Our History
75 Years of Empowering Lives
For 75 years, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio has been helping young people build the skills and confidence to take control of their future. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting you, our volunteers, donors, educators, and alumni, to share your story and be part of our legacy. Because this isn’t just our history. It’s yours.
From one office to a movement
In 1950, Junior Achievement of Central Ohio was officially founded with a bold vision: to prepare young people for success in a changing economy. What began as a single office has evolved into a regional force for economic mobility, providing over 51,000 student learning experiences annually across 19 counties.
Timeline
Early Years
1919 – Junior Achievement USA is founded nationally, focused on teaching teens the ins and outs of business.
1950 – Junior Achievement of Central Ohio (JA) is established in Columbus, with a significant focus on after-school and in-class programs for high school students.
1954 – Ohio Governor Lausche declares Jan 31–Feb 6 as “Junior Achievement Week”, recognizing JA’s growing role in preparing youth for success.
1954 – An OSU student submits a thesis on the “Junior Achievement Movement”, reflecting early academic recognition of JA’s innovative approach to economic education.
1969 – Junior Achievement USA establishes a chapter in all 50 states and expands internationally.
JA BizTown is Established
Early 1990s – JA of Central Ohio grows its reach from 3,000 to 10,000 students, deepening its impact across the region.
1994 – JA of Central Ohio launches in-class K-6 programs, opening the door for younger students to build life skills early.
2001 – Exchange City opens in Hilliard (now known as JA BizTown), providing students with a hands-on, simulated city experience that teaches them how business, government, and personal finance intersect.
2008 – JA of Central Ohio signs a 20-year lease with Columbus City Schools for the building that will become the JA Learning Center of Columbus.
2010 – JA BizTown opens in this new facility.
Gaining Momentum
2011 – JA of Central Ohio receives its first six-figure donation ($250,000 from IGS Energy), marking a major step forward in expanding access to high-impact learning experiences.
2019 – JA reaches a new milestone: 30,000 students served in a single year, reflecting the growing demand for career-connected education across Central Ohio.
2020 – In response to the global pandemic, JA pivots quickly to launch an online version of JA BizTown and other programs, ensuring students continue to build confidence and skills, even from home.
2022 – Bread Financial makes history with JA’s first seven-figure donation: $1.5 million, fueling innovation and expanding opportunities for thousands of students.
Evolving to Reach More Students
2023 – JA Finance Park in Columbus opens, giving middle and high school students hands-on experience in financial decision-making and long-term planning.
2023 – JA hosts its first-ever JA Inspire event in Columbus, connecting students with local employers and career pathways through an interactive career exploration experience.
2023 – JA revitalizes and modernizes JA BizTown and its Columbus Learning Center, making the space more inspiring, accessible, and safe.
2024 – With the help of local leaders in Licking County, JA of Central Ohio leases and renovates a Newark City Schools facility. This will become the organization’s second Learning Center.
2024 – JA Inspire goes to Muskingum County for the first time, marking significant regional growth.
2025 – The JA Learning Center of Newark officially opens, bringing JA Finance Park and JA BizTown to students in and around Licking County.
“At the end of the day, kids say, ‘This is the best day of my life.’ And you know it’s real because some struggle with reading, confidence, or even having lunch. JA helps them see what’s possible for their future.”
Jennifer Reynolds
JA BizTown Instructor
69% of Ja alumni in dream job
This is compared to just 25% of American Adults who reported the same.
68% of JA alumni are independent
IPSOS research found that almost three-quarters of JA Alumni (aged 18-29) are independent from their parents, versus only 34% of American Adults (18-29).
74% of JA alumni own homes
This is compared to the national average of 66% (ages 18-34).
YOUR STORY IS OUR LEGACY
Thank you for being part of 75 years of
empowering lives. Here’s to 75 more!
