Our Blog
State of Indiana Awards $995,000 Grant to Junior Achievement of Central Indiana
By Mariah Maier
Corporate Responsibility
The newly awarded funding will enable JA Central Indiana to expand program reach and continue delivering high-quality educational experiences that prepare young people to thrive in an evolving...
The ROI of Investing in Youth: Why Economic Mobility is a Community Imperative
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
When we talk about “return on investment,” our minds often jump to balance sheets, bottom lines, and quarterly reports. But what if the greatest ROI isn’t financial in the short term but social, economic, and generational in the long...
JA x PS43 Foundation STEM Day Sparks Big Dreams for Central Indiana Students
By Mariah Maier
Work Readiness
More than 400 students spent the day diving into hands-on activities, meeting STEM professionals, and discovering how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to real-world...
JA BizTown Welcomes The UPS Store: Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs
By Mariah Maier
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana celebrated the grand opening of The UPS Store imaginative storefront at JA BizTown. This exciting addition gives students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, customer service, and business operations, helping them build real-world skills and confidence. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of...
Celebrating Icons at the 37th Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame
By Mariah Maier
Community Involvement
On October 2, the Lucas Estate sparkled as 400 business and community leaders came together for Junior Achievement’s 37th Annual Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame...
Gen Z's Career Confidence vs. Future Challenges: What Today’s Teens Really Think About Work, AI, and Education
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
As American teens stand on the brink of adulthood, they're navigating a rapidly changing world — one shaped by artificial intelligence, shifting views on higher education, and increasing financial pressure. But according to new research from Junior Achievement USA and Citizens, despite these mounting challenges, today’s teens are still remarkably optimistic about the...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Look Back: JA Impact 2024-25
By Samantha Burk
Corporate Responsibility
As we enter August and anticipate the upcoming school year, we're taking a moment to look back and celebrate the achievements and growth of Junior Achievement's 2024-25...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
