Junior Achievement of Arizona’s mission is to empower future generations with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the workplace and beyond, by teaching kids and young adults about money management, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. We recently connected with Anne Landers, Junior Achievement of Arizona’s vice president of strategic impact, about some of JA’s programs.
What are some of the important and valuable skills that participants learn by participating in Junior Achievement?
Junior Achievement is the leader in teaching kids how to think critically, the requisite to making smart decisions around money, careers and life. We have been serving Arizona students and families since 1957 and have provided college and career-readiness to over 3 million students. We teach our curriculum to K-12 students across Arizona and share real-world experiences, making the connection to what they are learning today and the real world. Our programs equip today’s students with critical financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship skills that will prepare them to succeed in work and life. Equally impactful, we’ll open their eyes to future possibilities and help them apply those important skills to unlock their own future potential.
Who is eligible to participate in Junior Achievement programs and how can they become involved?
We currently serve over 100,000 Arizona students with diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses each year. JA plays an important role in Arizona’s workforce and economic development. Although our programs historically have benefited students in our K-12 system, we have recently expanded that reach to include learners up to 26 years old to support them in their “next mile” of learning and career experience.
What are some of the positive outcomes for students?
According to a 2022 independent survey by Ipsos, 90 percent of JA alumni report that JA played an important, positive role in their professional lives, while 80 percent say that JA impacted their future education and career plans. They are becoming financially independent sooner, buying homes earlier and saving for retirement at an earlier age, when compared to the general population. JA students graduate at a higher rate than the Arizona graduation rate and go on to get higher education degrees and credentials at a higher rate than the general population.
How does someone become a volunteer or mentor?
Our volunteer mentors from the community teach students about the importance of money management, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. It takes more than 9,500 volunteer mentors to teach our 100,000-plus Arizona students each year. We train you, give you the lessons and materials needed and support you along the way. You show up, teach the lessons and share your personal experience with students.
