Junior Achievement of Central Ohio

Vision: We imagine a future where each new generation of students is inspired and prepared to achieve personal success in their career and in life. Mission: At JA of Central Ohio, we come to work each day to prepare central Ohio K-12 students for the business of life after graduation by convening and aligning government entities, for-profit partners, and educational systems to integrate and implement JA's proven, groundbreaking career-preparation, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. What We Do: Serve K-12 students by providing inspiration and understanding of how personal finance and business works. We work with educators, students, parents, business professionals, volunteers, and others to provide the tools and resources for students to increase their confidence and understanding. We develop financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial skills in elementary, middle and high school programs. Origins: Junior Achievement (JA) USA® was founded in 1919 by several of the country’s most successful business leaders. Its first program, JA Company Program, was offered to high school students on an after-school basis. In 1975, the organization entered the classroom with the introduction of Project Business for the middle school grades. Since then, JA has expanded to 122 countries around the world to offer programs K-12, that promote student achievement in school and in life. Founded in 1950 as one of only nine JA affiliates in Ohio, JA of Central Ohio has grown to serve 30,000+ students each school year.