April 2026 OneJA Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear colleagues,

Each year, the Global Business Hall of Fame offers the JA network a powerful opportunity to elevate leaders who demonstrate a commitment to their communities, both locally and globally, and who hail from a wide range of diverse industries and countries. Across the JA network . . .

Read the rest of Asheesh's letter.

STAFF ACTION ITEMS

MISSED THE MARCH GLOBAL TOWN HALL OR WANT TO WATCH IT AGAIN?

The March 2026 JA Global Town Hall recording and slide deck are both available on OneJA. This edition of our global convening included updates from all GLC Award winners on their award-winning initiatives, plus updates on the 2026 brand and the upcoming OneJA individual-donor campaign. Did you miss is live? As always, you’ll find ideas, resources, and inspiration designed to support your work.

GET A SNEAK PEEK AT JA BOOST–PITCH MASTER

The LX Tech Community will host a demo of JA Boost–Pitch Master on April 29 at 9:00amEDT. During this one‑hour session, you'll see a live demo, learn how it supports entrepreneurship education, and walk through the essentials for implementing JA Pitch Master in your location. If you can’t attend, a recording will be available in the LX Tech Community. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alison Gottsch-Walton. Sign up.

REVISIT THE LATEST "INSIDE THE INSTITUTE" WEBINAR

Last week, the JA Institute hosted the first quarterly "Inside the Institute" webinar. Designed to keep you connected with the work of the JA Institute, these one-hour sessions blend updates, insights, and your voices. If you weren't able to attend the webinar, check out the recording to hear the latest on the JA Institute’s strategic priorities and learn how JA tracks and understands our global impact. Keep an eye out for registration for the next webinar, taking place after the next Global Town Hall in September.

CUSTOMIZE THE 2026 IMPACT AND INSIGHTS REPORT

The 2026 JA Worldwide Impact and Insights Report is now available (see details in the Global News section, below). We’ve created this edition of the report in PowerPoint to help reduce the time it will take for you to create a version for your JA location. Although this report is organized by the four focus areas of the JA Institute—Youth Entrepreneurship, Work and Tech Readiness, Economic Empowerment, and Education for Future Skills—you can organize your custom version any way you’d like. Adapt the structure to fit your needs, for example by creating local, regional, and global sections, and incorporating your own data and impact stories alongside selected content from the global report. With just a few data points and one or two strong examples, you can create a tailored report that reflects your local impact while connecting to the broader JA network. Find everything you need on OneJA.

ENDING SOON: SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR THE LEADERSHIP FOR SOCIAL IMPACT FORUM

Only a few spots remain for the 2026 online Leadership for Social Impact Forum, hosted by the WILD Network on May 12–13, 2026. This global event brings together more than 1,000 leaders from 100 countries across 25 time zones to explore the realities of leading in today’s social impact landscape, including navigating AI disruption, adapting to funding shifts, scaling programs, and developing future leaders. Through interactive workshops, plenaries, and a MentorMatch platform, participants can connect with peers across sectors and career stages while gaining practical insights for intentional leadership. To secure your free ticket, register online and use the code JATEAM at checkout.

NOMINATE LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE GLOBAL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

Nominations are now open for the Global Business Hall of Fame presented by JA Worldwide. This year, it’s easier than ever for your JA location to participate. Through the new FastTrack process designed only for the JA network, you can submit a referral in less than five minutes by sharing three simple details, and you'll help elevate outstanding entrepreneurs from their communities to a global stage. By nominating local business leaders, JA locations not only recognize individuals who embody innovation, ethical leadership, and impact, but also strengthen connections with local or national executives and increase visibility for their work.

Referrals for 2026 are also open to the public, and you’ll also find ready-to-use collateral, including graphics, design files, and social-media copy, to help spread the word across your networks. Access collateral for Global Business Hall of Fame nominations on OneJA.

APPLY FOR THE NEXT LEADER EXCHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT COHORT

The JA Leader Exchange and Development (LEAD) Program is a unique global leadership experience designed for chief executives within the JA network, offering the opportunity to step outside your own environment and engage directly with a peer in another region through a structured, reciprocal exchange. Participants gain firsthand exposure to different operating models, cultures, and approaches to delivering the JA mission, while building lasting relationships with a global network of JA leaders.

Applications for the 2026–27 LEAD will be sent to all JA member CEOs/EDs, as well as heads of sub-national JA operations, on May 1st. Applications must be received by May 29th.

More than a professional development program, LEAD is an investment in future-ready leadership. Participants consistently return with fresh perspectives, new ideas to strengthen their local operations, and a deeper understanding of how to advance JA’s global strategy through collaboration. If you're looking to broaden your perspective, challenge your thinking, and grow as a JA leader within the JA network—and can't wait until May 1—you can apply today on OneJA.

HOSTING INTERNS THIS YEAR? ENROLL THEM IN A NEW GLOBAL JA EXPERIENCE

Are you hosting interns this year? JA Worldwide is launching a pilot program to inspire, connect, and support interns across the JA network, and we’d love for yours to be part of it. Through a series of live Zoom sessions, interns will connect with peers from JA organizations around the world, hear from JA alumni and global leaders, and build a lasting sense of connection to the JA community beyond their internship. This is a lightweight, high-quality experience designed to add value during a busy time of year, with minimal administrative lift for your team. To register your interns or learn more, reach out to Sarah Rapp by the end of April.

