About JA

CHANGING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE

At Junior Achievement we believe in "possible." Each day, we work to help young people discover what's possible in their lives. We do this by helping them connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it's possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works, and to pursue their dreams. We show them that it's possible for tomorrow to be a better day.

Our Values

Belief

In the boundless potential of young people.

Seek Out

Various backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff and volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve.

Nurture

The power of partnerships and collaboration.

Approach

Our work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence.

Teach

Principled market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world.

Advocate

For relevant hands-on learning.

Empowering the Next Generation

Junior Achievement's proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact the lives of young people. These lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students across the country with the help of our education partners and volunteers from the local community.

Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.

Learn more about 2025 JA Alumni Report

Junior Achievement Facts

What is Junior Achievement?

Junior Achievement has over 100 local JA Areas across the nation, and together we are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA's programs in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

Purpose

Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Our focus is to ensure that every kindergarten through eighth grade student in the Triad has the competencies needed for future success in life and career. Annually K-8th grade students will experience successive learning which helps consistently build I can beliefs and mindsets early in life, equipping them to confidently overcome lifes obstacles.

Leadership

Mr. Arnold B. Evans, Co-Head of Emerging Middle Market JPMorgan Chase , is Chairman of the Junior Achievement USA Board of Directors. Jack Harris is the Chief Executive Officer and Tim Greinert is President of Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement USA board members represent a wide range of businesses and academic institutions around the world. In addition, approximately 3,800 board members lead JA Area Offices around the United States. Our local leadership consists of:
- Steve Swetoha of the Greensboro Swarm as Chair of the Board of Directors
- Andy Bunn of First National Bank as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors

Proven Success

Junior Achievement is one of a few nonprofits to use independent, third-party evaluators to gauge the impact of its programs. Since 1993, independent evaluators have conducted studies on Junior Achievement's effectiveness. Findings prove that Junior Achievement has a positive impact in several critical areas. JA Alumni, when compared to the general population have higher educational attainment, career satisfaction, financial capability, household income and are more likely to start a business.

Program Reach

Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 208,373 classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by over 100 Area Offices in all 50 states. Locally, Junior Achievement of the Triad reaches more than 21,000 students per year in 1,000 classrooms. JA programs are taught by volunteer role models throughout our five-county service area (Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham).

A Brief History

Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 by Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph; Horace Moses, president of Strathmore Paper Co.; and Senator Murray Crane of Massachusetts. Its first program, JA Company Program®, was offered only to high school students on an after-school basis. Years later, in July of 1965, Junior Achievement of the Triad was established to bring JA programming to the Triad region specifically. In 1975, the organization entered the classroom with the introduction of Project Business for the middle grades. Over the last 49 years, Junior Achievement has expanded its activities and broadened its scope to include in-school and after-school students of all ages from K5-12th grade.

Organizational Overview

Junior Achievement USA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and provides strategic direction, leadership, and support to over 100 JA Areas across the nation. Local volunteer boards of directors comprised of business, education, and civic leaders set the policy and direction for each local office.
Junior Achievement of the Triad is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina and provides kindergarten through eighth grade programming to students within a five-county service area (Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham). Our Board of Directors is comprised of business, education and civic leaders in the Triad who are dedicated to empowering young people to achieve success.

Volunteers

Junior Achievement's 247,350 classroom volunteers come from all walks of life, including: business people, college students, parents and retirees. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our organization. Junior Achievement's 808 classroom volunteers come from all walks of life, including: businesspeople, college students, parents, and retirees. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our organization.

Junior Achievement of the Triad Team

Staff

Our staff is committed to making your experience working with us absolutely the best!

JA Staff

Leadership

Meet the passionate and committed team that is working hard to empower our youth.

JA Leadership

Board

Our Board Members includes the finest business and individual leaders in our community.

JA Board

More about Junior Achievement

Financial and Annual Reports

We've consistently received high grades for accountability and transparency.

JA Financials

Communities We Serve

View the communities we reach with our programs.

Communities JA Serves

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion