About JA

Junior Achievement's Purpose and Values

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

The envisioned future - what we aspire to become. Junior Achievement maintains an active vision, front and center, on how we can have a positive impact on the lives of more students - guided by our core values:

BELIEF IN THE BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE

COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF MARKET-BASED ECONOMICS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PASSION FOR WHAT WE DO AND HONESTY, INTEGRITY, AND EXCELLENCE IN HOW WE DO IT

RESPECT FOR THE TALENTS, CREATIVITY, PERSPECTIVES, AND BACKGROUNDS OF ALL INDIVIDUALS

BELIEF IN THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

CONVICTION IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND MOTIVATIONAL IMPACT OF RELEVANT, HANDS-ON LEARNING

Junior Achievement Facts

What is Junior Achievement?

Junior Achievement has 100 local JA Areas across the nation, and together we are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA's programsin the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacyignite 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 4,300 board members lead JA Area Offices around the United States. Connie Poisson is the President and CEO of JA of the Michigan Edge. Dianna Hueber, PC Solutions of Michigan, is the Chair.

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.

Program Reach

Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 209,651classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by more than 100 Area Offices in all 50 states. JA of the Michigan Edge reaches approximately XX,XXX students per year.

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. Over the last 39 years, Junior Achievement has expanded its activities and broadened its scope to include 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 over 100 JA Areas across the nation. Local volunteer boards of directors comprised of business, education, and civic leaders set the policy and direction for each local office. JA of the Michigan Edge was founded in 1952.

Volunteers

Junior Achievement's 237,680 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.

JA of the Michigan Edge Team

Staff

Our staff is committed to making your experience working with us absolutely the best!

JA Staff

Leadership

Meet the passionate and committed team that is working hard to empower our youth.

JA Leadership

Board

Our Board Members includes the finest business and individual leaders in our community.

JA Board

More about JA of Michigan Edge

Financial and Annual Reports

We've consistently received high grades for accountability and transparency.

JA Financials

Careers

Join us on our mission to empower youth and create robust communities.

JA Careers

Communities We Serve

View the communities we reach with our programs.

Communities JA Serves

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2024 JA DEIB Report