JA Social Innovation Challenge
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 Social Innovation Challenge is a national competition in which high school students are invited to submit their innovative ideas for improving and making an impact on their communities. The top 15 teams will compete as finalists at Future Bound by Junior Achievement.
Independent judges will determine team performance against the competition criteria as compared with other JA teams during each stage of the competition process. First, second, and third place honors will be awarded.
Awards and Prizes
In addition to the JA Social Innovation Challenge, 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 Competition 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 Social Innovation Challenge: Students will demonstrate the power of innovation on social and societal issues, showcasing their team's innovative idea, creativity and entrepreneurial savvy in a competitive environment. In addition to the competition, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by national experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business.
JA Teams appear before a panel of independent judges who measure the team's performance against competition criteria and each other.
Eligibility and Submission Process
- JA Teams wishing to be considered must provide their local JA Area with their JA Social Innovation Challenge Submission deck and commercial/video. The deadline to submit to JA USA is Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4:00 pm ET
- JA Areas throughout the United States may submit JA Teams for consideration.
- JA Teams must have been active during the current school year to be eligible.
- JA Teams must have participated in JA Be Entrepreneurial, JA Company Program, or JA Entrepreneurial Mindset 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.
- All submitted materials must be the original work of JA Company students.
- Only JA Area staff may register student teams for consideration (via the button below).
- For complete competition requirements and criteria, view the, view the 2025 JA Social Innovation Challenge: Submission Guidelines and Competition Criteria.
- Download the submission template here: 2025 JA Social Innovation Challenge Submission Template
Questions?
Please contact Meg Chapman at meg.chapman@ja.org.
Submit for JA Social Innovation Challenge
Related Events
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
In one week, four national student events will bring more than 300 students together who are competing in either the JA Company of the Year Competition, the Social Innovation Challenge, the Stock Market Challenge, or the JA Titans of Business Competition.
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