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Announcing the 2025 JA Student Ambassador Scholarship Winners!
By Kay Morgan
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Central Virginia (JACV) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 JA Student Ambassador Scholarship, made possible by M&T Bank.
The winners, representing Henrico and New Kent counties, will also share their inspiring stories at the 2026 JA Greater Richmond Hall of Fame – JACV’s annual fundraising gala at the Jefferson Hotel – where they will speak before hundreds of...
The ROI of Investing in Youth: Why Economic Mobility is a Community Imperative
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
When we talk about “return on investment,” our minds often jump to balance sheets, bottom lines, and quarterly reports. But what if the greatest ROI isn’t financial in the short term but social, economic, and generational in the long...
Big Dreams Start from Scratch
By Kay Morgan
Community Involvement
Marco’s Pizza Foundation and Junior Achievement have teamed up to help Central Virginia students build real-world skills. Round up your total at Marco’s Pizza to support hands-on financial and career...
Gen Z's Career Confidence vs. Future Challenges: What Today’s Teens Really Think About Work, AI, and Education
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
As American teens stand on the brink of adulthood, they're navigating a rapidly changing world — one shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting views on higher education, and increasing financial pressure. But according to new research from Junior Achievement USA and Citizens, despite these mounting challenges, today’s teens are still remarkably optimistic about the...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the inaugural Future BoundTM by Junior Achievement. This dynamic event brought together high school students from across the United States to showcase their innovative projects, demonstrate business acumen, and compete for national recognition for their outstanding achievements. A true celebration of...
Top 5 Skills Every Young Entrepreneur Should Build Now
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or just want to think more like a boss, building the right skill set is key. From navigating challenges to managing money, the most successful entrepreneurs are constantly learning, adapting, and...
