October 2025 OneJA Newsletter
Photo from JA Magyarorszag (JA Hungary).
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear colleagues,
In an effort to honor the legacy of Michael Bray and all that he did for the JA network, we have recently announced the creation of the Michael Bray Award for Good Governance. We know that Michael would want us to look forward and determine what good governance should look like in the age of AI . . .
STAFF ACTION ITEMS
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REVISIT THE SEPTEMBER JA GLOBAL TOWN HALL AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR MARCH
At the September 2025 JA Global Town Hall, we reviewed the 2026–2028 JA Worldwide Strategic Plan and announced that we'll be releasing a new Strategic Planning Toolkit in mid-November to help member organizations align and implement. Attendees also got a look inside The JA Institute, heard the latest findings from the AI and Entrepreneurship Competency Survey, and reviewed new impact intelligence insights. A preview of OneJA 2.0 showcased how we’re strengthening global collaboration, and the global alumni team showed how graduates continue to drive impact across the network. Finally, we looked ahead on the road to GLC Rio, before opening the floor for a Q&A session. Watch the recording and view the slide deck on OneJA.
Get ready for the next JA Global Town Hall on March 18, 2026, at 9amEDT/2pmCET/9pmHKT. If you registered for the September JA Global Town Hall (or any previous town hall), you do not need to register for the March session; you will receive a calendar invite from contact@jaworldwide.org. If you have never registered for or attended a global town hall, sign up for the March session on OneJA.
HELP SHAPE JA'S "STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT" STRATEGIC ENABLER
As part of JA Worldwide’s new strategic plan, one of our three enablers—Stakeholder Engagement—focuses on strengthening how we connect with the people and organizations who make JA’s mission possible. This enabler calls on us to actively engage with all JA stakeholders to facilitate growth and inspire innovative solutions that help more young people thrive.
To make sure our approach reflects the realities and opportunities across our global network, we’re inviting you to share your input through a short survey. Your feedback will help
Validate and expand JA’s core stakeholder groups
Strengthen messaging for each audience
Map preferred platforms and practical actions that deepen engagement locally and globally
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your insights will shape the Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit coming in 2026.
GET YOUR JA HOLIDAY CARDS!
To make a busy holiday season a little easier, the annual collection of JA holiday card designs are ready for you to use and share. Whether you’re sending digital cheer to colleagues, partners, or volunteers or printing cards for your office or events, these customizable designs capture the warmth, gratitude, and global unity that make our network special. Choose your favorite, add your own logo, and start spreading the holiday spirit, JA style. Find the holiday cards on OneJA.
EXPLORE THE GLC RIO AGENDA
The full GLC Rio agenda is live—your guide to every session, speaker, and experience designed to help you thrive as we celebrate leadership, innovation, and impact across the JA network. Before you pack, check out the dress code—from business casual days to glittering carnival nights—and review key reminders for guests, evening events, and tour bookings. Thursday’s traditional “free night” offers guided experiences across Rio, while extra hotel nights are available for those extending their stay. Start planning your GLC experience now and get ready to thrive in Rio! Find all this and more on OneJA.
JOIN THE NEXT COHORT OF JA GLOBAL ORIENTATION (JA GO)
Are you a staff member with less than two years at JA? It's time to join the next JA Global Orientation cohort, starting April 2026. You'll learn about our strategy to deliver 100 million learning experiences per year by 2050, our top youth programs, our global history and brand, and innovations around the globe. You'll also develop a worldwide network of new colleagues and deepen your leadership skills.
The next JA GO starts April 7 and will meet for one hour every Tuesday and Thursday through April 30. 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 will receive a credential and badge for LinkedIn, plus a few surprises. Sign up on OneJA.
GET READY FOR THE 2025 GLOBAL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATES ANNOUNCEMENT
It’s almost time to reveal the 2025 Global Business Hall of Fame Laureates—and we’ve made it easy for everyone across the JA network to join the celebration. As soon as we have approval to move forward from our new laureates, the Global Business Hall of Fame toolkit will be available on OneJA. (We anticipate the announcement in the next couple of weeks.) The toolkit contains social media graphics, suggested post copy, and key messaging to help you amplify the announcement across your channels.
Also, check out the updated branding for the Global Business Hall of Fame, now in line with the JA Global Brand.
GLOBAL NEWS
REMEMBERING MICHAEL BRAY: A DEDICATED LEADER AND FRIEND TO JA
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Bray, whose decades of leadership and kindness shaped JA in Europe and worldwide. For more than 20 years—as a JA Europe board member and Chair, JA Worldwide Governor, and our first-ever Emeritus Governor—Michael Bray championed young people with wisdom, generosity, and vision. His legacy lives on in the millions of students he helped empower. Read our full tribute.
