Junior Achievement (JA) is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy. JA offers business education programs in the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, delivered at no cost to elementary, middle and high schools. A network of 16 local JA offices reach more than 400 communities across Canada. Each year, over 10,000 business volunteers deliver programs to more than 210,000 students.

JA programs enable young people to develop essential life skills through exposure to interactive activities and innovative business simulations. The JA experience empowers young people, increasing their confidence, employability skills and workforce readiness.

What programs does Junior Achievement offer?

Please see our Programs Page for a complete list of programs.

How are programs delivered?

Junior Achievement programs are delivered by thousands of enthusiastic business professionals, successful entrepreneurs and committed individuals who enjoy sharing their work experiences and knowledge with youth. Our volunteers are the link between education and the world of work, bringing JA programs to life in the classroom.

Please download the Volunteer with JA overview to see how you can get involved.

Are there any student awards or scholarships?

Each year, Junior Achievement of Canada and our partners recognize the outstanding achievements of students in our programs. Awards and scholarships are granted for performance in business competitions, teamwork and cooperation, essay writing and public-speaking, community service and entrepreneurship.

If you are a Canadian JA student and want to learn more about applying for these awards, check out the Achiever Awards and Scholarships section under Programs, or click here, contact your local JA office or ask your JA program advisor. For a complete list of JA contact information, click here

If I would like to be a partner in supporting one of JA’s programs, who should I contact?

JA’s ability to reach young people and improve lives depends on the support it receives from its partners and contributors. To find out more about JA partnerships, and for a listing of current partners, click here.

If I am an educator and would like to offer one of JA’s programs in my classroom, who should I contact?

JA’s programs are a valuable resource to educators and all programs meet curriculum guidelines. To find out more about how you can offer a program in your classroom, contact your local JA office

What is the Canadian Business Hall of Fame?

Established by Junior Achievement of Canada in 1979, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) is Canada’s premier award for business excellence. To date, only 150 Canadians have been honoured with induction to this prestigious institution.

The Annual Induction Ceremonies and Gala Dinner is the only fundraising event in support of Junior Achievement of Canada. For more information please visit www.cbhof.ca.

Does Junior Achievement operate outside of Canada?

About JA Worldwide®

JA Worldwide is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and entrepreneurship. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA Worldwide provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. JA Worldwide offers educational programs that focus on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial literacy, and career development. Today, Junior Achievement operates in 123 countries, reaching 9.7 million students annually. For more information, visit www.ja.org.


What conferences and events does Junior Achievement of Canada organize?

JACAN organizes the Next Generation Leaders Forum (NGL), a premier international student business conference. Each year more than 200 Junior Achievement students from Canada and around the world converge on a Canadian university campus to discuss, debate and learn about business and global issues. NGL takes place in August in a different Canadian city each year. For more information about this and upcoming events, visit the jaX website at http://www.imnext.org.

Local JA offices organize a number of events throughout the year. To find out about what is happening in your area, contact your local JA website.