Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders: Junior Achievement and Staples Expand Partnership

Image caption: JA students participating in career-connected learning experience.

Preparing students for the future of work takes more than classroom instruction—it takes collaboration between educators, communities, and the business leaders shaping tomorrow’s workforce. That’s why Junior Achievement USA is proud to expand its partnership with Staples to help more students across the country gain access to career-connected learning experiences.

Today’s students are entering a workforce that is rapidly changing due to technology and artificial intelligence. As these shifts reshape how we work, young people must develop durable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and continuous learning.

Junior Achievement programs are designed to do exactly that; connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences so students can explore career pathways, understand how businesses operate, and develop the skills needed to thrive in the future of work.

Expanding Impact in Communities Nationwide

Through this partnership, Staples will support Junior Achievement programs in communities across the United States while also engaging employees as volunteers to help deliver learning experiences that bring career concepts to life for students.

The partnership will benefit students in several cities, including Boston, Orlando, Orange City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas, among others. By supporting local programs and volunteer engagement, Staples is helping ensure that more students have access to meaningful learning experiences that connect education with future careers.

“At Staples, helping people succeed at work and in business is at the core of what we do,” said Rachel Huckle, CEO of Staples. “We’re proud to partner with Junior Achievement to help prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”

At the national level, Staples will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor for Future Bound, a national student conference taking place June 8–10, 2026, at Boston University.

The event will bring together more than 300 students from across the United States to participate in four national competitions that highlight entrepreneurship, innovation, and business skills. For many students, events like Future Bound offer a chance to apply what they’ve learned through Junior Achievement programs while connecting with peers, mentors, and business leaders.

Building Opportunity Through Partnership

For more than a century, Junior Achievement has worked to ensure students have access to the knowledge and experiences that help them succeed academically today and economically tomorrow. Partnerships with organizations like Staples help make that mission possible by bringing together education and industry to expand opportunity for young people.

Learn More About the Partnership

The expanded collaboration between Junior Achievement and Staples will help bring career-connected learning experiences to students across the country.

Read the full press release to learn more about the partnership and its impact on students nationwide here.