July/August 2026 OneJA Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear colleagues,

Over the past few weeks, I have had a chance to attend several major JA events across the network. In addition, I’ve been observing how governments and corporations are reshaping pathways for entry-level jobs all over the world. In an AI age, when information is readily available, initiative and agency have become priceless, which I believe will have a profound impact on JA’s mission. For that reason, I’m becoming increasingly focused on what JA Worldwide can do to foster initiative and stimulate agency for the young people we serve and for JA teams across the network . . .

Read the rest of Asheesh's letter.

STAFF ACTION ITEMS

— LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND OPERATIONS —

EARN THE GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED LEARNING EXPERIENCES SEAL

Does your organization have a learning experience you're especially proud of? The Globally Recognized Learning Experience process is your opportunity to highlight your learning experiences and gain recognition across the JA network.

Once a year, JA members and regional operating centers (ROCs) are invited to submit learning experiences for review through a globally aligned process led by the JA Worldwide Education Team. Learning experiences are evaluated using a shared set of quality standards, creating a consistent and equitable framework for recognition. Earning the JA Worldwide Globally Recognized Learning Experience Seal is more than an achievement; it's an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of your work, celebrate your team's innovation, and contribute to a growing collection of learning experiences that can inspire students around the world. The application process includes completing a self-assessment rubric, submitting learning experience materials, and participating in a review conducted by the JA Worldwide Education Team. Learning experiences that meet the established criteria will be awarded the Globally Recognized Learning Experience Seal.

Applications open September 1 and close September 30, so August is the perfect time for members and ROCs to prepare your submission. Additional information about the application process can be found on OneJA. If you have questions, please contact Alison Gottsch-Walton.

BRING JA BOOST—PITCH MASTER TO YOUR JA LOCATION

At the JA Europe Gen-E conference, JA CEOs had the opportunity to experience JA Boost–Pitch Master, our AI-powered learning agent designed to strengthen entrepreneurship education through interactive pitch development and presentation practice. JA Pitch Master provides students with a safe, engaging environment to practice their business pitches, receive personalized AI-driven feedback, and build the confidence and communication skills needed to present their ideas effectively.

In addition to exploring Pitch Master, JA Europe CEOs and Executive Directions (EDs) shared valuable insights and feedback on JA Biz Master, the second JA Boost AI agent, now under development. Biz Master is being designed to guide students through the fundamentals of business planning and financial capability, expanding the JA Boost ecosystem to support entrepreneurs throughout their learning journey. The discussions and feedback gathered during Gen-E will help shape the continued development of both tools, ensuring they meet the needs of students and JA organizations around the world.

Sign up today to learn more about the platform and how your organization can become part of the growing JA Boost community.

SHARE YOUR MOST INSPIRING JA TEACHER AND VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

Every JA story begins with a person, and we want to hear from you. Share your most compelling volunteer and educator testimonials using the "Because of JA . . ." format. Whether it's a volunteer who discovered a new purpose, a teacher who saw students grow in confidence, or an educator whose classroom was transformed through JA, these stories help illustrate the lasting impact of our network. Submit your strongest testimonials on OneJA, and we'll amplify them across JA Worldwide's global communications and show how, because of JA, lives are changing in communities around the world.

READY TO SUBMIT YOUR FY2026 DATA? JADE IS OPEN!

JADE Annual Reporting is officially open for fiscal year 2026, marking the first year of reporting under JA Worldwide's three-year Thrive strategic plan. Data submitted through JADE informs annual reports, impact reporting, strategic planning, regional scorecards, and global Impact Score, helping demonstrate the collective reach of more than 100 member locations, 4,000 staff, and over 23 million annual learning experiences. This year's reporting includes new Global Survey questions focused on risk and resilience, along with updated guidance, how-to videos, and resource materials to support members throughout the process. Members should submit all required data and supporting materials to your Regional Operating Center (ROC) by regional deadlines to ensure final approval before the September 30, 2026, global reporting deadline. Find links and more information on OneJA.

— FUNDRAISING —

DIVE INTO FUNDRAISING IN THE NETWORK AT THE NEXT GLOBAL TOWN HALL

Fundraising approaches vary across the JA network, but many locations face similar challenges and pursue similar opportunities. So whether you're exploring new funding opportunities, strengthening existing partnerships, or looking to learn from colleagues across the network, you'll learn from your global colleagues at the next JA Global Town Hall. Join us September 30 at 9amEDT/2pmCEST/9pmHKT to exchange ideas, ask questions, and hear what's working in different JA locations. If this is your first Global Town Hall, sign up on OneJA to receive the calendar invitation and Zoom link. Previous attendees will automatically receive an invitation from contact@jaworldwide.org and do not need to register again.

EXPLORE THE MAJOR DONOR SURVEY ON ONEJA

Thanks to the JA Worldwide Development and Operations teams, along with the Junior Achievement USA compliance process and every JA location that shared information, we're delighted to share the fiscal year 2025 global Major Donor Survey (MDS) results, ranked by total giving and by funder. The MDS provides a snapshot of corporate funding donated to JA organizations around the globe from funding institutions giving more than $100,000 across the network. The MDS is not intended to represent all funding received by each JA organization, but is generally a good reflection of local funding. Find and explore the MDS on OneJA.

— JA UNIVERSITY (PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT) —

SAVE THE DATE: GLC VIRTUAL 2027 IS COMING

Mark your calendar for the next GLC Virtual, April 19–23, 2027. This biennial global gathering brings together JA staff, volunteers, educators, alumni, and partners from around the world to learn, connect, and explore the ideas shaping the future of our network and the young people we serve. Download the calendar invitation available on OneJA and save the date today.

NEW TO JA? JOIN THE NEXT JA GLOBAL ORIENTATION COHORT

Are you a staff member with less than two years at JA? Then it's time to join the JA Global Orientation (JA GO) cohort. You'll discover more about our strategy to deliver 100 million learning experiences per year by 2050, our top youth learning experiences, and innovations around the globe. You'll also develop a global network of new colleagues and deepen your leadership skills.

The next JA GO begins September 15, and meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 9amEST/3pmCEST/9pmHKT. The cohort is open to 50 JA staff and will have synchronous and asynchronous sessions, all on Zoom. Each JA staffer who completes the requirements receives a credential and badge for LinkedIn, plus a few surprises. Sign up on OneJA.

— BRAND, MARKETING, AND COMMUNICATIONS —

HELP DESIGN THIS YEAR'S JA HOLIDAY CARDS

This year, we're giving our annual holiday cards a distinctly OneJA touch by inviting staff from across the global network to help shape this year's collection.

Whether you're an experienced designer or simply enjoy being creative, we encourage you to submit an original holiday card design for consideration. The JA Worldwide Brand-Marketing-Communications team will select the designs that best capture both the spirit of the season and the JA brand to become this year's official JA holiday cards, giving the entire network the opportunity to share the creativity of our global community with partners, volunteers, educators, alumni, and friends.

Along the way, we'll celebrate the creativity and talent found throughout our JA community . . . and, yes, we'll have a little something special for the designers whose work is selected. Find submission guidelines, helpful hints, deadlines, and more on OneJA.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

International Youth Day is August 12, with the theme "Different contexts, Common aspirations," and this year JA Worldwide is highlighting the power of our global network. Although young people grow up in different countries, cultures, and circumstances, they share many of the same goals: building skills, creating opportunities, and shaping a better future. You'll find a toolkit with social media graphics, sample copy, and other promotional assets on OneJA. Showcase how JA empowers millions of young people across more than 100 countries while advancing our shared mission around the world.

ACCESS THE JA THOUGHT LEADERSHIP COMPANION, A NEW STAKEHOLDER-ENGAGEMENT RESOURCE

Whether you're preparing for a media interview, speaking on a panel, engaging with your board, or discussing education and workforce trends with partners, the new JA Thought Leadership Companion is designed to help you communicate with clarity, credibility, and confidence. The companion serves as a shared reference that reflects JA’s perspective on the issues shaping young people’s lives, drawing on nearly a century of experience and insights from across the global network.

The companion offers context, framing, and guidance on 17 timely topics to help you navigate conversations on these topics. It is designed to support alignment across the network while leaving room for local context, personal expertise, and regional examples.

Explore the companion on a new section of OneJA called "Stakeholder Engagement," which has been elevated during this current strategic-planning cycle as a global strategic enabler.

DOWNLOAD TOP TEN GLOBAL NGO COLLATERAL ON ONEJA.ORG

As you'll see in the following section, JA Worldwide has once again been recognized as one of the world's ten leading social-good organizations. Ready to share the good news? You'll find badges, graphics, and talking points on OneJA.

