What is Junior Achievement?

JA's mission is to inspire students to embrace free enterprise and prepare for success in a global economy.  Responding to the critical need for an educated workforce, JA's programs focus on the three pillars of financial literacy, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA provides in-school and after-school programs to students in grades K-12 at no cost to schools.

JA has been operating in the Front Range since 1950. Over the past 16 years, the organization has grown tenfold - from reaching just 8,000 students in the 1990-91 school year to reaching 88,000 students in the 2006-07 school year, making Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Inc. the 13^th largest JA operation in the country and the largest economic education organization in the Front Range.

What does Junior Achievement do for educators?

JA addresses a critical need.

Did you know that, in Colorado, 30% of high school students drop out each year? For minorities, that number rises to 50%. A 2006 study funded in part by the Gates Foundation, entitled Silent Epidemic, explored the issue of high school drop outs in America. What makes this study unique is that it explored the issue from the perspective of the drop-outs themselves. The study found that more than 80% of the high school drop-outs they interviewed suggested that providing more opportunities for real-world and experiential learning might help kids stay in school. They said that students need to see the connection between school and getting a good job. Enhancing this connection between school and work in a relevant and engaging way is what JA does best.

JA brings relevance to your classroom.

Junior Achievement is the fourth "R" in school subjects; JA programs provide relevance to what students learn in school. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to your classroom - opening students' kinds to their potential and preparing them for the workplace. JA recruits and trains business and other community volunteers, connects them to you and provides all volunteer and student guides and hands-on learning materials. For students, JA's volunteer-led programs provide like role models which help them to see the vital connection between school and future success.

JA programs are proven and effective.

Junior Achievement programs are effective, and studies show that even a single exposure to Junior Achievement programs can make a difference. In the past 10 years, 80% of JA's current programs have undergone comprehensive, nationwide evaluation by a third-party evaluation firm. The evaluations have shown repeatedly that JA's impact on student achievement is consistent and significant. Results have shown:

• 80% of high school students felt better prepared to enter the workforce after participating in JA programming.
• Students who participate in JA programs understand statistically more about personal finances and budgeting.
• 94% of teachers would recommend Junior Achievement to a colleague.  

The Western Institute for Research and Evaluation (WIRE) longitudinal study shows that students participating in Junior Achievement programs have a greater copmrehension of business concepts and skills then their non-participating peers. In objective-based testing, JA students scored an average of 33% higher than non- Junior Achievement students. Research also shows that JA students perform better than non- Junior Achievement students in the following:

• succeeding at a job
• acting professionally
• taking on leadership roles
• resolving conflicts
• acting with confidence

JA kids are ready to embrace the future. Studies show that students who participate in Junior Achievement programs demonstrate:

• An increased desire to stay in school
• A sense of personal economic empowerment
• A positive attitude towards entering the workforce
• The ability to utilize critical thinking skills
• An increased interest in entrepreneurship
  

JA programs support content standards.

JA can help you achieve your goals in the classroom of preparing students to surpass educational requirements and succeed once they have finished school. In essence - JA reinforces what you do every day. JA programs can help schools reach their Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) goals. In July 2000, a study at the University of Northern Colorado compared JA's programs to the Colorado Academic Content Standards, as assessed by CSAP. The study revealed that Junior Achievement's programs cover "in depth, seven of nine content standard areas." The study also stated, "Junior Achievement programs address the standards at all grade levels (K-12) with a practical, real life, hands-on approach providing students with experiences similar to what they encounter outside of the classroom."

Request JA in your classroom today!