Junior Achievement is 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.

Growing up on the east side of Buffalo, I was determined not to become just another statistic. My parents instilled in me a discipline to rise above our situation, and even took in "adopted" children from the neighborhood, teaching them the same values. From a young age, I understood that not everyone has the same opportunities. It's wonderful to know that there are organizations dedicated to setting up our youth for success.