Junior Achievement | Investment Opportunities

Inspiring & Preparing Young People to Succeed

Junior Achievement helps students connect education to the real world and prepare the future workforce to be tomorrow’s leaders. We are committed to finding ways to deepen the impact JA has on the communities we serve. One key to resolving educational and wealth disparities is directly linking resources to need. Specific to JA, this centers on addressing gaps in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship knowledge and skills. It also revolves around connecting youth to the local business community, showing them robust opportunities in fields and industries previously unknown or seen as unattainable to them.

Young people, now more than ever, need opportunities to explore the world of work. They need critical soft-skills and mentors from business to show them the path to future success. JA’s programming is a perfect conduit for setting students up for long-term career success while also supporting thriving industries in recruiting a skilled workforce. In the world of work today, there is a tremendous need for a stronger and more representatively diverse talent pipeline. Change is only possible if young people who are the most likely to benefit are empowered with the information and skills necessary to navigate this ever-changing landscape. Knowledge is power and JA gives today’s young people that power in the form of financial capability, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship. These skills will not only improve their lives but will bolster their families, their communities, and our nation.

JA is a true solution provider, not just a program provider. We recognize the need to be nimble and offer flexible opportunities to meet our educators and corporate partners where they are. With impact as our main driver, JA listens attentively to our constituents and tailors rewarding experiences that meet the needs of our students, our educators and our business partners. Together, we have the right people serving as mentors, proven program curriculum, and the opportunity to amplify the great work already taking place to change the trajectory of the employment ecosystem at large. This guide is a demonstration of the opportunities you have to change the lives of young people in ways that are meaningful to you, your company and your community.

Make an investment today in the young people who are our future—full of inspiration and promise!

“ I value the opportunity to volunteer for JA because every year I see children who have limitless potential, and with just a little guidance, motivation, and education on pertinent business concepts, we have the ability to positively alter the trajectory of these children’s lives and their views on self-worth.”

– JA Volunteer

Career Exploration & Work Readiness Programs

Having the knowledge and/or technical skills for in a specific career or job is only part of the story. Career planning skills, opportunities for career exploration, development of transferable essential soft skills, and the ability to try out career interests through internships or job shadowing will make students ready for life and lead to greater success in the workforce. JA’s community volunteer-based approach not only ignites a new or increased spark within students, but the partnerships validate key skills and knowledge needed in the future workforce. The student journey will facilitate discovery of their interests and skills, support more intentional high school course planning, and encourage students to pursue careers they might not have otherwise considered.

51%

OF JA ALUMNI GO INTO THE CAREER OR FIELD OF THEIR JA VOLUNTEER

Jr. Apprentice (JrA)

$3,000 per student

Designed as an education to employment link meant to enhance and strengthen student motivation to graduate high school with robust pathways to a successful work life while simultaneously breaking down barriers youth face in the job market. This year-long work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy initiative for inner-city Hartford students involves weekly training, off-site experiential learning at businesses and institutions of higher education, and culminates with each student earning a paid internship at a local business. Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Career Connections for Young Women (CCYW)

$3,000 per student

Inspire and prepare young women to focus on careers, professional goals and financial responsibility. Through a series of ten-sessions, students will participate in a variety of workshops, activities and lessons from one of JA’s most powerful high school curriculum, JA Career Success. In addition, the lessons will be enhanced with experiential learning through industry specific panel discussions, soft skill training and career exploration. This program is aimed to provide young women with practical advice and wisdom about the world of work, from how to get hired to understanding your personal brand, and a network of support as they navigate what comes next.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, financial literacy DEI

Jr. Apprentice (JrA)

Career Connections for Young Women (CCYW)

JA Career Speaker Series

$1,000 per class

This program brings professionals and the working world to the students – helping to erase the mystique of the workplace, providing advice and stories, and inspiring them regarding their career goals. Professionals from a variety of industries share their experiences in their fields as well as the career process via live or recorded video conferencing. Topics may also include researching job opportunities that correlate with personal interests and skills, the job application process, and resume writing and interviewing. This program focuses on individual speakers and their personal stories with the intention to build meaningful connections for students.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Resume Review & Mock Interviews

$1,000 per class

This experiential workshop is for high school students who are preparing for both career and college. Students learn the importance of personal branding and what criteria belongs on a resume as well as identify worthy achievements and what not to include. Students prepare a resume and participate in a mock interview with volunteers. They learn to identify appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills for an interview, demonstrate professional behaviors, including preparedness, professional attire and respectful presentation. They will develop confidence in relation to their interviewing skills.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Resume Review & Mock Interviews

