Junior Achievement students earn internships with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance

WILKES-BARRE — Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced that two Wyoming Valley West High School students have earned prestigious internships at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies — direct results of their participation in the JA Company Insight Program — a signature initiative that connects students with the region’s top employers, bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.

Max McMillan and Luis Vaquero stood out for their professionalism, curiosity and initiative — qualities that earned them a place alongside industry professionals this summer.

Their achievement is the latest example of Junior Achievement’s mission in action. The JA Company Insight Program gives high school juniors and seniors a rare opportunity to explore careers firsthand — blending classroom learning with immersive experiences at leading regional employers.

This spring, 15 Wyoming Valley West seniors completed JA’s “It’s My Job” curriculum, which focuses on essential workplace skills such as communication, interview readiness and digital etiquette. The program culminated in a site visit to GUARD’s Wilkes-Barre headquarters.

“Junior Achievement learning experiences empower students by showing them what’s possible for their lives,” said Susan Magnotta, president of JA of NEPA. “We are very grateful for our partnership with GUARD and for the meaningful opportunities they are providing to young people in our region. Max and Luis are proof of what happens when education, opportunity and meaningful workplace and career exposure come together.”

At GUARD, students explored departments ranging from sales and underwriting to actuarial science and IT through their new interactive learning experience called “Insurance Town,” developed by a cross-disciplinary team at GUARD. Students also engaged directly with staff, asking questions and learning how different roles contribute to the company’s success.

“Watching my students walk into a professional setting and realize they belong there is incredible,” said Katie Finnegan, Wyoming Valley West teacher. “The JA Company Insight Program doesn’t just introduce careers — it transforms how students see themselves and their futures.”

Tesha Rushton, career development program manager at GUARD, led the classroom sessions.

“These internships were the next natural step,” Rushton said. “When students are given the tools, support and confidence to see themselves in the workforce, amazing things can happen. Max and Luis are already off to a strong start, discovering what they’re truly capable of.”

The experience concluded with a celebratory lunch at Rodano’s, remarks from GUARD Insurance COO & EVP, Carl Witkowski, and a reflection session where students shared which departments were their favorite and potential future paths. Each student received a certificate of completion in recognition of their participation and growth throughout the program.

Following the event, GUARD team members came to the classroom to continue the conversation — answering questions, sharing advice and exploring students’ interest in internships and career opportunities.

This marks the second year of collaboration between JA and GUARD — an on-going partnership will continue to prepare Northeastern Pennsylvania’s next generation of talent for success.

To learn more about the Company Insight Program or how your organization can get involved, contact Susan Magnotta @[email protected].