Junior achievers log major gains

Next summer, the 16 Connecticut students will travel to China to complete the multi-year program.

The inaugural JA Global Connection program took place two years ago, when the first group of Chinese students spent a week in Connecticut, working with their American counterparts. Last year, those Connecticut students reconnected with the students in China to complete the program, which was based at Shanghai Fudan University, and included trips to leading business facilities in China, hands-on workshops and case studies and marketing scenarios.

The JA Global Connection program is organized by Junior Achievement China, based in Beijing, China, and Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, based in Hartford, Connecticut.

"Cross-cultural understanding will play a key role in each student's future success in the global economy," said Gao Yang, executive director of JA China.

"We are thrilled to work with JA of Southwest New England and UTC to offer this unique opportunity for American and Chinese students to gain mutual understanding while learning valuable lessons in business, entrepreneurship and global trade," Gao added.

"We are delighted to host this innovative and dynamic student exchange program," said Lou Golden, president of JA of Southwest New England.

"It is critical for students to learn first-hand about the global economy, and we are fortunate to have such great partners as JA China and UTC. By working together, the students from both countries will advance their understanding of the cultures and dynamics which fuel global marketplaces, and will be better prepared for the job opportunities ahead," Golden added.

Hong Xiao in New York contributed to this story.