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
Vision
A world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
Mission
JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.
Values
- BELIEVE in the boundless potential of young people.
- SEEK OUT diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff and volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve.
- NURTURE the power of partnerships and collaboration.
- APPROACH our work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence.
- TEACH principled, market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world.
- ADVOCATE for 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.
