Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South

08/21/2026

FORWARD ➡️ was the theme of our first board meeting of the 26-27 school year and is our word of inspiration that will drive our efforts all year as we continue to serve nearly 50,000 students per year in 71 counties across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. We invite you to join us as we help prepare students for what’s next and prepare them for their bright futures ahead 😎 💪 🌎 Congratulations to all of our new and returning board members and JA Young Professionals Board. Today, we also honored Alonzo Weaver with a key to our city for being an integral part of guiding our organization for 30 years 🙌🙌🙌. Special thanks to Sweet Lala's Bakery for our custom “forward” cookies and to Pinnacle Financial Partners for sponsoring our delicious lunch from Fino's on the Hill 🥪

08/19/2026

What's next for a student could start with you.

By volunteering with Junior Achievement, you can help young people connect classroom learning to future careers, financial success, and life beyond graduation.

Just a few hours of your time can make a lasting impact on a student's confidence and future.

- Flexible opportunities
- Ready-to-use curriculum
- Real-world impact

Become a JA volunteer today and help students discover what's next.

🔗 https://jamemphis.org/volunteer-opportunities/ (link in bio)

08/17/2026

NOW HIRING: Full Time Experiential Learning Instructional Coordinator

Want a role where you can help students experience what’s next, not just learn about it? We're looking for a full-time Experiential Learning Instructional Coordinator to join our team.

In this role, you’ll:
• Facilitate JA BizTown and JA Finance Park simulations in our Experiential Learning Center (ELC)
• Train teachers and volunteers to deliver impactful learning experiences
• Coordinate school visits, program logistics, and experiential learning data
• Maintain program materials and equipment to keep simulations running smoothly

It’s a role for someone who is organized, energetic, comfortable leading groups, and passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world.

Interested? Learn more: https://jamemphis.org/careers/

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Ametria Bobo, Director of Education Programs, at [email protected].

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

08/13/2026

What happens when you give young people the chance to experience their future before they ever get there?

Our President & CEO, Leigh Mansberg, recently sat down with Bill Courtney on his Army of Normal Folks podcast to talk about the work happening at Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South and why creating opportunity for young people matters so much.

From a classroom to a simulated town, we’re helping students connect what they’re learning today to the choices, opportunities and possibilities waiting for them tomorrow. Because the American Dream should come with opportunity, and every child deserves a shot at it.

We’re proud to have Leigh represent our team in this conversation, and grateful to Bill for shining a light on what’s possible when a community comes together for its young people.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation and see how we’re working to make a reality across the Mid-South:

In this episode, Bill sits down with the president and CEO of Junio...

08/04/2026

What's next? Leaders investing in the generation that's right behind them.

Yesterday, we welcomed the newest members of our Young Professionals Board. These emerging professionals are joining a group committed to helping students build the skills, confidence, and connections they'll need for whatever comes next. By investing in young people today, they're helping shape the future of our community tomorrow.

Here's to strengthening our community by opening doors for the people who will shape it next.

08/03/2026

📚 Happy First Day of School!

As classrooms across the Mid-South begin welcoming students back for a new school year, we're excited for another year of helping young people discover interests, build confidence, develop real-world skills, and imagine what's next.

To every student starting a new grade, every educator welcoming a new class, and every school kicking off the year, we're wishing you a school year filled with curiosity, growth, and opportunity.

We can't wait to partner with classrooms across our region to help make learning more connected to the future and every student one step closer to achieving what's next.

Haven't reserved your Junior Achievement programs yet? There's still time to bring hands-on, career-connected learning to your students this school year. Sign up today: https://form.jotform.com/241166073542149

Here's to another incredible school year!

07/31/2026

Our volunteers are what make Junior Achievement possible. 💚

Last night, we celebrated the incredible people who give their time, talents, and energy to help students across the Mid-South discover what's next.

From recognizing our 2025-2026 VIVs (Very Important Volunteers) to kicking off a new school year of JA programs, it was a night filled with gratitude, celebration, and excitement for the impact we'll continue to make together.

We also took a moment to thank Volunteer Manager Tenela Blakney as she begins her next chapter. We're grateful for all she's done to grow and support our incredible community of volunteers.

Now, we're looking ahead. A new school year means thousands of students are waiting to meet the volunteer who could help them discover what's next.

Ready to make an impact? Sign up to volunteer today: jamemphis.org/volunteer-opportunities

07/30/2026

Join us in celebrating some incredible national recognition! 🎉

Congratulations to our Chief Academic Officer, Kesha Cohran Ivy, on being named one of only three recipients of the Model of Values Professional (MVP) Award at the Junior Achievement USA National Leadership Conference in Salt Lake City. The MVP Award honors leaders who exemplify the values of Junior Achievement through innovation, integrity, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to students.

Kesha's leadership has helped expand our reach to 45,000 students each year across TN, MS and AR while driving innovative programs that are influencing Junior Achievement organizations across the country.

"As leaders, we don't do this work alone," Kesha said. "Every success is the result of an incredible team committed to creating more opportunities for young people."

Please join us in congratulating Kesha on this well-deserved national honor. Way to go, our very own MVP! 👏👏👏

07/29/2026

When an entire district says "yes" to real-world learning, incredible things can happen.

Our Education team is in Greenville, MS this week helping launch Western Line SchoolDistrict's decision to go all-in on Junior Achievement and equipping their educators to bring JA programs to classrooms across the district.

This fall, Western Line will kick off its district-wide partnership with JA in a Day and JA BizTown, giving students hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom learning to what's next.

Ready to bring JA to your students? Our fall schedule is filling fast. Reach out today to reserve your programs and prepare your students for what's next: https://bit.ly/JAPROGRAMS2627

07/27/2026

What's next for your students?

A new school year is the perfect time to bring Junior Achievement into your classroom.

JA programs help students connect what they're learning today to the opportunities waiting for them tomorrow through career-connected learning, hands-on experiences, and conversations with local professionals who bring learning to life.

Designed to fit alongside your curriculum, our programs make it easy to give students meaningful experiences that inspire confidence, spark curiosity, and help them imagine what's next.

We're already partnering with schools across the region, and there's still time to reserve your programs for this school year.

Sign up today: https://jamemphis.jotform.com/form/241166073542149