About JA
A BETTER TOMORROW
JA DALLAS’ 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, so every student can succeed in the business of life.
At JA Dallas, we will:
Listen – to our own employees, to the students we serve, and to other voices in our community
Understand – life experiences that are different from our own
Expand – the diversity our Board and staff to better reflect the communities we serve
Act – with purpose and intention to help create lasting change
Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
The envisioned future: what we aspire to become. Junior Achievement maintains an active vision – front and center – on how we can have a positive impact on the lives of more students, guided by our core values:
BELIEF IN THE BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Commitment to the principles of market-based economics and entrepreneurship
Passion for what we do and honesty, integrity, and excellence in how we do it
Respect for the talents, creativity, perspectives, and backgrounds of all individuals
Belief in the power of partnership and collaboration
Commitment to the principles of market-based economics and entrepreneurship
Junior Achievement Facts
What is Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement has 109 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.
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 a number of critical areas. We invite you to read the Programs Evaluation Results.
Purpose
Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. We are dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.
Program Reach
Nationally, Junior Achievement reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in 209,651classrooms and after-school locations. JA programs are taught by volunteers in inner cities, suburbs, and rural areas throughout the United States, by 106 Area Offices in all 50 states. JA of Dallas reaches approximately 50,000 students per year.
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 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 grades. Over the last 39 years, Junior Achievement has expanded its activities and broadened its scope to include in-school and after-school students.
Leadership
Mr. James Carroll (Jim), Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations of Honeywell International, is chairman of the Junior Achievement USA board of directors. Jack E. Kosakowski is the president and chief executive officer 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. Jan Murfield is the President and CEO of JA of Dallas.
Organization Overview
Junior Achievement USA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and provides strategic direction, leadership, and support to 109 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. JA of Dallas was founded in 1954.
Volunteers
Junior Achievement's 237,680 classroom volunteers come from all walks of life, including: businesspeople, college students, parents, and retirees. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our organization.
More About Junior Achievement
Our Staff
Our staff is committed to make your experience working with us absolutely the best!
Our Board
Our Board Members include the finest business and individual leaders in our community.
JA YES Board
The JA YES Board offers young professionals a unique space where they can join JA's effort and help make an impact on local students.
Financials & Annual Reports
We've consistently received high grades for accountability and transparency.
Join Our Team
Join us on our mission to empower youth and create robust communities.
Who We Serve
View a list of Dallas area schools and districts we serve.