JA Future Ready Leaders^®

JA Future Ready Leaders® is a leadership development learning experience that prepares high school students to lead through character, communication, and intentional decision-making. Rather than learning about leadership in the abstract, students practice it in realistic situations, reflect on how they respond, and apply those skills in an authentic classroom setting. JA Future Ready Leaders culminates in students facilitating JA sessions for Grades K–5 students in elementary classrooms.

Following participation in the learning experience, students will be able to:

-- Understand leadership as behavior rooted in character, not authority or title.
-- Pause, assess, and make thoughtful decisions when multiple needs compete.
-- Communicate clearly and respond to what others need in the moment.
-- Adjust calmly and intentionally when plans do not go as expected.
-- Facilitate lessons for Grades K–5 students with clarity, confidence, and inclusive leadership.

JA Future Ready Leaders is part of the JA Work and Career Readiness Pathway and is recommended for high school students (Grades 9-12), and includes two tracks: Volunteer Track and Leadership Track.

JA learning experiences support national and state standards in reading, mathematics, social studies, and work and career readiness. See below for more information on alignment with national and state standards.