About JA
CHANGING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE
At Junior Achievement we believe in "possible." Each day, we work to help young people discover what's possible in their lives. We do this by helping them connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it's possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works, and to pursue their dreams. We show them that it's possible for tomorrow to be a better day.
Our Values
Belief
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.
Empowering the Next Generation
Junior Achievement's proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact the lives of young people. These lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students across the country with the help of our education partners and volunteers from the local community.
Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.
Learn more about 2021-2022 Alumni Survey Report
Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.
Learn more about 2021-2022 Alumni Survey Report
Junior Achievement Facts
JA in Southern Illinois Territory Covered
JA in Southern Illinois serves the following counties: Alexander, Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin. Green, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jersey, Johnson, Madison, Macoupin, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, St. Clair, Union, Washington, Williamson
What is Junior Achievement?
Junior Achievement has over 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 programs in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy ignite 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 3,800 board members lead JA Area Offices around the United States. President Name is the President and CEO of JA in Southwestern Illinois. Chair Person Name, position title and Company, 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 208,373 classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by over 100 Area Offices in all 50 states. JA in Southwestern Illinois reaches approximately 12,155 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.
Volunteers
Junior Achievement's 247,350 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.
Junior Achievement in Southwestern Illinois Team
Staff
Our staff is committed to making your experience working with us absolutely the best!
JA StaffMore about Junior Achievement
Financial and Annual Reports
We've consistently received high grades for accountability and transparency.
JA FinancialsSelect a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement in Southwestern Illinois.
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