JA WORLDWIDE AT UNGA 2025: PARTNERING FOR YOUTH, OPPORTUNITY, AND IMPACT
At the 80th United Nations General Assembly last month, JA Worldwide joined partners and global leaders to amplify youth issues on the world’s most pressing issues—from the future of education and work to inclusion, entrepreneurship, and peacemaking. Throughout High-Level Week, JA representatives contributed to panels and roundtables hosted or co-hosted by Brookings Institution, EY Ripples, Everway Global, Google, Junior Achievement of New York, Goodwall, Generation Unlimited, and many more—each advancing a shared goal to create pathways for young people to learn, work, and lead.
Our thanks to the many colleagues and partners who invited us, made introductions, and collaborated with us throughout UNGA 2025. Together, we’re bringing youth, education, and opportunity to every conversation. Read about the week and listen to audio of a panel co-produced by JA of New York and JA Worldwide.
CELEBRATING THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AWARDS FINALISTS
We're thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 GLC Awards! Across the JA network, these leaders and teams are driving innovation, growth, and impact in every corner of our global organization. From bold tech solutions to youth advocacy, alumni engagement, and creative brand amplification, the finalists represent the best of OneJA. Explore the full list of finalists at jaworldwide.org/glc-awards-2025.
THE JA INSTITUTE SEEKS RESEARCH FELLOW
The JA Institute, the research and innovation arm of JA Worldwide, is seeking a Research Fellow to support and lead research projects that contribute to research in youth entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, employability and tech readiness, and educating for future skills. Kickstart your career with JA at jaworldwide.org/employment.
JA FUELS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH ZURICH VOLUNTEERS
Across Africa, young people have the talent and creativity to drive economic growth, but they often face barriers to opportunity. Through the Social Equity Program (SEP), a partnership between JA and the Z Zurich Foundation (ZZF), youth gain the entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and resources to build resilient futures for themselves and their communities.
Zurich volunteers play a key role in making that happen. One volunteer, Purity Kariuki, Technical Accounting Lead at Zurich’s Life Insurance business in the UK, says the most rewarding part of volunteering is watching students’ confidence grow. “You can see their mindset shift from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can,’” she says. “When you give young people a platform to learn, collaborate, and lead, you’re not just changing their future—you’re shaping the future of the continent.” Explore the initiative and meet Purity at jaworldwide.org/zzf.
JA PARTNERS WITH CSFORALL TO LAUNCH THE HOUR OF AI
The future won’t wait, and today’s students can’t either. AI is reshaping how we learn, work, and live, and learners everywhere need opportunities to build not only knowledge but also creativity and confidence in using it. That’s why we’re proud to partner with CSforALL for the Hour of AI. Building on over a decade of success with the Hour of Code, this new global initiative is designed to help students and educators everywhere take their first step into understanding and creating with AI. Through hands-on, easy-to-follow activities, learners around the world will demystify AI and imagine what’s possible when they harness it for good. Learn more at code.org/en-US/hour-of-ai.
IBM SKILLSBUILD LAUNCHES GLOBAL PILOT WITH JA
JA and IBM continue to strengthen our global collaboration through IBM SkillsBuild, an innovative digital learning platform designed to equip students and educators with the skills they need for the future of work. Coordinated globally by JA Americas, the initiative has reached 14 countries across five regions during its 2025 pilot phase.
The project aims to make high-quality, free digital education accessible to youth through two implementation models: B2B (school-based) and B2C (direct-to-youth). With content available in multiple languages, SkillsBuild offers interactive learning experiences on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and professional skills.
Since its launch in January 2025, the initiative has engaged more than 55,000 learners and trained over 1,000 teachers to integrate the platform into their classrooms. Country teams have implemented localized engagement strategies, including webinars, partnerships with ministries of education, and collaborations with public and private institutions.
As the pilot approaches its conclusion in November, IBM SkillsBuild stands as a powerful step toward integrating digital learning within JA’s global network—preparing young people to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
JA WORLDWIDE HONORED WITH THE 2025 TRANSFORMATIVE CEO AWARD
JA Worldwide has been honored with the 2025 Transformative CEO Award in the Future Leaders category from The CEO Forum Group Institute, recognizing the organization’s bold, purpose-driven transformation under the leadership of CEO Asheesh Advani. Introduced to The CEO Forum Group by Ralph de la Vega, JA Worldwide Emeritus Governor and former CEO of AT&T Mobility, Asheesh has guided JA’s decade-long journey of innovation and growth—expanding access, investing in alumni, modernizing the brand, and strengthening the network’s impact across more than 100 countries. Grounded in collaboration and distributed leadership, this transformation has enabled JA to deliver hands-on learning to millions of young people each year. The award celebrates JA’s progress toward its aspiration to reach 10% of the world’s youth by 2050. Learn more and listen to Asheesh’s interview.
ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
JA ALUMNI MEET TO CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS
The latest JA Alumni Clubhouse brought together alumni from every corner of the JA network to celebrate achievements, share updates, and connect across regions. The session covered key updates from each region, news on endings and new beginnings, and even included a special surprise on worldwide initiatives. The energizing gathering showcased the strength, creativity, and collaboration of JA alumni everywhere. Missed the session? Catch all the global alumni highlights and watch the recording.
