, and auto travel services, serving over 860,000 members across Arizona. Annually, AAA’s Roadside Assistance service responds to over 450,000 calls for assistance on Arizona roads, underscoring their commitment to member safety and convenience. Beyond roadside assistance, AAA Arizona offers a comprehensive suite of services including insurance, travel planning, auto repair services, exclusive member discounts, and financial services. Since its establishment in 1927, AAA Arizona has remained a steadfast advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, provides a wide range of personal lines of insurance, including automobile and homeowners coverage, to AAA members through partnerships with AAA clubs in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Established in 1914, CSAA Insurance Group holds an A+ rating from A.M. Best, a testament to its financial strength and stability. It is also 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. Furthermore, in 2014, the company was recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light, further solidifying its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
To stay connected with AAA and learn more about their initiatives, please visit AAA.com.
