JA Company Of The Year

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025, 4:00 pm ET

Step into what’s next at Future Bound by Junior Achievement, where possibilities are limitless and connections shape tomorrow. This event brings together students, educators, and industry leaders to explore hands-on learning experiences, unlock new career pathways, and gain the skills needed to thrive in the evolving world of work. Prepare to be inspired, empowered, and Future Bound!

The JA Company of the Year Competition is not simply a business competition for young people. Qualifying JA Companies must be able to successfully apply 21st century skills (such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication) and demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking during each competition element.

The goal is to balance the business achievements of each team as a whole with the personal development of each individual team member. For a team to win this award, it is not enough just to run a financially successful JA Company or to have created an exciting product or service. JA Company members also must demonstrate that they understand how and why the company performed as it did.

Independent judges will determine company performance against the competition criteria as compared with other JA Companies during each stage of the competition process. First, second, and third place honors will be awarded.

Awards and Prizes

In addition to the JA Company of the Year Competition, finalists will also have the opportunity to compete for other prestigious awards at Future Bound. All finalists and winners will be determined by company report submissions, virtual or on-site interviews, and/or other competition performance. Additional information on these awards will be provided when finalists are announced on May 9, 2025.

2025 Submission and Selection Timeline

April 22 – May 2: Student Company Submission Period
May 5 – May 8: Finalist Selection
May 9: Finalists Announced
May 16: Complete Event Registration
June 8 – 12: Future Bound by JA in Atlanta, GA

How It Works
Future Bound is Junior Achievement’s pinnacle event that celebrates all four of JA's national competitions. JA student leaders from across the United States will gather in Atlanta, GA for three days of high impact JA experiences.

For JA Company of the Year: Students will demonstrate their business acumen, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in a competitive environment—showcasing their companies to top business leaders. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business.

JA student companies appear before a panel of independent judges who measure the company’s performance against competition criteria and each other. But winning takes more than creating an exciting product/service or running a financially sound business. The winning teams must balance company performance with each member’s personal development. The 4Cs: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, are key to success.

Eligibility and Submission Process

JA Companies wishing to be considered must provide their local JA Area with their JA Company Program company report and commercial/video. The deadline to submit to JA USA is Friday, May 2, 2025.
JA Areas throughout the United States may submit JA Companies for consideration.
JA Companies must have:
- been active during the current school year to be eligible.
- participated in JA Company Program or other JA USA approved variation and follow the JA Program Implementation Standards for these programs. These standards include completing the full curriculum and that a community volunteer has taught the required minimum number of instructional contact hours.
- submitted a Product Approval Application to USI and been approved.
All submitted materials must be the original work of JA Company students.
Only JA Area staff may register student companies for consideration.

For complete competition requirements and criteria, view the 2025 Company of the Year: Submission Guidelines and Competition Criteria

To download the submission template, click here: 2025 JA Company of the Year Submission Template

Questions?

Please contact Meg Chapman at meg.chapman@ja.org

Submit for JA Company of the Year

2024 NSLS

The National Student Leadership Summit is a pivotal part of our mission, providing a national stage where student-run companies, formed through JA’s programs, can shine.