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Impact Intelligence

Impact intelligence is JA’s next step in becoming a learning organization—one that doesn’t just measure activity, but understands what works, why it works, and how to improve it across the network. It goes beyond traditional impact measurement by combining quantitative data, qualitative insights, research partnerships, and storytelling into a single continuous-learning cycle. Impact Intelligence helps us move from counting learning experiences to interpreting outcomes, identifying patterns, and using evidence to guide strategy, strengthen funding proposals, and improve program design.

Impact Intelligence Toolkit

The Impact Intelligence Toolkit is JA’s practical guide to understanding, measuring, and communicating the outcomes of our work. Built to support members across diverse contexts, it goes far beyond traditional impact measurement by providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use system for collecting data, analyzing results, capturing stories, and using evidence to strengthen programs and partnerships. Some sections—especially the longest one on quantitative research—are complex and dense, and may require focused study. Others are easier to navigate and put into practice immediately.

The toolkit walks you step-by-step through the core components of impact intelligence: foundational concepts in impact and theory of change; practical methods for quantitative and qualitative research; tools for cost analysis and operational insights; and clear guidance on data privacy, ethics, and protection. Whether you're designing a survey, interpreting data, conducting an alumni study, or capturing a compelling story, each section offers templates, examples, and explanations in plain language.

This draft version is being shared for review so that you can shape and refine the final resource before its full release in 2026. We also have a few updates to graphics and text to make, but wanted to share this with you as soon as possible Your feedback will help ensure that Impact Intelligence becomes not just a global framework, but a practical, everyday asset that strengthens decision-making and amplifies JA’s impact worldwide. Please complete the survey by January 23, 2026.

After you’ve reviewed the draft, complete the feedback form, below.

JA Worldwide Impact Report

At JA, we celebrate all forms of impact, from those that incubate global social movements to those that foster better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Since our founding, millions of JA alumni have built new ventures from the ground up, won election to the highest political offices, studied at leading universities, and invented products that have revolutionized industries. Millions more have built ethical and sustainable small businesses that help the world meet the challenges of the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. And millions of other JA alumni have achieved less well-known—but no less laudable—successes, like being the first in their families to graduate from college, spending less than they earn in order to save for retirement, and becoming respected and effective leaders.

As a result of their JA experiences, our alumni start more companies, hire more employees, and produce significantly larger annual sales than ventures led by non-alumni. Our alumni also save more, hold less debt, and are less likely to spend more than they earn. JA alumni report higher levels of household income and career satisfaction. And they’re less likely to drop out of school, face unemployment, or collect social insurance. You’ll learn more about this data throughout the JA Worldwide Impact Report.

We’re excited to release a draft of the 2026 Impact and Insights Report in December, opening a two-month opportunity to offer feedback, share additional impact data, insights, or stories that might fit into the report.

 The JA Institute

The JA Institute is the research, innovation, and thought leadership arm of JA, dedicated to

  • Producing research on cost-effective ways to implement learning experiences, scale JA's footprint, introduce innovation, and measure our effectiveness and impact

  • Translating research into reports and thought leadership that strengthens our youth-advocacy efforts and helps JA lead global conversations.

The JA Institute’s strategic framework is divided into three priorities:

  • Center for Research and JA Labs: Conducting impact research, nurturing innovation through experimentation, and investing in academic fellowships, which aims to offer insights and evidence for strategic decision-making and accelerate digital and AI.

  • Thought Leadership and Youth Voices: Advocating for youth education and issues, disseminating research, and presenting novel solutions through global conversations and partnerships.

  • Organizational Performance: Building a culture of evidence-based, data-informed decision-making using research, experimentation, and thought leadership, and promoting resilience amidst disruption.

By consolidating the efforts across these areas, The JA Institute supports JA’s mission through innovative research and a commitment to advancing global educational and economic opportunities for youth. Learn more at ja.institute.