September 2026 OneJA Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear colleagues,

In mid-September each year, New York City braces itself for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. During this week, the city plays host to hundreds (perhaps thousands) of gatherings that bring together leaders from non-profit organizations, businesses, and governments. Many of JA Worldwide’s key partners are present during UNGA week and it is a convenient place to have partnership meetings each year. This year, JA Worldwide is not only attending events during UNGA week, but also leading and organizing several events that enabled us to lead conversations on the issues impacting young people the most.

Read the rest of Asheesh's letter.

STAFF ACTION ITEMS

SUBMIT FY2026 DATA BY SEPTEMBER 30

Only a few days remain to submit your FY2026 data in JADE. Data submitted through JADE informs annual reports, impact reporting, strategic planning, regional scorecards, and the global Impact Score, helping demonstrate the collective reach of more than 120 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.

APPLY FOR THE "GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED LEARNING EXPERIENCES" SEAL

The Globally Recognized Learning Experience initiative celebrates learning experiences across the JA network, recognizing innovation and impact in education. Members and ROCs are encouraged to apply and showcase the incredible programs being delivered in their markets. The process is simple: complete the Self-Assessment Rubric, share your learning experience materials with Alison Gottsch-Walton, and the JA Worldwide Education Team will review them; learning experiences that meet the established criteria will earn the Globally Recognized Learning Experience Seal. Applications are accepted annually from September 1–30. By applying, you can gain global recognition, showcase your work across the JA network, and contribute to a growing collection of inspiring learning experiences.

This year's application closes September 30. Apply and find additional information about the application process on OneJA, and if you have questions, please contact Alison Gottsch-Walton.

JOIN THE GLOBAL AI AMBASSADORS PITCH DAY

On September 30, JA Global AI Ambassadors will share AI-powered activities they have designed for JA learning experiences during a virtual Pitch Day themed “Building for the Neighborhood.” Following eight months of training and exploration, each AI Ambassador developed activities focused on teaching about and with AI. Some have already piloted, and others are preparing to launch. Through five rounds of presentations, attendees will hear lessons and ideas from across the program, offer feedback, and receive the JA AI Ambassadors Playbook. The two-hour event begins at 9amEDT/3pmCEST/9pmHKT and is open to JA staff members interested in learning how the organization is integrating AI into learning experiences. Sign up on OneJA.

EXPLORE JA BOOST AI MENTOR-AGENTS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

JA Worldwide is exploring interest among JA members in using JA Boost AI mentor-agents, Pitch Master, and Biz Master with students. Your responses will help JA Worldwide gauge member interest, estimate potential student reach, and anticipate implementation needs and required support. Complete the survey to let us know you're interested by September 30. To learn more about JA Pitch Master, join the LX Tech Community on September 29 at 8:00amEDT/2pmCEST/8pmHKT (download the calendar hold and Teams link on OneJA). During this one‑hour session, you'll see a JA Pitch Master demo highlighting how the app supports entrepreneurship education, and we'll walk through the essentials for implementing it in your location.

NEW DATE: ZOOM INTO THE NEXT GLOBAL TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 14

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 October 14 (previously Septemebr 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.

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.

ACTIVATE YOUR MICROSOFT NETWORK DURING MICROSOFT GIVE MONTH

Connect Microsoft employees with JA through volunteering, giving, and advocacy during Microsoft Give Month. JA associates can sign up to host a two-hour working session with a Microsoft volunteer focused on strengthening workplace AI capabilities. JA Worldwide and Microsoft will match volunteers with participating JA locations through October 16, with sessions scheduled for October 26–30. Associates can also invite Microsoft contacts to donate through the company’s employee giving platform, volunteer their expertise, or share JA’s mission with colleagues. Sign up and download the ready-to-use Microsoft Give campaign toolkit on OneJA.

DOWNLOAD WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY COLLATERAL AND SHARE YOUR TESTIMONIALS

World Teachers’ Day is October 5, and collateral to celebrate is now available on OneJA. Download the materials to recognize the educators who bring JA learning experiences to life, and consider sharing teacher testimonials through your channels. You can also submit your most compelling educator and volunteer stories using the “Because of JA . . .” format. Whether a volunteer discovered a new purpose, a teacher saw students grow in confidence, or an educator transformed their classroom through JA, these stories demonstrate the impact of our network. Access the collateral and submit testimonials on OneJA for possible inclusion in JA Worldwide’s global communications.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: SUBMIT YOUR ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR A JA HOLIDAY CARD

Help bring a OneJA perspective to this year’s holiday card collection by submitting an original design. Staff members across the global JA network are invited to participate, whether you have professional design experience or simply enjoy being creative. The JA Worldwide Brand-Marketing-Communications team will select designs that reflect the season and the JA brand for use across the network with partners, volunteers, educators, alumni, and friends. Selected designers will also receive a special acknowledgment. Find the submission guidelines, creative tips, deadlines, and other details on OneJA. But hurry . . . the deadline is September 30!

