August/September 2025 OneJA Newsletter
Photo by Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio.
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear colleagues,
Every two years, at the JA Global Leadership Conference, we pause to recognize the extraordinary people and JA locations whose vision, dedication, and innovation move our mission forward. This November, as staff gathers in Rio de Janeiro under the theme of Thrive . . .
STAFF ACTION ITEMS
DON'T MISS THE SEPTEMBER JA GLOBAL TOWN HALL
The next JA Global Town Hall convenes on September 16 at 9amEDT/3pmCEST/9pmHKT. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the latest updates from across the network.
If you registered for the March 2025 Town Hall, you’re already set and should have received a calendar invite from contact@jaworldwide.org. If you didn’t register or attend in March, sign up for the September session on OneJA.
Looking to catch up before the meeting? All resources from the March Town Hall—including the full recording—are available on OneJA.
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT JA GO COHORT
Are you a JA staff member with less than two years in the network? As part of the JA Global Orientation (JA GO) cohort you’ll . . .
Explore JA’s 2050 goal to deliver 100 million learning experiences per year.
Discover our most impactful youth programs and global innovations.
Learn the history and strength of our worldwide brand.
Build your leadership skills while connecting with colleagues from across all six regions.
The September cohort starts next week and meets twice a week for one hour (8amEDT/2pmCEST/8pmHKT), with a mix of live and self-paced sessions on Zoom. Space is limited to 50 staff members, but a few spots remain for this cohort. Everyone who completes the program earns a digital credential and LinkedIn badge—plus a few surprises along the way.
Sign up for future JA GO cohorts on OneJA and take your next step in your JA journey.
DON'T WAIT: APPLY FOR 2025 GLC AWARDS BY SEPTEMBER 26
Time is running out to showcase your team’s achievements! Applications for the 2025 GLC Awards close on September 26, so don’t miss your chance to spotlight the innovation, impact, and leadership happening in your JA location.
From bold tech solutions and inclusive practices to alumni engagement and brand amplification, there’s a category for every kind of success. This year’s awards also introduce the AI in the Workplace Award, recognizing JA offices harnessing artificial intelligence to transform how they work.
Review the full list of categories and submit award applications and nominations on OneJA.
SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR GLC RIO
This November, we’re bringing four major gatherings into one unforgettable experience: the JA Americas Company of the Year competition, the JA Americas Regional Board meeting, the JA Worldwide Board of Governors meeting, and the Global Leadership Conference itself—all in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.
Spots are filling quickly, and excitement is building across the network. Don’t wait—register today on OneJA.
Also on OneJA . . .
Watch (or rewatch) GLC Virtual sessions
Claim your GLC Virtual badges
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE STRATEGIC PLANNING TOOLKIT
The 2026–2028 Strategic Planning Toolkit has advanced into a full draft, about to be released to Strategy Champions, who have agreed to review the draft and offer feedback. The final version will be released in October.
Every two weeks, Asheesh Advani and Tere Stouffer walk through key sections of the draft, answer questions, and gather your input to shape the final version.
Want to be ready to adapt the global plan to your local strategy? Join these sessions live—or catch up with the recordings afterward on OneJA.
PLAN FOR MARKETING COLLATERAL AROUND GLOBAL HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS
Thanks to a recent request from a number of executive directors in the JA Asia Pacific regional operating center (ROC), JA Worldwide has committed to creating and sharing collateral in advance of select global holidays and celebrations. These resources—designed to save you time and money—help showcase our impact and broaden the reach of our global story. Note that your ROC may also share regional-specific collateral in advance of these or other holidays and celebration.
In order for you to plan for and utilize these shared materials, collateral will be available on Marketing section of OneJA two weeks in advance of the dates listed below, and you’ll find a mix of graphics, sample text, and campaign ideas.
January 1: Western New Year graphic (released with holiday cards the previous November)
Early January: Global Business Hall of Fame Nominations Toolkit
January 24: International Day of Education graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
Jan–Feb: Lunar New Year graphic
Feb–April: De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award Toolkit
March 8: International Women's Day graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
March (usually the third week): Global Money Week Toolkit
June 27: Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day graphic/text
July 15: World Youth Skills Day graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
August 12: International Youth Day graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
August–October: Global Business Hall of Fame Laureates Announcement Toolkit
October 5: World Teachers' Day graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
October 11: International Day of the Girl graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
Early November: Holiday card graphics, including Western New Year
Week after the second Monday in November: Global Entrepreneurship Week Toolkit (will also be applicable for Small Business Saturday in late November)
December 1: JA anniversary graphic/text
December 5: International Volunteer Day graphic and details of any global campaign or initiative
SHARE YOUR JA PROGRAMS ON THE JA LEARNING EXPERIENCES HUB
The JA Learning Experiences Hub is live! This dynamic platform gives you a place to explore, share, and be inspired by unique or locally modified JA learning experiences across our global network.
Getting started is easy: Access the Learning Experience Hub by using your JA ID. If you haven’t created your JA ID, follow this guide to set up your credentials.
To make the hub truly valuable to you and your colleagues, we need you to input information. Please prioritize sharing details of your JA learning experiences in order to build a collaborative, searchable resource that strengthens our collective impact.
Head on over to the hub and start sharing! If you have any questions, reach out to Alison Gottsch-Walton.
JOIN "INSIDE THE INSTITUTE" FOR UPDATES FROM THE JA INSTITUTE
We’re excited to invite you to the launch of "Inside the Institute," a new quarterly session designed to keep you connected with the work of The JA Institute and our progress on Impact Intelligence. Held three times a year (about a month after each JA Global Town Hall), this one-hour session blends updates, insights, and practical tools. You’ll hear the latest on The JA Institute’s strategic priorities and publications, dive into a spotlight initiative, and take part in interactive discussions that shape how we track and understand our global impact. Register today for the first edition of "Inside the Institute" on October 14 at 9amEDT/3pmCEST/9pmHKT.
CELEBRATE JA MEMBER RESPONDENTS’ RANKINGS FOR AI AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCY SURVEY
Two months ago, JA Worldwide launched the AI and Entrepreneurship Competency Survey, designed to assess students’ understanding of AI within entrepreneurial contexts and explore how AI training shapes the confidence and skills of young leaders. A total of 1,686 JA alumni responded the survey from 17 countries. Congratulations to Ecuador, South Africa, and Indonesia for highest number of total respondents, and to Palestine, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia for achieving the highest share of respondents to their JA Company Program reach in 2024.
DID YOUR SCHOOL MAKE THE WORLD'S BEST SCHOOL PRIZES SHORTLIST?
T4 announced the 2025 shortlist of the World's Best School Prizes—is one of your JA schools on the list? Schools from all six regions are among the finalists for the World's Best School Prizes in Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. Read all about the finalists on t4.education and let us know if one of your schools is on the list!
GLOBAL NEWS
JOIN THE JA PANEL DURING UNGA WEEK IN NEW YORK
Later this month, JA will again participate in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week. We’re hosting a panel—“Building Peace for Youth: Safety, Dignity, and Opportunity”—on Wednesday, September 24, to explore how youth-serving organizations, corporate and philanthropic partners, educational institutions, and government agencies can expand opportunity for young people, build economic resilience, and strengthen communities.
Will you be able to join us at the Junior Achievement of New York facility? We’ll begin with a light continental breakfast before the panel, allowing time for conversation and networking afterward. Although the space accommodates a large group, we kindly ask that you RSVP at jaworldwide.org/unga-2025, where you’ll also find more details about the event.
We'd be honored to have you join us for this important conversation, as we work together to build a more peaceful world for young people.
