Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania

K-12 in-class programs: through ja's proven in-classroom programs, jawpa empowered 66,166 youth in kindergarten through age 25, in 128 schools to own their future success. Our hands-on, age-appropriate programs were delivered by 2,757 corporate and community volunteer mentors. Our traditional in-classroom programs give students important knowledge and skills around financial literacy, work readiness, entrepreneurship and prepare them to think critically. Our survey shows that 95% of educators would recommend the programs to fellow educators. Furthermore, elementary school students who receive Junior Achievement programs demonstrate significantly higher (27% higher) critical thinking and problem-solving skills than their counterparts.ja biztown program: jawpa's ja biztown is an experiential learning program that helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. The curriculum requires 4-6th grade students to participate in 12, teacher led of classroom instruction where they work together to create business plans, calculate operating costs, design a marketing campaign and apply for jobs, vote for city officials, and explore careers. Upon completion of the program, students who participate in ja biztown experience an overall 23% knowledge gain (on average) in financial literacy and work readiness skills. of the educators whose students participate in ja biztown, 97% indicate that they would recommend the ja biztown program to fellow teachers. This year, 6,581 students participated in the ja biztown program. Jawpa partnered with over 50 businesses.ja inspire is jawpa's premier career exploration and work readiness program that allows students in6th-12th grade to explore careers of the future. This year over 1,800 students participated in the program. Ja inspire offers an engaging experience where students can participate in a guided or self-directed career readiness curriculum, explore a diverse career marketplace, and connect with Pennsylvania employers from various industries and career clusters through multiple virtual career exhibit halls the activities teach students to develop a career plan, interviewing techniques, important soft competency standards and career readiness credentials. This program provides valuable context for career and educational pathway planning and critical work readiness skills. Jawpa's educational events have equipped students with skills for life through professional and leadership development, career exploration and financial literacy. The educational events include, 18 under eighteen, empower her, and the stock market challenge. Jawpa serves students "off the field" opportunities which hone skills that will last a lifetime. These signature programs have helped students start their own non-profits, small businesses, and lead within their communities. Corporate partners, government leaders, and entrepreneurs help students discover opportunities and empower them to take charge of their future.