DOWNLOAD TOP TEN GLOBAL NGO COLLATERAL ON ONEJA.ORG

As announced last month, JA Worldwide has once again been recognized as one of 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. Ready to share the good news? You'll find badges, graphics, and talking points on OneJA.

CONNECT YOUR STUDENTS WITH ENTREPRENEURS AROUND THE WORLD

Through JA Worldwide’s partnership with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), JA teams can request connections to experienced entrepreneurs who can serve as guest speakers, mentors, coaches, competition judges, or program and classroom volunteers. Support can take place virtually or in person, whether you need an entrepreneur from your community or another part of the world. Share what you’re planning, the type of support you need, and your timeline, and JA Worldwide will work with EO to identify potential participants and make the introduction. Submit your request on OneJA.

SUBMIT INVOICES TO JA WORLDWIDE VIA DEDICATED EMAIL

JA Worldwide is excited to announce a new, centralized email address for all accounts payable needs. Going forward, submit all invoices, Accounts Payable items, and new vendor setup requests to accountspayable@jaworldwide.org. This new process will help everyone stay organized, streamline processing, and ensure that requests reach the right place. Save the new email address and start using it today.

GLOBAL NEWS

JOIN JA WORLDWIDE DURING UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY HIGH-LEVEL WEEK

Young people must have a voice in the global conversations shaping their futures.

That’s why JA Worldwide is in New York City during UN General Assembly High-Level Week. We're bringing young people together with business leaders, educators, and policymakers. Through a series of events, we’re facilitating conversations about the future of work, emerging technology, intergenerational learning, and the priorities young people have identified for a changing world.

If you’ll be in New York this week (September 21–24), we’d love to see you. Explore sessions and register on the JA Institute site.

WORKFORCE BLUEPRINT FOR AI

AI adoption is accelerating across Asia Pacific. But is youth work readiness keeping pace? A new report from JA Asia Pacific, the JA Institute, and Ecosystm calls for coordinated action to ensure Asia Pacific’s workforce is prepared for an AI-enabled future. The report finds that preparing for an AI-enabled future requires more than proficiency with specific tools. As technologies and roles continue to change, durable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, judgment, adaptability, collaboration, and problem solving will become even more important.

Home to 700 million young people, Asia Pacific has an opportunity to help shape the future of AI and work. Preparing the region’s workforce for an AI-enabled future requires coordinated action to close readiness gaps, strengthen education and training systems, and ensure young people participate in decisions about how AI is developed and used.

Explore the findings and recommendations at ja.institute/ideas-papers

JA AND FEDEX: FOUR DECADES OF BUILDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

For more than four decades, JA and FedEx have worked together to help young people build entrepreneurial skills, develop confidence, and turn challenges into opportunities. Today, FedEx supports JA across all six regions through entrepreneurship competition sponsorship, employee volunteering and mentorship, board leadership, and other initiatives. Along the way, learning experiences and events such as the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge (ITC) have created opportunities for young people to collaborate across cultures and develop ideas for a global marketplace.

As the ITC marked its 20th Asia Pacific Finals last month, we looked back at the history of the JA–FedEx partnership and how it has grown from its beginnings in the 1980s to reach young people across the global JA network. Read more.

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY TO THE 2026 DE LA VEGA GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD

Three of the six finalist spots for the 2027 De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award have been filled. JA Asia Pacific, Junior Achievement USA, and JA Europe have named their top JA student companies of 2026. In November and December, INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA, JA Américas, and JA Africa will hold their Company of the Year competitions and select the remaining three finalists. The six regional winners will advance to compete for the global award in 2027. Meet past and current winners and finalists and follow the journey to the 2027 award at jaworldwide.org/delavega.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TAKE ON GLOBAL TRADE AT THE 20TH FEDEX/JA INTERNATIONAL TRADE CHALLENGE

Last month in Singapore, 48 finalists from across JA Asia Pacific embarked on the 2026 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC). Each student teamed up with a peer from a different JA location to tackle a real-world business case. This year's challenge? Develop a market-entry strategy for a sustainable product made from used packaging materials . . . and do it in less than 48 hours.

