JA History Museum
Explore Our Virtual Museum Decade
Explore by Decade
This virtual museum invites you to embark on a journey through Junior Achievement’s history, exploring its growth from its humble beginnings in entrepreneurship education to becoming one of the world’s largest youth-serving organizations. As you delve into each decade, you’ll witness how JA responded to significant historical events, expanded its programs, embraced innovation, and reached millions of students through the unwavering dedication of volunteers, educators, and supporters.
Each decade offers a unique narrative of opportunity, resilience, and impact. By exploring these stories, you’ll gain valuable insights into the milestones, individuals, programs, and achievements that have shaped Junior Achievement’s legacy and continue to inspire and prepare young people across the United States.
2010
The 2010s were a transformative decade for Junior Achievement USA (JA USA), defined by a shift toward digital innovation, massive scale, and a celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2019. In the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, the organization focused heavily on modernizing financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship education for the 21st century.
2000
No one will ever forget where they were on September 11, 2001. As the nation absorbed the shock of this tragedy, JA gathered its forces to ensure students throughout the world were prepared for the workplace, financially literate, and valued the free enterprise system.
1990
JA introduces programs for all grades, kindergarten through 12th grade. JA Inc. formed a partnership with the US Agency for International Development to introduce JA programs globally.
1980
Karl Flemke becomes the first “field person” to become President of JA Inc. A study of the teen environment, commissioned by JA and funded by the Alcoa Foundation, was conducted by The Robert Johnston Company. JA educates more than 1,000,000 students during the 1987-88 school year.
1970
The 1970s brought significant change to Junior Achievement. A new CEO, a move to Stamford, Connecticut, and the introduction of “in-school” programs.
1960
During the 1960s, Junior Achievement achieved full U.S. coverage and expanded internationally, establishing its first overseas affiliates like the UK’s Young Enterprise. This era of rapid growth marked the final chapter of JA’s strictly after-school model before transitioning into classrooms.
1950
Responding to demand, JA established its first international office in Canada, paving the way for the development of JA Worldwide and the creation of affiliated organizations globally. Domestically, JA focused on implementing and establishing a new franchise model to ensure consistent, standardized program delivery nationwide.
1940
A powerful coalition of American corporate leaders united in 1941 to launch Junior Achievement onto the national stage, just 48 hours before the outbreak of World War II.
1930
“Surviving the Crash” was the guiding principle of the 1930s. In New York City, a small team dedicated most of their time to raising funds and maximizing the value of those resources. Joe Francomano also joined a JA Company and eventually became a member of the New York Staff. Despite the economic hardships of the 1930s, Junior Achievement managed to transform from a local initiative into a highly sought-after global model. The rapid expansion of the JA Company Program, the early success stories of its students, and the national attention it garnered helped establish JA as a prominent organization.
1920
Founded in 1920, the Junior Achievement Bureau originally served children aged 8 to 12 before a 1928 study shifted its focus to older youth in metropolitan areas. This pivot led to the birth of the program's franchise structure and the opening of its first local office in New York City in 1929.
1910
Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 by AT&T President Theodore Vail, Strathmore Paper Co. President Horace Moses, and Senator Murray Crane. Originally called the “Boys’ and Girls’ Bureau of the Eastern United States,” Junior Achievement began its foundational work amid the societal shifts of World War 1 and the Industrial Revolution.
JA History and Milestones
Award Winners
The JA Professional Staff Hall of Fame is awarded to former JA staff professionals whose long-term dedication, commitment, and exceptional accomplishments made a significant impact on the organization and created a foundation for the current organization. Laureates are role models and set standards of accomplishment and behavior to which current and future JA staff should aspire. The process is managed by the JA Staff Alumni Network.
A $2,000 scholarship is awarded to a JA Company Program student in recognition of his or her accomplishments, role in their JA Company, and entrepreneurial potential.
The Karl Flemke Award is given annually at the JA National Leadership Conference. This award goes to a first-time Junior Achievement president who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to and achievement with the organization.
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