Junior Achievement's sequential and integrated K-12 programs help young people relate what they learn today in school to future successes in life and work. Providing young people with the tools to think critically, solve problems, use information, interact with others, and work as a team are all elements critical to their roles as productive members of the workforce and community.
Armed with JA training and materials, business volunteers go into the classrooms. As mentors and role models, they are paramount to JA's mission.
JA also serves as a vital link in reinforcing a healthy community and healthy youth. We are an essential tool connecting businesses and schools to create the workforce of the future.
The underlying message of JA, of course, is one of self worth and a sense of belonging. By teaching young people that the success of a community depends on the success of the individuals who comprise it, JA reinforces the importance of each person fulfilling his or her potential.
Program Impact
In studies of Junior Achievements K-12 programs by external evaluators, JA students demonstrate a significant understanding of economics and business knowledge and an enhanced desire to stay in school and pursue a career in business-particularly those exposed to programs at consecutive grade levels.
Elementary School Program Sequential Curricular Pays Off!
From 1993-2003, external evaluators have conducted comprehensive evaluations of Junior Achievement's Elementary School Program. Results show that JA's impact on student knowledge, attitudes, and achievement has been consistently positive and significant.
Longitudinal studies show that students participating in the Elementary Programs over consecutive years acquire significantly more economics and business knowledge than those taking Junior Achievement for the first time.
Middle Grade Programs - A History of Performance!
External evaluators found positive results from the Middle Grade Programs for students in grades seven through nine. JA students scored significantly higher on objective-referenced tests than their non-participating peers in each program at all three grade levels.
Other research shows that JA ...
- helps students understand the importance of staying in school
- encourages students to become entrepreneurs
- improves school attendance and behavior
High School Programs - JA Students Have the Competitive Advantage!
External evaluators completed comprehensive studies of JA's High School Programs from 2000-2003. Results show that JA programs have a significant impact on student attitudes and learning.
JA Programs Increase Economic Understanding
After completing the JA Company Program, students scored 10.6 percent higher on objective-referenced tests that measure understanding of economic concepts. JA Economics and JA Success Skills students scored 8.1 percent higher.
JA Programs Improve Critical-thinking Skills
Critical thinking assessments revealed that JA's High School Programs help students use higher levels of abstract thinking to synthesize and integrate information. After completing JA Economics, students scored 18.6 percent higher on alternative assessment tests. JA Company Program and JA Success Skills students scored 10.9 percent and 13 percent higher, respectively.
Educators and consultants agree... JA students rate higher than non-participating students on:
- Succeeding at a job
- Acting professionally
- Taking on leadership roles
- Resolving conflicts
- Building confidence
Teacher responses:
98% felt JA programs are a worthwhile use of classroom time
96% stated that their JA volunteer was a positive role model
95% felt the JA curriculum supports school curriculum
95% said the JA program was an effect learning experience for students
JA Volunteer responses:
96% stated the benefits of the JA program justify the time and resources
97% felt participation in the JA program was personally rewarding