We're From Here.
Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Texas is a locally led branch of JA USA and JA Worldwide- a four time Nobel Peace Prize nominated nonprofit. JA is dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs taught primarily by a legion of thoughtful professionals volunteering their time.
Our board, staff, and volunteers are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We believe every young person needs JA tools, connections, and exposure to achieve their potential.
Despite being in one of the most entrepreneurial regions in the U.S., economic opportunity remains out of reach for many young people. For over 100 years JA is a key driver of economic equity, equipping students with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving and growing workforce need.
We are poised to take our programs to scale across Central Texas. We need your help to make that happen. Our global/local footprint allow us to serve young people at a much lower cost with higher quality programs than would be feasible on a local or even statewide basis. Whether you're an educator, parent, corporate leader, or supporter, join us in empowering the next generation. Your time and contributions to JA of Central Texas create meaningful, lasting change.
JA Educational Experiences
Junior Achievement experiences help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.
Our Approach
JA's unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver our curriculum while sharing their experiences with students. Embodying the heart of JA, hundreds of volunteers from Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Waco, Westlake, Georgetown, Leander, Pflugerville, and many surrounding communities transform the key concepts of our lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world.
Opportunity is for Everyone.
JA of Central Texas envisions a future where our community delivers on its values - where every child has an opportunity to use their talents for the betterment of society. We believe that all work is honorable. We believe that an entrepreneurial mindset benefits everyone - not just entrepreneurs or business people. And most of all, we know that Opportunity is for Everyone.
Junior Achievement maintains an active vision, front and center, on how we can have change the lives of a generation - guided by our core values:
Belief in the boundless potential of young people
Commitment to the principles of market-based economics and entrepreneurship
Passion for what we do and honesty, integrity, and excellence in how we do it
Respect for the talents, creativity, perspectives, and backgrounds of all individuals
Belief in the power of partnership and collaboration
Conviction in the educational and motivational impact of relevant, hands-on learning
Our Mission
Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We at Junior Achievement are dedicated to providing a positive, enriching learning experience free of bias that promotes greater economic opportunity and equity. Junior Achievement welcomes K-12 students, volunteers, educators, staff, and other partners and stakeholders, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic.
