Inspire and prepare young people to succeed

JA of Central Ohio's volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students in our community to dream big and reach their potential.

Why Junior Achievement?

JA helps students realize that the education they are getting today will help them to have a bright future tomorrow. JA's unique, volunteer delivered programs, show them all of the possibilities that lay before them. They realize they can choose different paths; College? A specific trade? Start their own business? Through your participation as an organization or as an individual, these statistics below can begin to change in your community:

> 20% of U.S. students will not complete high school on time and earn a diploma.

> 49% of U.S. employers recognize that talent shortages impact their ability to serve clients and customers.

> 36% of Americans say that they have at some point in their lives felt their financial situation was out of control.

> 91% of millennials wish they had greater access to entrepreneurial education programs.

Which Way to JA

Corporate Donor

Your corporation can support the growing need for youth development in Central Ohio by helping today's students with the critical skills and the character necessary to succeed in your 21st Century workplace.

— OR —

Individual Donor

Not affiliated with a corporation partnered with JA? You can make a donation directly to JA of Central Ohio!

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Corporate Volunteer

By volunteering for JA through your organization, you can be in the classroom during work hours and you can share your experience and inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

— OR —

Individual Volunteer

Not affiliated with a corporation partnered with JA? You can volunteer in your community directly with JA of Central Ohio!

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Educator

Quality volunteers from the community come into your classroom to deliver proven, hands-on programming that inspires students to understand the opportunities provided by education.

— OR —

Learn more about JA Programs

Not an Educator? Find out how you can get JA programs into your Central Ohio school!

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Watch the Video

4777567

Students Reached Nationally
2016-2017

208373

Classes Nationally
2016-2017

247350

Volunteers Nationally
2016-2017

21503

Schools Reached Nationally
2016-2017

JA of Central Ohio Spotlight

Calling all JA Alumni!

Did JA make a difference in your life? Is there a story you want to share about how a JA mentor helped positively influence your life or career? Take the JA Alumni Survey!

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Two students walking through a simulation

JA Finance Park and JA Biztown

Where: In a JA Facility that is a simulated city
Time Investment: Typically 6 hours

You'll be in an actual simulated city! You'll help guide students through their assigned family scenario where they will visit many different businesses. They must purchase items to meet the needs of their family, such as insurance, clothing, transportation, housing, groceries, and childcare—without spending more than they earn.

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Women of JA

A community of business women, entrepreneurs, volunteers, neighbors and friends, committed to advancing the mission of Junior Achievement. We believe that when we give of ourselves, we inspire something greater, and that together, we can achieve more.

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Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame 2020

Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center - Short North Ballroom
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 5:30 PM

Junior Achievement of Central Ohio's Business Hall of Fame dinner is an annual event bringing together 450-500 business leaders from around Columbus to honor community leaders in central Ohio. For more than thirty years, the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame has inducted Laureates who demonstrate business excellence, courageous thinking and action, vision and innovation, inspiring leadership, and community mindedness.

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