History

Junior Achievement...

...was founded in 1919:
"The future of our country depends upon making every individual, young and old, fully realize the obligations and responsibilities belonging to citizenship … providing each is given a fair and proper education and training in the useful things of life."

...was a beacon of hope for young people during the Great Depression of the 1930's:
In this time of great economic uncertainty, Junior Achievement programs provided young people with the information, tools and inspiration to gain a sense of control over their futures - and reaffirmed the ability of the free enterprise system to provide a good quality of life.

...was part of the constructive response during World War II:
Junior Achievement identified products and services being produced by industry for the war effort which could be made by JA companies.

...taught kids the best principles and practices of free enterprise during the Cold War:
Throughout the nation there was a general awakening to the need for providing young Americans with a better understanding of how the free enterprise system worked. Junior Achievement was there as a bastion of free enterprise education.

...is helping to remake and rebuilt economies since the dissolution of the Soviet Union:
Junior Achievement's worldwide outreach exploded into formerly government-controlled economies, expanding from 15 nations into 102 foreign countries today.

...and has a vital role to play in business and financial literacy education for the 21st century:
Domestic enrollment now tops 5.2 million kids annually, as school systems throughout America look to Junior Achievement to help prepare students for success in the new global economy. 160,000 volunteers give of themselves and their resources in this effort annually.

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