JA Job Shadow

$5,000-$10,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students) Students visit a professional work environment either in person or virtually, which can take on many forms depending on the business. The day includes kick off remarks by an executive. The students participate in programming and face a series of challenges related to career exploration by their workplace hosts. Students will continue to learn how to research career opportunities and witness the skills needed to land and keep their dream job in the career or industry of their volunteers.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Career Panels

$5,000-$10,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 100-200 students)

Four to five local business members participate in an interactive panel discussion. Panelists share the history of their career paths, allowing students to understand that there are many ways to achieve goals in life, and encouraging the mindset of staying

open to opportunity as it will result in the achievement of personal and professional growth. Though primarily offered virtually, some Career Panels may be held in person.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Industry Exploration Days

$5,000-$25,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 50-250 students)

JA partners with several industry leaders and local businesses to provide a day-long virtual or in person experience for students that centers around real-world explanations and experiences shared by employee volunteers as well as career opportunities in Connecticut. Programming includes a keynote speaker, panels and presentations through which volunteers share about their own pathways to success. Additional program components may include virtual job shadows, live demonstrations and videos. The goal is for students to see themselves in roles within specific industries or careers, and learn what it takes to get there.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

JA Career Days

$5,000-$25,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 50-250 students)

JA works with the school to customize topics/career clusters based on student interest and feedback. This live virtual or in person program includes several speakers telling their career story, interacting with students and answering questions, speaking for approximately 15-20min each. Some volunteers also create presentations, videos, virtual visuals for student engagement.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

Career Walk

$5,000-$10,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students)

Through this experience, students visit a variety of businesses in a series of mini Job Shadows: banking, finance, marketing, insurance, retail, and other industries in brief sessions, back-toback across a single day. Literally walking from business to business, students are provided with an opportunity to learn about different careers and receive an inside look at local businesses.

Investment Focus: Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, DEI

In addition to our stand-alone programming, JA has multiple curriculums used by volunteers in K-6 classrooms as part of our JA Day or JA in a Week program as well as through a series of weekly Traditional sessions. Below is a list of these workforce readiness focused curriculums:

• JA It’s My Job (soft skills)

• JA Community Coders

• JA Career Success

• JA Our Nation

• JA Excellence through Ethics

• JA Marketing Principals I & II

Career planning skills, opportunities for career exploration, development of transferable essential soft skills, and the ability to try out career interests through internships or job shadowing will make students ready for life and lead to greater success in the workforce.

Entrepreneurship Programs

The JA Entrepreneurship Pathway creates a continuum of progressive learning experiences, each inspiring, preparing, and ultimately enabling students to acquire the mindset and demonstrate the skills needed by successful entrepreneurs. Since most entrepreneurship education is focused in post-secondary, there is a need to invest in a feeder system comprised of middle and high school students who are prime ages for promoting entrepreneurial intentionality and building the necessary skill set. JA has a time-tested approach of engaging teens with entrepreneurial mentors and proven programs. This model sparks enhanced connectivity between schools, businesses, communities, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Students successfully engage with their local entrepreneurial ecosystem and create new businesses. These agents of change will fuel the economic engines in communities across America by generating innovation, prosperity, and jobs, all having a profound and positive impact.

JA ALUMNI ARE 2½ TIMES MORE LIKELY TO START A BUSINESS COMPARED TO THEIR PEERS.

JA Entrepreneurial Academy

JA Entrepreneurial Academy

$20,000-$30,000 for cohort of 15-20 students

The Entrepreneurial Academy is a unique opportunity that brings urban and suburban high school students together at a corporate site to gain skills in entrepreneurism, leadership, teamwork, ethics and career development. The focus of the 15-week, 30-hour after school program will be the development and launching of an actual business, including securing investors to liquidation, using the “JA Company Program” curriculum. The program has run successfully since its start with The Hartford in 2013. The program has now grown to three sites, The Hartford, Stanley Black & Decker, and Pratt & Whitney partnered with Goodwin University.

Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, Financial Literacy

JA Entrepreneurial Academy

JA Entrepreneurial Academy

Be Entrepreneurial Challenge

$5,000-$10,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students) Designed to fit within the parameters of a school day, students will develop a business plan with the guidance and expertise of their volunteer leaders. In the spirit of competition, students will pitch their draft business plans to a panel of judges. The top teams move on to compete in a final round. Through this program, students develop a mindset that enables opportunity identification, innovation, value creation, and problem solving. They learn the principles, strategies and skills through the experiences of others and apply them to their own lives.

Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, Financial Literacy

JA Company Program

$1,000-$10,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 10-100 students) High school students are empowered to fill a need or solve a problem in their community while developing the practical skills required to conceptualize, capitalize, and manage their own business venture. Community volunteers and mentors provide real-world guidance and experience to the student-led startup.

Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration, Financial Literacy

Be Entrepreneurial Challenge

The Leadership Series – Be a Better Leader

$1,000-$10,000 depending on the number of students that participate (based on 10-100 students) Created for high school junior and seniors across Connecticut with components of leadership and career development incorporated. Each webinar focuses on a different career industry with themes like Careers of the Mind, Careers of the Body, Careers of Service, and Careers of Creativity. This program has been offered both as a live stream as well as a pre-recorded option.

Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

Louis J. Golden Student Leadership Conference

$5,000-$10,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students) This program is designed to fit within the parameters of a school day and made possible by the generosity of the Louis J. Golden Leadership Fund. Led by Leadership of Greater Hartford, students will receive an introductory crash course to leadership. Students learn strategies and concepts related to conflict resolution, team building, group decision making, personal brand and more. This is a pre-requisite to the Entrepreneurial Academy, Career Connections to Yong Women and Jr. Apprentice.

Investment Focus: Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

In addition to our stand-alone programming, JA has multiple curriculums used by volunteers in K-6 classrooms as part of our JA Day or JA in a Week programs as well as through a series of weekly sessions. Below is a list of these entrepreneurial focused curriculums:

Louis J. Golden Student Leadership Conference

Financial Literacy Programs

From kindergarten through high school, students learn and practice financial literacy concepts with real-world relevance. JA is taking strides now to equip the next generation with the tools and know-how for success in school and beyond. JA programs and content teach how to earn, budget, build credit, buy appropriate insurance, save, and invest, through hands-on learning experiences and useful resources. Students develop a financially capable mindset and successfully engage with local businesses and communities. The cumulative impact on individual households will generate stability, prosperity, and quality of life.

JA in a Day/Week

$5,000 -$25,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 100-500 students) One of JA's staple and long-standing series, volunteers teach JA curriculum to an entire grade or school of students over the course of one day, one week, or five consecutive weeks or months. Each grade-specific program includes sequential themes and hands-on activities that help students understand business and economics. Designed for and aligned with content area standards for grades K-8, these activities introduce students to concepts early on and set the framework for success later in life.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

Finance Park Virtual

$5,000-$25,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 100-500 students)

Over a series of lessons, students develop an understanding of personal finance and budgeting culminating in a simulation experience in the Virtual Finance Park, a realistic reflection of their community where they put into practice skills learned by developing/committing to a personal budget and making financial and career decisions across a life span.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

JA Day in Banking

$5,000-$10,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students)

A half day-long program where students visit a bank, learn about the industry, and meet with bank executives to see a more in-depth view of banking and the variety of career fields and opportunities available with a bank from the expected finance to marketing to IT.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

JA More than Money 5th Grade Conference

$5,000-$10,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 50-100 students) Fifth grade students learn about earning, spending, sharing/saving money, and businesses they can start or jobs they can perform to earn money. Students are encouraged to use innovative thinking to learn money management skills that support positive attitudes as they explore and enhance their career aspirations.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

JA High School Heroes

$1,000-$5,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 20-100 students) High school students engage in leadership development opportunities and then deliver JA programs in elementary schools, serving as positive role models for younger students. Some of the topics covered through this program include civic leadership, conflict resolution, flexibility, and interpersonal communications.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness

JA Economics for Success

$1,000-$5,000 depending on number of students that participate (based on 20-100 students) This program reveals the heart of a successful economic life: choosing the right career and managing money properly. Students will explore their skills, interests, values, and the world of work to make informed education, career, and life decisions. They will also develop their knowledge of personal finance to apply strong financial management skills regardless of income.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

JA Personal Finance 2.0

$1,000-$5,000

Through this program, students experience the interrelationship between today’s financial decisions and future financial freedom. To achieve financial health and wellness, they learn about money-management strategies, including earning, employment and income, budgeting, savings, credit and debt, consumer protection, smart shopping, risk management, investing, credit card usage, debt management, and net worth.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, Career Inspiration

All About Cars

$1,000-$2,000

Buying one’s first car is both exciting and daunting. This program introduces students to the essential costs related to buying and operating a first car and offers tips on being smart consumers when purchasing vehicles. In this volunteer-led session, students consider their needs and wants to make a real-world connection to the car-buying experience, motivating them to make good financial decisions when buying or leasing.

