Inspire and educate young Albertans to succeed in the global economy is what we do. With the engagement of community volunteers, Junior Achievement (JA) programs help to develop the entrepreneurial, financial literacy and leadership skills of youth. JA Southern Alberta currently serves Calgary, Central Alberta, Cochrane, East Central Alberta, Foothills Region, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Strathmore and their surrounding communities.

OUR 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.Conviction in the educational and motivational impact of relevant, hands-on learning.

OUR LONG TERM ASPIRATION:  To be recognized by businesses, educators and policymakers around the world as the premier organization for inspiring and preparing young people around the world to become successful, contributing members of the global society, and for uniting people of all nations around the common goals of creating jobs, building stable economies, and providing higher standards of living.

OUR RESULTS (2019-2020):

• Over 23,000 students participated in JA programming;
• 934 programs were delivered by 1,008 volunteers 

JA Southern Alberta delivers sixteen different programs in southern Alberta. Each one is developed in partnership with curriculum developers from Canadian school boards and has direct links with the Alberta Education curriculum. Junior Achievement (JA) programs are designed to impact the three pillars of students success:

1. Financial Literacy: Financial independence, home ownership, and retirement are increasingly out of reach. JA answers with real world training in budgeting, spending, investing, and responsible use of credit.
2. Work Readiness: High youth unemployment puts the financial future of an entire generation at risk. JA provides skill-building opportunities that enable young people to find meaningful productive careers.
3. Entrepreneurship: JA promotes economic growth with programs that spark the entrepreneurial spirit and teach the practical day-to-day skills required to run a viable long-term business.

We all have a desire and ability to inspire to help our youth succeed. JA Southern Alberta delivers programs to over 28,000 youth in southern Alberta, annually. Help us and ensure we continue to reach thousands of youth. Donate your time. Donate your talent. Donate your treasure!

VOLUNTEER – Individually or as a Group:  Volunteers are the backbone of JA Southern Alberta. We required over 1,800 volunteers annually to deliver programs in and outside the classroom. Volunteers make learning fun by using games and multimedia to boost students’ self-confidence, and help them apply the lessons to their daily lives.  Volunteer webpage: https://jasab.ca/volunteers

Group volunteerism is proven to be a rewarding way to give back to the community and a great teambuilding activity for many or our company partners.

DONATE: Funded entirely by donations, the programs are made available to all schools at no charge for youth in grades 4 – 12.  Your donation goes to support programs that connect schools, families, businesses, and communities and provides local youth with life changing experiences so that they become future leaders. Donation webpage: https://southern-alberta41285.thankyou4caring.org/Donations

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WHAT’s IN IT FOR ME?

As a JA volunteer, you’ll get a unique opportunity to inspire youth in or outside the classroom. The opportunities can include a full morning of ‘teaching:’ Grade 7 students about consumer needs vs. wants, the benefits of diversity in a workplace to Grade 8’s, or how to budget to pay for a post-secondary education to a Grade 9 class. The after school option, gives volunteers an opportunity to mentor groups of high school students over 20 weeks, as they start, operate and liquid a business of their own. Students value the time spent with volunteers the most!

WHY SHOULD I BOTHER?

Volunteering with JA Southern Alberta is a chance for you to work on your leadership, instructional and public speaking skills AND inspire youth to make informed decisions about their futures. Getting involved with JA programs as a group offers: a great teambuilding exercise, exposure for your company, and a chance to give back to the community.