February is Youth Leadership Month, and one Arizona nonprofit works daily to inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
For more than 65 years, Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) has been preparing millions of Arizona students to succeed in work and life. They’re empowering their futures by giving students the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices.
Delivered by 8,000+ business and community volunteer mentors, JA’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs focus on three key areas: financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. At the foundation of all their programs is teaching students the ability to think critically.
Set to serve more than 110,000 students this year and over 3 million since its founding, JA is shaping the college- and career-readiness conversation and they play an important role in Arizona’s workforce and economic development.
“Our programs help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world,” notes Sam Alpert, Chief Development Officer. “And the lessons demonstrate how learning correlates to earning – knowledge critical to empowering today’s students to be successful, contributing members of society in the future.”
JA serves students with diverse backgrounds and socio-economic status throughout Arizona. While our programs are invaluable to all students regardless of background, the majority of the students we serve come from low-income households. JA shows students the boundless possibility of the future and gives them the tools they need to be a leader no matter what challenges they may face.
And, with cutting-edge virtual programs like JA Inspire, students living in rural communities are able to access valuable career knowledge. JA aims to reach students in all counties in Arizona, leveling the playing field and making sure there are equitable opportunities for them.
“It’s our responsibility to empower future generations — to equip them with the skills and knowledge to be successful and pursue their dreams,” says Sam. “These are our kids, grandchildren, our future colleagues and community leaders. The success of our economy depends on their preparedness.”
Want to see, first-hand, how JA programs have impacted leaders in our community? Read how JA changed the life of alum Tod LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth
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