Junior Achievement really was the only outlet, the only place I could go where I could truly learn about business. Going to Junior Achievement, I learned everything. I learned how to incorporate, I learned all the different roles, sales, cost of goods sold, production, making products, selling, and selling at a profit, all the pieces. We literally ran a business. Just that whole concept of the American Dream I think drives so many kids. Junior Achievement is a good opportunity to understand what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur in this country.
-Mark Cuban, JA Alumnus, Dallas Mavericks Owner, and Shark Tank Personality
Our Purpose
Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
Too many kids do not have access to education crucial for their future success: personal financial responsibility, budgeting, critical thinking, career readiness, and demonstrating an entrepreneurial drive. Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain exists so that all kids, regardless of background, receive the tools they need to build a future for themselves in which they are optimistic, economically self-sufficient, and determined, with a belief in the power of free enterprise.
To accomplish this, JA provides in-school and off-site experiential programs to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, delivered by corporate and community volunteers, who provide a real-world perspective in the areas of career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. There is no cost for schools to implement JA programming.
Core Values
- Belief in the boundless potential of young people; the JA experience will be extended to all young people and schools regardless of their ability to pay
- Commitment to the principles of capitalism
- 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
Educational Pillars
Entrepreneurship – JA students have the ability to identify business opportunities and apply effort and resources necessary to create new business endeavors.
Financial Literacy – JA students have a greater knowledge of economic concepts and terms for local and global enterprises and personal money management.
Work Readiness – JA students possess the knowledge of and ability to organize personal characteristics and goals to match needs presented in the workplace.
Junior Achievement’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Junior Achievement is committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity. We are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity. We welcome K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
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. Since then, Junior Achievement has expanded its activities and broadened its scope to include in-school and after-school students. Come see what JA has been doing throughout its 100 years.