REGIONAL UPDATES
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA
In September, Junior Achievement USA and Citizens released new research on Teens and the Future of Work. A survey of U.S. teens found that 57 percent believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook. While, in general terms, teens are mostly positive about their prospects, the research shows growing skepticism about the value of a college degree and a realization that work experience, “gig work,” and other side projects might be necessary for them to achieve their desired lifestyles in the future. Read the report.
JA ASIA PACIFIC
Prestasi Junior Indonesia and Prudential Indonesia reached a major milestone, equipping one million students across 20,000 schools in Indonesia with the Cha-Ching Program by Prudence Foundation. A celebration was held at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, titled “Cha-Ching One Million: Empowering Futures through Financial Education,” which recognized the dedication of teachers, schools, and education authorities in advancing financial literacy education for children. The event was also supported by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Ministry of Education for Primary and Secondary Education.
Cha-Ching continues to set the benchmark for effective financial literacy education in Asia Pacific and Africa by empowering children to earn, save, spend, and donate wisely. Read more.
JA AFRICA
The spotlight was on Africa’s brightest young minds as the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Regional Finals took place during Africa Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town. After months of innovation camps, mentorship, and hard work, four finalist teams from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria presented transformative solutions addressing food security, clean water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. Namibia’s “Scholar Sprouts” emerged as the winners, with their user-friendly aquaponics system designed to tackle food insecurity through smart, sustainable technology. Read more.
JA AMERICAS
With a shared vision of empowering youth through financial literacy, JA Americas and the Puerto Rico Department of Education (DEPR), supported by American Express, are expanding access to financial education across public high schools on the island. The partnership, effective through December 2025, provides 2,000 scholarships for students in grades 9–12 to participate in JA’s Personal Economics and Personal Finance learning experiences. Through JA’s virtual campus, students engage in digital training designed to build practical financial skills, while teachers receive training and continuous support from the JA team to ensure sustainable implementation. This initiative has been integrated into the DEPR’s Systemic Agenda, guaranteeing its continuity within the academic cycle and its reach across all public and Montessori schools in Puerto Rico.
After graduating the first 1,000 students aged who completed the program, the impact of the experience was measured: Budgeting knowledge increased from 40.8% to 56.9%, and understanding of opportunity cost rose from 34.3% to 52.3%. Improvements were also observed in savings habits, self-confidence, and responsible financial decision-making, demonstrating the program’s positive impact on students’ financial and personal growth.
“My experience in this program was something incredible and very special to me," said Delian Esquiñonez Dávila, 17, from Teodoro Aguilar Mora School. "From the very first day, I felt motivated because I knew it wasn’t just a competition, but an opportunity to learn something that will be useful for the rest of my life.”
Since 1968, JA has trained more than 120,000 young people in Puerto Rico. With this new initiative, the organization reaffirms its commitment to economic autonomy, inclusion, and the holistic development of future generations.
INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA
Under the administration of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, INJAZ Al-Arab, INJAZ Qatar, and Nestlé, in partnership with Earthna, officially launched the Sustainability Heroes Program in Doha. This initiative is designed to equip students with knowledge and practical skills in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible consumption, aligning closely with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Through hands-on learning experiences, students explore key topics such as recycling, waste reduction, sustainable consumption, and climate action. The program aims to empower 150 Qatari university students to become future leaders and advocates for sustainability.
JA EUROPE
JA Finland has been featured by the World Economic Forum for its pioneering work in financial education. Through the Yrityskylä learning environment, thousands of Finnish students experience real-world financial decision-making, earning, spending, and investing in a simulated economy. This recognition celebrates Finland’s ambition to become a global leader in financial well-being by 2030 and JA’s role in preparing financially confident, responsible citizens for the future. Discover more.
In addition, JA Europe is hosting an interactive online event on October 30 for young storytellers from across Europe to explore the power of journalism and digital media. Participants will gain experience through hands-on micro-workshops, a newsroom challenge, and a how-to-publish walkthrough. Invite youth to register.
Finally, for the first time ever, over 100,000 activities have been registered on the EU Code Week scoreboard. This is a monumental achievement and a moment to celebrate the power of grassroots digital education across Europe.
MILESTONES
GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS
On October 1, 2025, the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL) formally launched a Digital Financial Education Library, in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Capital Markets Development Foundation, Inc. (CMDFI), the FINEX Research and Development Foundation, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and Junior Achievement of the Philippines, Inc. (JAPI). “Project RISE” is a YouTube-based video platform offering accessible, high-quality financial literacy content for Filipinos of all ages.
AWARDS
JA Indonesia (Prestasi Junior Indonesia or PJI) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have been acknowledged by the Guiness World Records Organization as achieving a record of creating "The Most Apps Made in an Onsite Generative AI Event." The endeavor was verified a success on October 15, 2025, by the Guiness WR representatives. Working with the student network in West Java, PJI reached a total of 10,861 apps, eclipsing the previous total of 2,000. Check out the video announcement on LinkedIn.