JA Talking Points
Junior Achievement Overview
JA’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
JA uses hands-on curriculum that is delivered by the volunteer and focuses on
entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-readiness skills. Junior Achievement of
South Dakota strives to have students explore various career opportunities and equip
them with the knowledge needed to succeed in work and in life.
History

JA was founded in 1919 in Stanford, Connecticut. In 1968, nearly 50
years later, Junior Achievement was established in South Dakota.

The Junior Achievement Company Program, the first program provided,
gave high school students practical business experience through the
assistance of a volunteer. This after-school business enterprise taught
students the insights into the complexities and rewards of the American
economy through the start-up of a business.

JA began in South Dakota with 387 students and now serves 44,800
students annually.
Quick Facts

In 2013-2014, JA of South Dakota will reach over 48,500 students in
almost 2,000 classrooms.

Over 2,000 volunteers participated in delivering the JA programs across
the state of South Dakota.
Proven Results
Personal Finances – 88% of JA alumni are confident in their ability to manage
their personal finances effectively. (Junior Achievement Creates Alumni
Success, 2010)
Staying in School – 80% of high school students report that Junior
Achievement programs helped reinforce the importance of staying in school.
(Junior Achievement Creates Alumni Success, 2010)
Long-term Impact – When asked if being a Junior Achievement student
positively affected their future, 92% of JA alumni surveyed responded with a
resounding, “Yes!” (Junior Achievement Creates Alumni Success, 2010)