Celebrating 50 Years of Junior Achievement of Lincoln | Marc's Story

Author: JA Lincoln
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Tuesday, 18 May 2021

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Image caption: Marc LeBaron, Chairman and CEO, Lincoln Industries

Marc LeBaron
Chairman and CEO of Lincoln Industries, JA Alumni, and JA Trustee

When and where did you experience Junior Achievement programs? (if alum: school, grade, year, program; board member, volunteer, educator, etc.)

I first experienced JA as a volunteer. My banker (that I owed a lot of money to) suggested that it would be good for me to teach JA in several Lincoln High Schools. I started teaching at Lincoln Southeast, and then again at Lincoln High School. I was involved in the High School programs for 7-8 years. I went on to become a Lincoln JA board member. I eventually became Board Chair and now serve on the Trustee Board.

How did Junior Achievement have a positive impact on your life?

We always tend to think our generation was the smartest generation in school. After spending time with young people in the classroom, I always walked away with a great sense of how smart and capable kids are today. It gives me great confidence in the future of our country and our people.

What is your favorite Junior Achievement memory?

I always walked away from teaching a class wondering if I really made a difference. On several occasions I have ran into former students, many years after they graduated, that stopped me and wanted to tell me what a difference JA and my participation in their class made in their lives. One in particular was a manager in a restaurant and felt that the reason he was in his role was his JA experience. It’s a reminder of how much impact JA and volunteers have on young people.

Why did you choose to get involved with Junior Achievement?

I believe it is critical for young people to understand how capitalism and business works in our country. It’s one of the key the principals that makes us a great country. JA provides that knowledge and understanding at a young age. It’s something they can build on for the rest of their lives.