Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is the country's oldest and largest provider of economic education for youth. Their ability to succeed in a global marketplace will be critical to sustaining the US free enterprise system and as a result, Junior Achievement programs are now offered in traditional classrooms and in after school settings. "JA" is now a solution to an imperative issue: Preparing the future business leaders of tomorrow, our youth.

 

FACTS ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF DALLAS AND NORTHEAST TEXAS

Since 1954 JA of Dallas has been partnering with businesses and school districts throughout north Texas. Since 1990 Junior Achievement has increased the number of area classes by nearly 195% through partnerships with hundreds of companies and thousands of community volunteers. Although this represents significant growth, the request for JA programs continues to surpass our existing resources.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Junior Achievement programs offer a wide variety of business people the opportunity to apply their expertise to the educational needs of our communities' students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, in an effective and fun way.

Programs use age-appropriate hands-on curricula to teach elementary students about their roles as individuals, workers, and consumers, and to prepare middle and high school students for key economic and workforce issues they will face. Programs are offered both during the school day, directly in the classroom.

STATISTICS

Junior Achievement of Dallas is part of JA Worldwide. During the 2008-09 school year, JA reached 9.7 million students in 123 countries.

In the Dallas area, 2,600 volunteers inspired more than 38,000 students in 2,000 classrooms! More than 70% if these students are considered at-risk of not succeeding in the future.

VOLUNTEERS

Trained volunteers from all backgrounds visit classroom for about 45 minutes once a week for 5-8 sessions, depending on the grade level. The volunteer uses his or her own experience in conjunction with the JA Curriculum to teach about business principles, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. Junior Achievement provides all materials, training, and volunteer support.

RESULTS

Survey results prove that JA, at all levels, is preparing students to develop successful financial management habits, empowering them to explore the potential of becoming and entrepreneur, and providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in a global economy.

During the 2008-09 school year, a special evaluation was done in high school classess across Texas. Results of this Texas high school evaluation show that our students are gaining valuable knowledge and understanding of the link between learning and earning through JA programs.