Junior Achievement Inc.

Junior Achievement Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that operates as part of JA Worldwide, a global network focused on educating young people about business, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

History

Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 by Horace A. Moses, Theodore Vail, and Winthrop M. Crane. Initially known as the Boys' and Girls' Bureau, it was renamed Junior Achievement Bureau in 1920 and later incorporated as Junior Achievement, Inc. in 1926. The organization began as an extracurricular program where young people could create and manage their own businesses under adult supervision. Following World War II, Junior Achievement expanded nationally and, by the 1960s, began its international growth.

Programs

Junior Achievement offers educational programs for grades K-12 in three core areas:

• Work Readiness: These programs help students develop skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in the modern workforce.
• Entrepreneurship: Encourages young people to think innovatively and create their own businesses.
• Financial Literacy: Teaches students how to manage personal finances effectively.

These initiatives are delivered through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and volunteer networks. Junior Achievement's curriculum is often aligned with state educational standards and is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Impact

Research indicates that Junior Achievement alumni are more likely to pursue higher education, manage finances effectively, achieve career success, and start businesses. The organization has educated millions of students worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States.

Structure and Governance

Junior Achievement operates under a non-profit status, classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Its leadership includes a board of directors composed of prominent business leaders. The organization has regional offices across the country and is supported by a large network of volunteers from the business community.

Notable Alumni

Several notable figures have participated in Junior Achievement, including former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, U.S. Congressman Bob Clement, Subway restaurant founder Fred DeLuca, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

JA Worldwide

Junior Achievement Inc. is part of JA Worldwide, which delivers more than 17 million educational experiences annually across over 100 countries. JA Worldwide focuses on providing young people with hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health, aiming to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators and leaders.