With the support of volunteers and donors, JA Southern Alberta provides work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship education at no cost to youth in grades K-12. JASA brings youth in grades 3-12 together with volunteers from the business community, to learn about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through a number of graduated programs. Our core programs include:
Grade 5-6: OUR BUSINESS WORLD - Now is the time that students are looking for more financial independence. OBW gives students the basics of business in the community so they can experience true success and build confidence. Instilling the entrepreneurial spirit at a young age gives them the ambition to makes their dreams a reality. JA programs grow with the student. Our Business World starts them on a path toward being a contributing member of the community and a future part of a sustainable economy. Grade 7: DOLLARS WITH SENSE: At the end of 2013, Canadians owed an average of $27,368 on lines of credit, credit cards and car loans. Imagine the impact we could have by teaching youth about budgeting, money management, investments, and how to be a smart consumer. This program helps set them up to make practical choices and start thinking about the future. JA's finance and business programs draw the attention of numerous volunteers from the financial sector who are willing to help youth make those first steps to creating a secure future. Whether the volunteer works for a bank or an oil company, their valuable life experience will help steer youth toward success! Grade 8: DIVERSITY IN ACTION - Teamwork in the workplace is more important today than ever before. Encouraging youth to embrace cultural and social diversities, identify one another’s strengths, and recognize the importance of quality mentors will assist them in achieving success in work and life. By working together, people achieve far more than they could alone, and Diversity in Action inspires students by reinforcing diverse perspectives, exploring conflict resolution, and solving real-world challenges. Grade 9: ECONOMICS FOR SUCCESS - In Alberta over 25% of students dropout before completing high school. If you could change that number, would you? The EFS program encourages students to reflect on the advantages of staying in school long enough to attain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential to having a successful career. A third-party study found that over 65% of past Achievers credit JA with their decision to stay in school and enroll in post-secondary education, 75% believe JA had a significant impact on their financial-literacy and decision-making skills, and business sense. Grade 8-10: INVESTMENT STRATEGIES - Though we know the power of wise investments, the stock market can be an overwhelming place. With increasing pressure to save for our future and gain financial independence, it's important to teach youth the power of investing early. JA brings investment experts from the financial sector into the classroom to help make sense of investing. With a real-time stock market simulation quoting live prices from NASDAQ, NYSE, and TSX, students experience how to navigate this method of preparing for their future, without the risk. Grade 9 -12: COMPANY PROGRAM - Innovation is driven by Canada's entrepreneurs. These risk-takers generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and are known to be the very base of a stable economy, worldwide. Alberta leads the way in our nation for the highest number of entrepreneurs, 50% higher than the national average. So, what are we doing to make sure their dreams survive in uncertain times? Junior Achievement matches students with business mentors, offers business development opportunities, and teaches marketing and sales tactics. From raising start-up capital to liquidating, JA and our volunteers give them the power to succeed.
