About Junior Achievement of Western New York

What is Junior Achievement?

Junior Achievement (JA) is a global non-profit organization that prepares and inspires students to succeed in a global economy by offering in-school and after-school programs in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. Locally, Junior Achievement of Western New York has been serving students since 1958.

JA programs start in kindergarten and are available for all grade levels through high school. Each lesson contains hands-on activities that align with New York State learning standards while encouraging innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. JA programs are independently evaluated and are taught by a community volunteer who brings real life examples of success into the classroom and makes everyday lessons in math, social studies, and English/language arts relevant to the real world.

The result is a unique learning opportunity for our kids and a future generation of engaged consumers, qualified employees, and leaders who will drive the economic growth of our community.

Why Junior Achievement?

JA provides superior learning opportunities to ensure that school children of all socio-economic backgrounds develop the competencies necessary for success in a global economy. These competencies are not part of New York State education requirements—and significant research shows they are not being taught in the home—yet are critical to the future success of our community.

JA delivers relevant and age-appropriate programs for students at every grade level. As students participate in reality-based simulations and combine these 21st Century experiences with the general principals around the core New York State learning competencies, they gain a thorough and realistic understanding of our economic system.

JA's unique approach integrates program materials, training, and support and provides a successful bridge between education and the business community.

How Does Junior Achievement Work?

Junior Achievement works with school districts to recruit volunteers to go into classrooms and after-school settings to deliver professionally developed, age-appropriate, financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship curriculum for students in grades K-12. Our unique approach offers distinct advantages:

  • Delivery system of volunteers with diverse backgrounds who serve as presenters in the classroom and share their own unique experiences in obtaining and working in the careers they have chosen.

  • Curriculum which meets NYS Standards, based on educator and volunteer feedback and needs, and incorporates the latest technological experiences.

  • Experience-based learning enabling students to learn through a variety of hands-on activities that help them understand the relationship between school learning and successful participation in our economy.

Who benefits from Junior Achievement?

  • Students: JA students demonstrate a significant understanding of economics and business concepts—particularly those who participate in programs at consecutive grade levels, as determined by independent evaluators.

  • Mentors: Volunteer mentors help young people better understand economic concepts in order to become successful in the workplace and in life. In return, volunteers report sharpened presentation skills and improved time-management and organizational skills due to their experience in the classroom. Volunteers who co-present with other colleagues enjoy a productive team-building experience.

  • Educators: Teachers welcome Junior Achievement's resources because they enhance the learning environment and reinforce the classroom curricula.

  • Investors: Business, foundations, and individuals who support JA benefit from having a positive image in the community and by helping to engage a better-prepared workforce. 

Proceeds from our Bowl-a-thon help provide these programs to thousands of local Western New York students in grades K-12.

To learn more about Junior Achievement of Western New York, visit www.jawny.org.