EMPOWERING AFRICA'S YOUTH: TRANSFORMING FUTURES THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Across Africa, millions of young people have the talent, drive, and creativity to transform their communities. Given the chance, Africa’s youth are poised to transform the continent’s economy, yet systemic barriers persist.
Through the JA Social Equity Program (SEP), we’re equipping youth across Africa with the entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mindset to build resilient futures—for themselves and for the continent. Together, JA and Z Zurich Foundation have been working to address these challenges and ensure that youth have the opportunity to thrive. Learn more.
MEET THE FIRST THREE FINALISTS FOR THE 2026 DE LA VEGA GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
Each year, the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award recognizes the very best of JA young entrepreneurs. JA’s prestigious global student award brings together winners of the six regional Company of the Year competitions to compete in a showcase of innovation, resilience, and leadership. To be named a finalist is an extraordinary accomplishment, as each team has risen above thousands of peers to represent their region on the world stage.
Meet the first three of six finalists for the 2026 competition from JA Asia Pacific, Junior Achievement USA, and JA Europe. The winners from INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA, JA Americas, and JA Africa will be announced in November and December.
BIG OPPORTUNITY, BIG IMPACT: CEO ROLE OPEN WITH JA ASIA PACIFIC
JA Asia Pacific seeks a visionary leader to guide the region and advance JA's mission across one of the most dynamic regions of the world. This role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and expand impact for millions of young people. Learn more about this open role and how to apply on jaworldwide.org.
JA LAUNCHES FIRST COHORT OF AI AMBASSADORS
JA Worldwide recently launched the AI Ambassador Program, a groundbreaking initiative that equips selected JA staff to bring artificial intelligence into JA learning experiences at the member and regional levels.
As AI Ambassadors, these staff will:
Collaborate with a global peer cohort
Develop and showcase AI-related projects
Receive expert guidance, training, and resources
AI Ambassadors participate in weekly cohort activities to deepen their AI literacy and apply it directly to JA programs. Those who complete the program will earn a scholarship to attend GLC Rio in November 2025, where their final outputs will be featured on a global stage.
The JA AI Ambassadors represent a new wave of innovation across our network, helping ensure that young people everywhere gain the skills and confidence to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Meet the full cohort on the JA Worldwide blog.
ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
REPRESENT ALUMNI ON THE JA WORLDWIDE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Experienced JA alumni are encouraged to apply to be the JA Worldwide Board of Governors alumni member. Alumni candidates should be familiar with JA learning experiences and have a commitment to JA’s mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
Requirements:
Experienced JA/INJAZ/YE/etc. alumni from any JA location, age 20–30
Outstanding leader, entrepreneur, and/or changemaker with significant workplace experience, especially in a leadership role
Minimum of three years of active engagement with local, regional, or global JA location and/or JA alumni network
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Driven by a desire both to succeed and to give back; an exemplary role model for others
Trustworthy, passionate visionary, who is a strong communicator, is a good listener, and exhibits high integrity
Apply or submit a nomination by October 3 at jaworldwide.org/board-alumni.
JA ALUMNI EUROPE HOLDS 2025 CONFERENCE IN COLOGNE, GERMANY
From August 27–31, JA alumni from across Europe gathered in Cologne, Germany for the annual JA Alumni Europe Conference. The event brought together over 200 young people to exchange ideas, celebrate the impact of alumni, and strengthen the alumni community across borders. Highlights included inspiring keynote sessions, alumni-led workshops, and networking opportunities that showcased the incredible energy and dedication of our JA alumni family.