GLOBAL NEWS

JA WORLDWIDE NAMED IN GLOBAL RANKING OF TOP SOCIAL-GOOD ORGANIZATIONS

At a time when social-good organizations faced growing global complexity, JA Worldwide has once again been named among the world's ten leading social-good organizations, earning the #5 spot in the 2026 thedotgood (formerly NGO Advisor) rankings. Now in our eighth consecutive year in the global top ten, the recognition reflects the enduring strength of the JA network, combining innovation, strong governance, and long-term sustainability to deliver millions of learning experiences through which young people build thriving communities. Read more.

EUROPE'S BRIGHTEST YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS JOIN GEN-E 2026

This week, top JA student companies in Europe showcased their businesses and innovations at GEN-E JA Europe's annual celebration of young entrepreneurs. Hosted by JA Latvia, JA Europe's annual festival brought together hundreds of JA students from across the region.

From sustainable products and AI-powered solutions to health technologies and social innovations, this year's finalists demonstrated what's possible when young people are given the opportunity to turn ideas into action. Read here to meet the winning student companies, explore the innovative ventures from across Europe, and see the complete list of award recipients. You'll also find out who will represent JA Europe for the 2027 De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award.

ONEJA IN ACTION: LESSONS FROM LEAD

Through exchanges that span continents, JA Leadership Exchange and Development (LEAD) participants built lasting relationships, challenged long-held assumptions, and returned home with fresh ideas to strengthen their organizations and the broader OneJA network. If you haven't had a chance to read the series, now is the perfect time. As one cohort reflects on the experiences that shaped their leadership, a new group is preparing to begin the journey. Last month, we announced the third LEAD cohort, bringing together another exceptional group of CEOs and Executive Directors who will continue building a stronger, more connected global network through peer learning and collaboration. Read the stories and meet the newest cohort on the JA Worldwide blog.

FRESH CONVERSATIONS FROM THE JA INSTITUTE

Have you visited the JA Institute lately? New this month: conversations from global gatherings focused on the future of work, education, and technology. Read highlights from the Future Talent Summit 2026, where leaders explored how to prepare talent for a rapidly changing world, and the Oxford Connected Life Summit, which examined the opportunities and responsibilities that come with an AI-powered future. These conversations are part of the JA Institute's growing collection of thought leadership designed to help the JA network stay informed, spark new ideas, and lead discussions that matter for young people worldwide. Visit the JA Institute to explore the latest conversations.

ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

ROHIT MAJUMDAR'S JOURNEY FROM JA STUDENT TO THE JA WORLDWIDE BOARD

Nearly a decade ago, Rohit Majumdar launched a waterproof notebook through the JA Company Program at Young Enterprise UK. That experience sparked a journey that took him from competitor to volunteer, mentor, strategic advisor, and now the third JA alumnus to serve on the JA Worldwide Board of Governors.

His story is a reminder that JA doesn't just prepare young people for what's next. It creates lifelong leaders who continue to strengthen our global network and invest in the next generation.

Read how one JA student experience turned into a lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship education.

INTRODUCING THE WORLD YOUTH FOR ACTION SUMMIT SCHOLARSHIP

A new global stage has opened: World Youth for Action Summit in New Delhi, India. From November 17–21, 50 youth advocates and 50 thought leaders from around the world will gather in Delhi to develop recommendations to present to the United Nations for the next set of Global Goals.

Applicants: Applications end today, and given the scale and significance of this work, the selection criteria for the summit are strict. Candidates must be JA/INJAZ/YE alumni with a proven track record of leadership in advocacy or social impact. Youth who have already applied for the certification program and were pre-approved are also eligible to apply. But hurry, applications close today (August 5).

Supporter: We don't want an individual's financial status to get in the way of any student participating. You can help. Contribute to the World Youth for Action scholarship fund at worldyouthforaction.org.

BECAUSE OF JA . . . SMALL BUSINESSES FLOURISH

Because of JA, entrepreneurs around the world turn bold ideas into real businesses and real impact. We celebrate risk-takers, problem-solvers, and people who identify needs and fill gaps. Read their stories.

But here's the thing: their stories aren't the only ones worth telling. Yours is too. We're spotlighting alumni entrepreneurs all year long. If you've built something because of JA, we want to know about it. Ready to share your story?

JA EUROPE CELEBRATES FERD’S LIST HONOREES AT GEN-E 2026

The 2026 FERD's List honors seven JA Europe alumni whose early experiences in JA programs helped launch careers that are transforming industries, advancing sustainability, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. From biotechnology and renewable energy to digital identity, logistics, and fashion, these leaders demonstrate the lasting impact of entrepreneurship education. Meet the 2026 honorees.