GLOBAL NEWS

NOMINATE YOUR COUNTRY'S BEST TO THE GLOBAL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

Nominations are now open for the Global Business Hall of Fame presented by JA Worldwide, an initiative that recognizes exceptional business leaders whose achievements and values inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers. Since its founding in 1975, the Global Business Hall of Fame has honored leaders who have shaped industries while demonstrating a commitment to their communities and to positive global impact. Today, as the initiative continues to reflect the diversity and global reach of the JA network, we’re seeking nominees who embody innovation, ethical leadership, and a commitment to building a better future. Submit your nominations and learn more about the process at Global Business Hall of Fame or visit businesshalloffame.org/nominate.

JA WORLDWIDE RELEASES NEW IMPACT REPORT

The 2026 JA Worldwide Impact & Insights Report is now available, highlighting how the JA network is preparing young people to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape shaped by technological disruption and inequality. In fiscal year 2025, JA delivered more than 23 million learning experiences across more than 100 countries, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and mindset to pursue entrepreneurship, employment, and shared prosperity. The report, published by the JA Institute, explores how economic empowerment contributes to resilient communities and long-term stability. Read the report.

JA WORLDWIDE AND WORLD BANK SHARE INSIGHTS ON SCALING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THROUGH GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Did you miss our recent webinar with World Bank Group, "Scaling Experiential Learning Experiences through Government Partnerships"? Watch the recording to hear from leaders from across the JA network and global education systems who explore what it takes to scale employability and entrepreneurship education through government partnerships. Featuring insights from Albania, Ukraine, and across Africa, the conversation highlights how innovation, local adaptation, and long-term collaboration can expand access to the kinds of learning experiences young people need today.

The discussion features perspectives from Simi Nwogugu, Blerina Guga, Yuriy Tokarski, and Asheesh Advani, alongside Sonia Madvhani, offering practical examples of how experiential learning can be embedded into public education systems at national and international scale. Watch the recording.

MEET THE 2026 JA WORLDWIDE FELLOWS

We’re pleased to introduce the 2026 cohort of JA Worldwide Fellows. Representing diverse perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise, these individuals will engage in a year-long journey of shared learning, peer exchange, and leadership development. Through virtual experiences and hands-on contributions to global initiatives, JA Worldwide Fellows play a key role in shaping the future of the JA network and advancing impact for young people around the world.

Anousha Duva Pentiah-Hurkhoo, Program Director, JA Mascareignes (Mauritius)
Bruno Ramos, COO, JA Portugal
Carla Genre, Digital Transformation Consultant, JA Argentina
Elin Östblom, Communications Director, Ung Företagsamhet (JA Sweden)
Elisa Molina, Director of Operations, Junior Achievement of Georgia, USA
Florentina Jabar, Assistant Program Manager, Prestasi Junior Indonesia (JA Indonesia)
Jorge Daboin, Project Development Coordinator, JA Chile
Ohood Al Aqrouq, Operations Lead, INJAZ UAE
Sami Khodir, Marketing and Communications Director, INJAZ El Djazair (INJAZ Algeria)

JA Worldwide Fellows collaborate across borders, share best practices, and contribute to key strategic priorities. The program reflects JA’s commitment to building leadership capacity across our network and ensuring that local innovation informs global progress. Read more.

ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

INTRODUCING THE FIRST-EVER JA ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL ALUMNI BOARD

The first Regional Alumni Board for JA Asia Pacific has officially convened, marking a significant step toward strengthening alumni leadership across one of the most diverse regions in the world.

Following a focused, targeted, and intentional selection process, six exceptional alumni were selected to form the founding board, each representing a unique country, perspective, and leadership journey. Learn about the selection process and meet the new leaders on Gather.

JA AMERICAS ALUMNI ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS

We are proud to spotlight the continued growth and evolution of the Regional Alumni Board of JA Americas, a region that has rapidly emerged as a leading force in alumni engagement, collaboration, and impact across the global JA network. From grassroots initiatives to region-wide programs, the Americas alumni movement reflects what is possible when leadership is locally driven, regionally connected, and globally aligned.

What sets the Americas apart is not only its scale but its ability to translate vision into action. In 2025 alone, JA Americas Alumni . . .

Delivered high-impact leadership experiences through the Alumni Leaders Bootcamp
Launched the Alumni English Lab, creating inclusive spaces for language learning and connection
Activated Americas Youth Voices, amplifying young leaders across platforms
Organized the first-ever JA Americas Alumni Summit “Ignite,” bringing together 50 alumni leaders from across the region, with participation from Europe and Asia Pacific

REGIONAL UPDATES

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA

Junior Achievement USA recently surveyed nearly 200 education decision-makers in the United States, including superintendents, curriculum directors, chief academic officers, and more, to assess how well schools in the U.S. prepare students for future economic success. In all, 91 percent of respondents agreed that there is a disconnect between what is taught in primary and secondary schools and what it takes for students to succeed economically in the future. The survey also found that educators are open to working with partner organizations to help students achieve economic mobility, and that Junior Achievement is such a partner. Survey findings are available here.

INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA

INJAZ Day is a moment to celebrate the journey, impact, and collective power of our community across the region. Every year on April 10, we come together to recognize the millions of young people whose paths were shaped through INJAZ, whether they became entrepreneurs, leaders, or simply more confident in their potential. It is also a reminder that this impact is only possible through the strength of our network; students, volunteers, partners, and alumni, each playing a role in building opportunities for the next generation. Every classroom session, mentorship moment, and student idea contributes to something much bigger. To mark this occasion, we launch a dedicated social media campaign that brings the voices of our community to life, complemented by on-the-ground activities across our member nations. Together, these efforts celebrate our shared impact while engaging wider audiences in our mission. As we look ahead to our goal of reaching three million youth annually by 2028, INJAZ Day serves as a powerful reflection of how far we have come and the collective energy that will take us even further.

JA ASIA PACIFIC

Across the JA Asia Pacific network, we see time and again that the most powerful learning happens when young people connect their skills to values, and their values to the world around them. Whether through cultural tradition or courageous action, these moments shape the kind of leaders our youth choose to become. In Thailand, JA students marked Songkran, the traditional New Year, not just as a celebration but as a lesson in renewal, gratitude, and respect. Through the “Rod Nam Dam Hua” ceremony, young people honored elders with water and floral garlands, dressed in traditional attire and grounded in cultural pride. In that simple act, students practiced empathy, responsibility, and humility—qualities that are as essential in leadership and entrepreneurship as creativity or ambition. It was a reminder that progress is strongest when it grows from deep cultural roots.

Thousands of kilometers away in India, those same values came to life in a different way. “Ek Kadam” (One Step) is an initiative born when a LEAD student noticed children at a nearby construction site curious, energetic, but excluded from education. Instead of looking away, she asked what could be done. With the encouragement of a teacher and principal, students brought learning to the site, creating a makeshift classroom and even designing uniforms that carried a powerful message: you belong, you are seen. Together, these stories show us that nurturing values‑driven youth means more than teaching skills. It means creating spaces where empathy is encouraged, culture is respected, and young people are trusted to act with purpose, courage, and heart. Read more.

JA AMERICAS

In 2025, Junior Achievement Brazil reached a historic milestone by delivering more than 1 million learning experiences: a total of 1,014,385 educational experiences across the country. This represents a 4.8% increase from 2024, driven by the expansion of more comprehensive programs.

Partnerships with the public sector were key to this growth. In Ceará, collaboration with the state government introduced the “Young Entrepreneur” elective course to full-time public high schools, reaching 9,574 students in 112 municipalities, with teachers trained in the JA methodology.

In Rio de Janeiro, JA programs were integrated into the official public high school curriculum, establishing a structured three-year learning pathway, with more than ten JA education programs. In 2025, the initiative reached 23,800 students and generated more than 102,000 learning experiences.

Beyond the numbers, these results reflect a robust collaborative ecosystem that highlights education as a powerful tool for social mobility. JA Brazil continues to expand opportunities for young people to build their own paths with greater autonomy, essential skills, and a forward-looking mindset. Read the latest edition of the JA Brazil Annual Report.

JA EUROPE

The Gen-E 2026 Virtual Expo is now live! Log in at gen-e.eu to explore Europe’s most innovative youth businesses, visit their virtual stands, connect with our partners, and discover what’s new in the platform’s Discover section. Don’t miss the chance to experience the energy of this year’s competition and meet the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping Europe’s future.

In addition, EU Code Week is organizing a practical session on how higher education institutions can better connect students with opportunities in ICT and STEM. Tune in on May 6 for the Discover Digital Programme event to explore practical ideas, real examples, and tools to inspire the next generation of digital talent. Read more, register, and share the news.

JA AFRICA

As we continue to expand our Prepare learning experiences, we are introducing a new, engaging way for African children to build digital safety skills through the Be Internet Awesome program. Designed for children aged 7–12, these weekly quizzes help young learners understand how to stay safe, smart, and confident online in a format that is simple, interactive, and fun. By meeting children where they are, we are increasing both participation and retention of key digital safety concepts. This rollout also reflects our growing program presence across the continent. With ongoing implementation in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, we are strengthening delivery and expanding reach in key markets. In Kenya, this effort will be further reinforced through an upcoming Training of Trainers with our implementing partner, ZanaAfrica, aimed at equipping facilitators to effectively deliver the Be Internet Awesome curriculum and deepen impact at the community level. The series, built on the Kahoot platform, is open to children across Africa, with weekly engagement running over five weeks. Winners are recognized and rewarded at the end of the challenge. Ready to check it out? Take Quiz One.

MILESTONES

AWARDS

JA Philippines CEO Krishna Alejandrino recognized as Most Innovative Social Impact Leader of the Year at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards 2026 (see more).