JA Alumni Europe also announced its 2025–2026 board members during the conference:
Silvan Vifian, President
Defne Saylık, Vice President
Ieva Visockytė, Communications Manager
Jules Terrens, Community Manager
Austė Šilkaitytė, Partnerships Manager
Mohamed Benziane, Development Manager
Although the Board has been successfully recruited, six volunteer team positions remain open. If you know alumni from Europe who would be a great fit, encourage them to apply and help shape the future of JA Alumni in the region. Learn more about the open volunteer roles and feel free to share the application link with your alumni networks.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS PASS (ESP)
The Entrepreneurial Skills Pass (ESP) is an international certification of skills and experiences for businesses eager to hire students with an entrepreneurial mindset that has now certified more than 89,000 JA students. Global alumni with ESP certification are empowered to share the impact of the ESP through the "ESP Takes You Places" initiative. This year’s ESP Scholar, JA Malaysia alumnus Low Zheng Kai, joined the JA Alumni Europe Conference in Cologne to connect with peers, gain inspiration, and share his journey as part of the JA global family.
"The keynote on personal growth gave me clarity on my future path and showed me how JA can be a driving force in shaping it," Low said. "As an ESP Scholar and global alumnus, it felt like stepping into a bigger world of endless possibilities. Seeing how alumni across Europe are building strong networks inspired me to start shaping a dream network in my own region. The true value of ESP and JA alumni is the community: You’re never alone. For me, Cologne can be summed up in two words: JA + spirit, a global energy that empowers us to grow, connect, and lead."
JA alumni and staff can follow the official ESP LinkedIn account to stay informed about the ESP journey and upcoming opportunities.
FIND OUT HOW TWO MINUTES CAN OPEN GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
For the third consecutive year, JA alumni have applied to step onto the 2 Minute Drill stage—hosted by David Meltzer—to present their ventures before a panel of world-class judges. In only 120 seconds, these entrepreneurs are challenged to articulate their vision, demonstrate value, and highlight impact that reflects the clarity and confidence required to lead in today’s world.
This year, JA Worldwide was represented on the judges’ panel by Sarah Rapp, our Director of Youth Advocacy and People. Her role underscores our commitment to placing youth voices and alumni leadership at the heart of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Past episodes of 2 Minute Drill have already amplified JA alumni ventures, bringing investment, mentorship, and international visibility. This year continues that legacy, with inspiring stories and outcomes soon to be shared with audiences worldwide.
We'll celebrate the winner on our social media channels when the episode airs. Revisit an interview between Sarah and David about 2 Minute Drill and discover why David puts so much support behind JA alumni.
And if you're a JA alum interested in competing in a future season of 2-Minute Drill, apply at dmeltzer.com/pitch/.
REGIONAL UPDATES
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA
For the third year in a row, The UPS Store is partnering with Junior Achievement USA as part of its participation in the 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda, revealing its under-the-sea themed float, “Sharing Skills for Success. Two JA students in the US will have a chance to win a trip to help decorate the float and see the parade.
The float celebrates the connection The UPS Store has to empowering school-aged children across the nation with critical skills through its collaboration with Junior Achievement USA for The UPS Store Start Small, Grow Big program. Just as the float demonstrates the importance of imparting essential skills to the young, The UPS Store embraces the mission of passing along invaluable knowledge to future small business owners and entrepreneurs amid the ever-changing tides of today’s world. This spirit of teamwork will further come to life with local Los Angeles Junior Achievement students riding the float, outfitted for an underwater show from the seahorses. Since Start Small, Grow Big began in 2022, Junior Achievement USA has received more than $6.7 million from customer donations, thanks to the thousands of The UPS Stores franchisees facilitating donations upon checkout in-store.
JA AMERICAS
The JA Company Program continues to grow across the Americas, with a presence in 17 countries and more than 56,000 students expected to participate in 2025. This year, Colombia and El Salvador rejoined the program, while Mexico, Ecuador, The Bahamas, and Jamaica successfully completed their cycles.
A major milestone has been the expansion of Enterprise Space (EnS), the management platform developed with Dell Technologies. With a strong focus on its mobile version, the tool is now active in 14 countries and used by more than 63,000 students to record operations, analyze data, and manage their ventures like real businesses.
