Junior Economic Club of Chicago Announces 50 Percent Increase in Membership, Second Year of Magnetar Capital Sponsorship
The student-run organization has hosted 60+ hours of virtual programming since March, connecting high school students with business professionals amidst the pandemic.
CHICAGO, IL – January 12, 2021 – The Junior Economic Club of Chicago (JEC) wasted no time supporting Chicago high school students interested in finance and economics when the pandemic hit in March. The student-run nonprofit ramped up 60+ hours of virtual programming with more than 30 online events, connecting 800+ high school attendees with over 50 business professionals for continued, interactive learning. These efforts contributed to a 50 percent year-over-year gain in the group's membership, with members representing 35 schools across Chicago.
JEC is well-positioned to continue its growth in 2021. The group’s primary corporate sponsor, Magnetar Capital, an alternative asset manager headquartered in Evanston, IL, is extending its sponsorship for a second consecutive year and will support JEC in further expanding its reach and impact. Thanks to the partnership, Chicago high school students can take advantage of a free, fully-funded JEC membership, ensuring equal access for all.
“Throughout this pandemic, it’s critical that Chicago high school students feel supported and connected to the broader business community. It can be hard to keep an eye on your future and professional development when so much of the business world, not to mention school, is now operating from home,” said Elizabeth Brahin, President of JEC Chicago, and high school senior at Walter Payton College Prep. “Through our virtual programming and Magnetar’s sustained sponsorship, JEC is strengthening our impact as we offer more and more Chicago high school students the opportunity to engage with the professional business and finance communities.”
In addition to Magnetar’s sponsorship, Magnetar hosted a virtual interview and resume workshop for JEC members to prepare the talented group for finance, economics, and business internships.
“The caliber of JEC’s student membership base is exceptional. They’re the future of finance in Chicago, and our team at Magnetar has enjoyed guiding them as they build career skills and navigate this pandemic,” said Amira Amin, Deputy COO at Magnetar. “Magnetar is a very proud JEC sponsor and is committed to supporting the students in growing the organization’s reach and impact in Chicago and beyond.”
In addition to virtual events that have spanned from lectures with chief economists to panel events through partnerships with local Ivy League Alumni Clubs to entrepreneurship workshops, JEC members are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to give back through various community initiatives the organization establishes.
“We’re a voice for Chicago high school students,” said Baha Kharoofa, JEC Chicago Vice President and high school senior at St. Ignatius College Prep. “Our membership is resilient. We aren’t letting a global pandemic get in the way of our ability to learn, connect, and grow as Chicago’s future business leaders.”
About the Junior Economic Club:
The Junior Economic Club (JEC), an entirely student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2014 by students of Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. Its mission is to offer equal access to opportunities that empower the next generation of effective leaders and entrepreneurs. The club provides high school students exposure to the business world and fosters a supportive community of like-minded students through a three-faceted approach of forums, engagement events, and community initiatives. JEC has chapters in Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Dubai, Istanbul, Nashville, New York City, San Francisco, and Toronto, and is looking to continue expanding its mission to new cities across the globe.
For Press Inquiries:
Cole Francis
cole@junioreconomicclub.org