Caterpillar Employees Volunteer To Teach Tomorrow’s Leaders

Caterpillar's partnership with Junior Achievement is helping educate and mentor students around the world.

During his seven years with Caterpillar, Business Support Manager Ganesh Ramakrishnan has experienced a wide range of cultures and taken advantage of valuable learning opportunities.

While working at the China Shared Service Center, Ramakrishnan read an article about the global impact of Junior Achievement (JA). JA and its volunteers help millions of students develop the skills needed to excel in the 21st century marketplace.

Ramakrishnan jumped at the chance to combine his Caterpillar knowledge with a love for community service.
"I always had a passion for teaching, to share my energy and knowledge with the younger generation and help them achieve their dreams," he said. "JA was that golden opportunity to pursue my passion along with my full-time job."

Serving as a volunteer, Ramakrishnan helped establish Caterpillar's JA activities at the Tianjin University of Economics and Finance. The interactive sessions helped students explore career options, develop resume-writing techniques and sharpen interview skills.

"The passion and energy of the students just blew me away," Ramakrishnan remembered. "The sessions gave me a great sense of satisfaction being able to make a difference in the careers of these aspiring students."

The JA experience has been life changing for Remarketing Sales Manager Jeff Sampson, as well. Based at Cat Financial in Nashville, TN, Sampson is in his 10th year as a JA volunteer. He helps students understand the business, financial and technical aspects of professional life.

"It is amazing to me to observe the growth and skill development of the students," Sampson said. "JA programs provide financial education in our communities. This is a great opportunity for Caterpillar to support an organization worldwide with our employees' time and experiences."

Caterpillar's commitment to JA and its education opportunities is shared by Group President and Chief Financial Officer Ed Rapp. As a JA USA board member, Rapp has witnessed the difference JA volunteers make in the lives of future leaders.

"We often discuss the challenges of today's education systems, but JA is a program where Caterpillar employees can engage directly to have an impact on the young students of today that will be our workforce of tomorrow," Rapp said.

The Caterpillar Foundation invests in JA chapters around the world, including regional chapters throughout the United States. For more information about JA programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit ja.org.

The Caterpillar Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Caterpillar Inc. Founded in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $500 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the Caterpillar Foundation, please visit caterpillar.com/foundation.