Investment Focus: Financial Literacy, Career Inspiration

Our JA Day or JA in a Week programs can also be taught through a series of Traditional weekly sessions. Below is a list of these financial literacy focused curriculums taught during these programs:

A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN JA ALUMNI REPORT AN

INCREASE IN THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING BETWEEN CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD,

A STRONG INDICATOR OF ECONOMIC MOBILITY.

Junior Achievement Special Events

JA hosts several fundraising events each year: the JA Golf Classic, JA Business Hall of Fame, Partners in Achievement fundraising breakfasts (Hartford and New Haven), and several peer-to-peer Play4JA events. All events not only help raise financial support for JA, but also heighten awareness of JA’s mission and its profound impact in the community. JA special events ensure programming is provided for free to every school or teacher. JA programs are as impactful as they are because of the opportunities afforded to students through community volunteers and JA’s proven curriculum. These engagement experiences have afforded JA students and alumni internships, employment, and additional contacts for career advancement as well as inspiring the future generation of leaders to build careers in growth industries and previously underrepresented fields.

JA Responds

JA Responds is a series of round table discussions aimed at engaging local voices in problemsolving and thought leadership featuring local parents, students, educators, business leaders, and community members who believe in the mission of Junior Achievement and are committed to creating a better future for young people in Connecticut.

JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast

The JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast provides a great opportunity to network with local business leaders while celebrating JA’s impact in the community. Enjoy motivational stories from JA’s amazing students, educators, and volunteers – all sharing about their experiences and the value of JA!

Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $15,000. While there is no cost to attend this event, those who attend are asked to consider making a contribution to JA during the program.

JA Business Hall of Fame

The JA Business Hall of Fame recognizes past and present business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the prosperity and the strength of our communities. The hybrid event will be livestreamed virtual as well as include a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards ceremony for those joining in person.

Sponsorships range from $2,000 to $35,000. Individual tickets are also available for $150-$250.

Play 4 JA

Junior Achievement’s Play 4 JA events are a great way for companies and individuals to support students in their community with friendly fundraising and competition among colleagues, friends, and family. Current event options include in person Bowl-a-Thon, Virtual Trivia and Virtual Bingo.

JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast

JA Business Hall of Fame

“ I have so much more faith in my future now than I ever had before because of this program…I feel so supported, which feels so refreshing. Thank you so much!”

– High School Student, CCYW

JA Golf Classic

The JA Golf Classic has earned a welldeserved reputation as the premier golf event in Central New England. Hosted at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, it is legendary for its high-level of customer service, the impressive number of top executives who participate and the overall quality of the golfing experience. Sponsorships range from $1,250 to $30,000 and Twosome and Foursome packages range from $2,500 to $5,500.

JA Office Warriors

JA Office Warriors brings local corporate teams together to compete in wacky office-themed games including Water Cooler Bowling, K-Cup Towers, and Rubber Band Archery. Show JA students how it’s done and inspire them to be warriors in their own pursuit of the America Dream! Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $15,000.

JA Office Warriors

JA Golf Classic

“ I value the opportunity to volunteer for JA because every year I see children who have limitless potential, and with just a little guidance, motivation, and education on pertinent business concepts, we have the ability to positively alter the trajectory of these children’s lives and their views on self-worth.”

“ I have so much more faith in my future now than I ever had before because of this program…I feel so supported, which feels so refreshing. Thank you so much!”

“I walked into the Junior Achievement Entrepreneurial Company Program, as a novice. Yet, at the program’s completion, I blossomed into a businesswoman equipped with the skills to pursue success in the business world. And more importantly, the awareness of the humanitarian duty of ethical business practices that will help me pioneer the next generation of 2lst century Corporate America.

“ I wish the JA would never stop, but sadly it does! I have learned so many new things and a lot of live time help.”

– 4th Grade Student, JA Day

– JA Volunteer

– High School Student, CCYW

– JA Company Program Participant

“ I took away a new outlook for the future and how to balance work. I learned many things I did not know including a new passion for my career path!”

“ The lessons and advice I will take away from the presentation is to make goals, and once I accomplish them, then make new ones. Another is to not give up and that we make our own goals and destiny’s. We are in control of that. I loved all of the presenters and I want to learn more!”

“ With permission, I have already reached out to one of the students I interviewed and I have asked him to come in for a real interview for a job with my company. That to me is a success for everyone involved.”

“ The entire group shows great reliance and commitment to learning during these crazy days. Being able to start my day by spending a bit of time with Ms. William’s Second grade class is a gift that shines a light on the rest of my day. Hearing about their community, the people and places that are important to them, their hopes for what they want to be when they grow up is uplifting!”

– High School Student, CCYW

– 10th Grade Student, Hartford

– JA Volunteer

– JA Volunteer