Our 75th Year In Photos
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.
In 1950, Junior Achievement (JA) 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, this year JA of Central Ohio created over 40,000 student experiences in 18 counties. As we conclude our celebration of our 75th school year, we reflect on a legacy rooted in innovation, community partnership, and a deep commitment to empowering students across the region.
1. JA INSPIRE MUSKINGUM
In early October, we hosted our 2nd annual JA Inspire in Muskingum County. This event hosted over 40 employers that facilitated career exploration conversations with nearly 1,000 student participants. This event was covered by Zanesville local news and can be viewed here.
2. 200,000 student CELEBRATION
The excitement continues! In late October, our Experiential Learning Centers celebrated our 200,000th student to participate in JA BizTown.
4. 1st anniversary of the nlc
January marked the one year anniversary of our Newark Experiential Learning Center. To learn more about the local impact, watch the video linked here.
5. ja inspire cOLUMBUS
In mid-March, we hosted our 5th annual Columbus JA Inspire at the Columbus Expo Center.
This record breaking JA Inspire hosted over 60 employers that facilitated career exploration conversations with over 1,200 student participants.
6. ja job shadow day
In early March, JA partnered with Bread Financial facilitate their first ever JA Job Shadow day. The event included taking the group of Linden McKinley high schoolers on a tour of Bread Financial’s head quarters, a panel, and resume advice from professionals.
7. casino night
The 17th annual Casino Night in partnership with Pepper Construction raised nearly $525,000 in funding for Junior Achievement programming. Learn more about our continued partnership with Pepper Construction here.
8. last experiential learning center program of the year
Our last Experiential Learning Program of our 75th school year took place on June 1st.
This year JA of Central Ohio created over 40,000 student experiences in 18 counties.
Here’s to another great school year!
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!