REGIONAL UPDATES

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA

The UPS Store, Inc. recently announced that its Start Small, Grow Big program has reached a significant donation milestone: $10 million in customer donations supporting Junior Achievement USA programs that help prepare young people for future success as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders. Launched in 2022, The UPS Store created Start Small, Grow Big to empower the next generation of small business owners through learning opportunities in communities nationwide. Through the program, customers can choose to round up their total to the nearest dollar during the checkout process at more than 5,500 The UPS Store locations across the United States, with their donations benefiting JA learning experiences in the regions where they are collected. Read more.

INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA

INJAZ Al-Arab, together with INJAZ Bahrain and in coordination with the Bahrain Ministry of Interior, organized an Innovation Camp as part of EmpowerME, a regional initiative supported by The Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group. The camp brought together more than 50 orphaned children and young people across Bahrain to strengthen their leadership, communication, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills through interactive activities and team-based challenges. The initiative reflected the power of cross-sector collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities that foster confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging among young people.

JA AFRICA

Seventy-two million young Africans are not in school, not in training, and not working, not because they didn't try, and not because nobody invested. In his latest research piece, JA Africa's Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Director Maxwell Ashon makes the case that Africa's youth employment crisis isn't a funding problem, a skills problem, or a commitment problem; it's a coordination problem. Governments, universities, employers, banks, and donors are all doing what makes sense for them individually, but that's precisely why the system keeps failing collectively. Maxwell breaks down what he calls a stable coordination failure and lays out what it will actually take for Africa's institutions to work as a single system rather than five disconnected ones. Read the full piece.

JA ASIA PACIFIC

Young people are growing up in a world where AI is already reshaping how they learn, work, create, and lead. Yet, the gap between AI adoption rates in the Global North and the Global South is widening faster than ever before.

To help them navigate this future with confidence, JA Asia Pacific and JA Institute have launched an influential JA Asia Pacific AI Council comprising a government minister, global C-suite leaders, widely respected educators, and directors of intergovernmental organizations. The Council is working hard on three key focus areas to prepare youth to succeed in the AI-future. JA Asia Pacific announced the AI Council to the media at the World Economic Forum AMNC in Dalian, emphasizing that innovation must also scale human potential, employment pathways, and cross-sector collaboration.

Across the region, this commitment is already visible in action. We marked the 10th anniversary of the Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Program in the Philippines and its achievement of reaching more than 2 million Filipino learners nationwide. JA Philippines honored eight Regional Partners from the Department of Education, Regional Coordinators, Teacher Champions, education leaders, and the Top 15 Cha-Ching Financial Accreditation Teachers whose dedication has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of Cha-Ching. This celebration spotlighted a strong ecosystem that works together to equip young people with the practical skills, confidence, and resilience to shape the future.

JA EUROPE

In partnership with the OECD and the European Commission, JA Europe hosted the latest Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA) webinar, "Too Young to Start? Rethinking Age Limits in Entrepreneurship." The discussion brought together policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and entrepreneurship organizations to examine how Europe can better support young people in turning entrepreneurial ambition into business creation. Read more.

JA Europe also officially launched JA Compass, the new digital learning platform designed to support young people in developing entrepreneurial, employability, and life skills. Throughout August, learners are invited to take part in the August Challenge, engaging with platform content and activities while exploring new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Explore JA Compass.

JA AMERICAS

She Is Digital, Junior Achievement Americas’ technology training and employability initiative co-designed with IDB Lab, has been shortlisted for the Global EdTech Prize 2026 in the Non-Profits category. Launched by T4 Education with the support of Owl Ventures and Digital Promise, the Global EdTech Prize recognizes organizations using technology to address some of education’s most pressing challenges. The recognition builds on the findings of the recently released impact study, Women in Tech Careers: Findings from Junior Achievement’s Employability Programs in Latin America. To date, She Is Digital has trained more than 5,300 women, certified over 2,500, and supported more than 1,700 into employment, with graduates reporting an average 33% increase in income. Read more.

JA Americas also launched Read to Empower, a new fundraising initiative in collaboration with board member Driss Temsamani, global digital transformation leader and author of The Agentic Bank. The campaign invites leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership, decision-making, and the future of work through Driss’s new book (an exclusive masterclass is included with every purchase), with all proceeds supporting JA learning experiences across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, helping equip even more young people with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

MILESTONES

AWARDS

Parry Diskul, Executive Director of JA Thailand, received the award of “Distinguished Contributor to the Ministry of Education of Thailand” in recognition of her support for the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the Office of the Basic Education Commission.