The program is also advancing the Entrepreneurial Skills Pass (ESP), JA's international certification of entrepreneurial skills. For the first time, six countries—Jamaica, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, and El Salvador—are preparing to deliver the ESP. In addition, a new Sustainable Ventures Badge was launched in partnership with PMIEF, enabling students to certify their knowledge of economic, social, and environmental impact through EdApp, while also serving as preparation for ESP.
Since March, monthly collaborative meetings in Spanish and English have been strengthening regional alignment by presenting updates, agreeing on adjustments, and sharing best practices. Weekly consultation spaces on EnS have also proven key to gathering feedback and continuously improving the platform.
Preparations are already underway for the Company of the Year competition, to be held November 17–20 in Rio de Janeiro. With a renewed methodology and clear criteria, the event will showcase the most outstanding student companies that reflect the program’s “learning by doing” spirit.
JA ASIA PACIFIC
The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Finals 2025 marked the 19th edition of an initiative that has become a cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship education across the JA Asia Pacific region. Held this year in Singapore, a global hub known for its innovation, diversity, and strategic role in international trade, the event reflects the energy and ambition of a new generation of young leaders. Spanning nine dynamic Asia Pacific markets, this uniquely immersive experience cultivates problem-solving, cross-cultural collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking—key competencies for navigating an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Over the course of 48-hours, students were tasked with developing a market-entry strategy for a product in a randomly assigned international market, working alongside a teammate they just met, under real time pressure, and then presenting their business plan to a panel of expert judges. This competition is intentionally demanding, challenging students not only to think critically and creatively but also to collaborate across borders, adapt to new situations, and communicate ideas with clarity and purpose.
This year’s competition attracted over 4,700 students from nine JA locations, including JA Hong Kong–SAR China, Prestasi Junior Indonesia (JA Indonesia), JA Japan, JA Korea, JA Malaysia, JA Philippines, JA Singapore, JA Thailand, and JA Vietnam. At the finals, 54 students gathered in Singapore and were tasked to create a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product that upcycles discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods, with France being the target market. With growing discourse among consumers on how products affect the environment, and the role corporations can play in shaping a sustainable future, the challenge was particularly relevant. Read more.
INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA
INJAZ Al-Arab announced a new partnership with KFC MENA to support 900 youth across MENA, starting with a pilot program in Lebanon. The six-month program will feature spring and summer career camps, as well as in-person workshops. Participants ages 15 to 18 will focus on foundational skills, while those ages 18 to 24 will receive mentorship, career coaching, and pathways to internships and employment opportunities within KFC and beyond.
JA EUROPE
JA Europe, together with EIT Food and JA Africa, is gearing up for Foodathon 2025, a 4-week international challenge that will unite hundreds of students from Europe and Africa. Participants will design solutions for some of the world’s most pressing food system challenges, from sustainability and emissions to food access and nutrition. We’re inviting mentors from across sectors to guide and inspire student teams remotely during this journey. Your expertise could spark the next breakthrough innovation in sustainable food.
In addition, JA Europe is proud to be part of RESCHIP4EU (Reinforcing Skills in Chips Design for Europe), an EU-funded initiative creating a double-degree Master’s in Embedded Systems Design. The program blends cutting-edge technical training with Innovation & Entrepreneurship, while offering students study opportunities in at least two European countries, internships with leading industry partners, scholarship support, and exposure to visiting lecturers from partner institutions and networks. Applications open in November.
JA AFRICA
As the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program wraps up its second year, its impact continues to grow across the continent. Launched with more than 6,000 students, the initiative has expanded into Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria, creating new opportunities for young people to explore STEM and innovation.
Through Zonal Quizzes, dynamic Kahoot! sessions, and Innovation Camps that challenged students to tackle real-world issues, the program has inspired a new wave of problem solvers. The final camp in Namibia highlighted this momentum, with JA Africa Programs Assistant Terah Zotorvie underscoring the importance of STEM and setting high expectations for Africa’s next generation of innovators. Read more.