About JA

CHANGING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE

At Junior Achievement we believe in "possible." Each day, we work to help young people discover what's possible in their lives. We do this by helping them connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it's possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works, and to pursue their dreams. We show them that it's possible for tomorrow to be a better day.

Our Values

Belief

In the boundless potential of young people.

Seek Out

Diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff and volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve.

Nurture

The power of partnerships and collaboration.

Approach

Our work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence.

Teach

Principled market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world.

Advocate

For relevant hands-on learning.

Empowering the Next Generation

Junior Achievement's proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact the lives of young people. These lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students across the country with the help of our education partners and volunteers from the local community.

Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.

Learn more about 2021-2022 Alumni Survey Report

Junior Achievement Facts

What is Junior Achievement?

Junior Achievement USA is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.

Junior Achievement's programs, in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

Purpose

Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Leadership

Mr. Arnold B. Evans, Co-Head of Emerging Middle Market JPMorgan Chase , is Chairman of the Junior Achievement USA Board of Directors. Jack Harris is the Chief Executive Officer and Tim Greinert is President of Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement USA board members represent a wide range of businesses and academic institutions around the world. In addition, approximately 3,766 board members lead JA Area Offices around the United States.

Proven Success

Junior Achievement is one of a few nonprofits to use independent, third-party evaluators to gauge the impact of its programs. Since 1993, independent evaluators have conducted studies on Junior Achievement's effectiveness. Findings prove that Junior Achievement has a positive impact in a number of critical areas. These results are available for free upon request. Summaries of the findings are also published in the JA Programs section at jausa.ja.org/programs

Program Reach

Junior Achievement USA reaches over 4.4 million students per year in 176,714 classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by over 100 Area Offices in all 50 states.

A Brief History

Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 by Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph; Horace Moses, president of Strathmore Paper Co.; and Senator Murray Crane of Massachusetts. Its first program, JA Company Program®, was offered to high school students on an after-school basis. In 1975, the organization entered the classroom with the introduction of Project Business for the middle grades. Junior Achievement has expanded its activities to include a blended-learning approach for both in-school and after-school students.

Organizational Overview

Junior Achievement USA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and provides strategic direction, leadership, and support to approximately 1,845 employees throughout the United States. Local volunteer boards of directors comprised of business, education, and civic leaders set the policy and direction for each local office.

Volunteers

Junior Achievement's 151,305 classroom volunteers come from all walks of life, including: business people, college students, parents and retirees. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our organization.

About JA Worldwide

As one of the world's largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide activates youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we create pathways for employability and job creation. Each year, our network of over 470,000 volunteers serves more than 10 million students in over 100 countries.