Delta is strengthening its commitment to education in Latin America and the Caribbean through the expansion of its partnership with Junior Achievement Americas.

“Delta is focused on inspiring youth by partnering with world class organizations like Junior Achievement to create educational opportunities in the region,” said Shane Spyak, Delta’s Managing Director – Latin America and the Caribbean. “With this expanded partnership, we now support programs that will give students the opportunity to enhance core business skills and visualize a fulfilling career for themselves under the mentorship of Delta employees.”

Delta will sponsor the JA Job Shadow Program in Argentina, Chile and Mexico, teaching youth about the airline. Classroom sessions will prepare students for a visit to a professional work environment. Students will also learn how to research career opportunities and the skills needed to land and keep their dream jobs.

The JA Company Program curriculum includes business, entrepreneurship and economics for students grades 9 through 12. The program focuses on business fundamentals, while providing a strong focus on social studies, mathematics, reading and writing skills.

Delta began supporting the JA Company of the Year Competition (COY) in 2015, which is a signature showcase for Junior Achievement and the high school students who benefit from the JA Company Program. This annual celebration of success allows young people to demonstrate their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit in a competitive environment.

During last year’s JA COY, Delta granted the Delta Social Impact Award to the highest-scoring company: a student-run recycling company Ilumin-Arte. Delta recognized the Guatemalan company for its proven commitment to the environment, selling recycled and repurposed items and donating the proceeds to Guatemalan families in need.

“The importance of our partnership with Delta is to expose young people to transformative experiences through a combination of actions and activities. Delta and Junior Achievement are providing students the opportunities to develop their attitude and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Leo Martellotto, President of JA Americas.  “We are also giving them the tools to bring to life their inspiration so they can prove to themselves that they can be true entrepreneurs.”

Promoting access to high-quality education and fostering the development of new generations of qualified professionals in the region is a longstanding commitment for Delta. The airline currently partners with 15 JA chapters in the U.S. and Latin America/Caribbean markets. Delta Founder C.E. Woolman and other Delta leaders have served on various Junior Achievement chapters’ Board of Directors and now Shane Spyak has recently been appointed to the Junior Achievement Americas Regional Board of Directors.

“Being the best U.S. airline in Latin America and the Caribbean means much more to Delta than simply providing the best services to our customers,” said Spyak. “Our relationships with the communities we serve deepen as we also support their corporate social responsibility needs. Servant leadership is part of Delta’s DNA; in serving others, we all grow together.”

Delta’s commitment to helping youth spans the region, as the airline also partners with the United Way Worldwide and all five regions of the YMCA Americas.

Additionally, Delta has worked with Brazilian partner GOL to help grant two wishes through Make-A-Wish International, and most recently launched a joint partnership with Aeroméxico and Casa Alianza Mexico Holistic Health Clinic (Covenant House). The strength of Delta’s alliances lies in drawing the best out of each partnership, striving to positively impact its local communities and working together to improve its many markets around the world.

Earlier this year, Delta announced the expansion of its investment to charitable organizations worldwide. Through this plan, 1 percent of the airline’s net income from the previous year will go to charities across the globe.