Junior Achievement of Chicago

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. In partnership with businesses and educators, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential.

Our corporate and community volunteers deliver relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world - enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school.

Throughout JA's sequential and integrated kindergarten through high school programs, students think critically and solve complex problems. Through our business, financial, and entrepreneurial educational programs, we prepare students to:

• Proactively manage their finances;
• Become entrepreneurs; and
• Develop skills that will be recognized and valued in a global workforce.

During the 2017-2018 school year, JA of Chicago successfully reached 600,222 students of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds and physical capabilities, including at-risk youth in twelve Chicago-area and northwestern Indiana counties.