For 20 years, the ITC has brought young people together across borders to put their entrepreneurial skills and understanding of global trade into practice. The anniversary year also created an opportunity to look beyond the competition and hear directly from young people across the region. At the opening ceremony, FedEx and JA Asia Pacific launched Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights, a regional report examining how young people are preparing for a changing global economy.

Meet the winning teams and see how the 20th ITC challenged young entrepreneurs to think globally, collaborate across cultures, and turn ideas into action on the JA Worldwide blog.

JA INTERNS CONNECT ACROSS BORDERS

An internship can connect you to much more than one workplace. Over the last few months, 32 JA interns from 12 locations around the world joined JA Interns Connect, building relationships with peers around the world while learning from JA leaders and one another. For Mercy Namatovu, an intern with JA Uganda, those connections revealed something important: “Although we may work in different environments, we share similar opportunities, challenges, and aspirations.” Through five virtual sessions, interns exchanged ideas, broadened their perspectives, and began building professional networks that can continue long after their internships end. Read more.

NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR FOR THE GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE

Every great teacher deserves recognition. Nominate an educator who made a difference in your life or your community for the 2027 Global Teacher Prize. This US$1 million award recognizes an exceptional educator who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. And this year, the definition of educator is broader than ever, including classroom teachers, digital educators, education program leaders, and educators working in refugee and other non-formal settings. Nominate an educator (or apply) today.

ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD YOUTH FOR ACTION SUMMIT SCHOLARSHIP

A new global stage has opened: the 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. 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.

DISCOVER HOW 100 YOUNG PEOPLE DEMONSTRATE SKILLS THROUGH THE WORLD YOUTH FOR ACTION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

More than 300 young people from 65 countries applied. Now, 100 youth advocates are building the skills and strategies to turn their perspectives into action.

The inaugural World Youth for Action Certification Program brings together young people from around the world for six weeks of learning focused on advocacy and leadership, creative thinking, resilience, and communication. Along the way, each participant will develop an advocacy portfolio with a strategy to create change and ensure young people’s perspectives are heard.

And for some, the journey will continue in India this November, where 50 young people will join 50 thought leaders at the World Youth for Action Summit to help shape ideas for the next edition of the Global Goals. Read more.

MEET THE NEW JA ALUMNI EUROPE BOARD

JA Alumni Europe has elected its 2026 Regional Alumni Board following its first in-person Alumni Assembly in Warsaw. Representing alumni across 29 countries, the board will strengthen connections, expand leadership opportunities, and support initiatives including Gen-E, the JA Alumni Europe Conference, and NAVIGATE in Tirana, Albania. The board's work also contributes to the Alumni Leaders Academy Global and the development of a connected, regionally led alumni network. Regional alumni boards are also growing across JA Américas, JA Africa, and JA Asia Pacific. Meet the board and learn what’s ahead on Gather.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUTH BEYOND BORDERS FROM JA ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL ALUMNI BOARD

The JA Asia Pacific Regional Alumni Board (RAB) hosted Youth Beyond Borders in Singapore last month, bringing together JA Alumni from across Asia Pacific in conjunction with the 20th FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge. The two-day gathering combined leadership development, cross-cultural exchange, and community building through sessions on executive presence, negotiation and persuasion, a World Youth for Action Listening Lab, and networking with C-suite leaders. JA alumni from Hong Kong SAR–China, Malaysia, and Singapore who attended also connected through cultural experiences and welcomed the next generation of JA entrepreneurs participating in the 2026 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals. More than a leadership workshop, Youth Beyond Borders created a space for alumni to learn from one another, build relationships across borders, and strengthen the regional JA alumni community. Read more.

APPLY FOR T4 EDUCATION "GLOBAL YOUTH COUNCIL"

We've joined forces with the Global Youth Council from T4 Education to identify exceptional young people from around the world and connect them with the Global Youth Council Fellowship, a year-long international leadership experience designed for ambitious 16–18-year-olds who are ready to make a difference. If you know a young person with the curiosity, drive, and potential to lead, please share this opportunity. Learn more and apply for the founding cohort.

REGIONAL UPDATES

JA AMERICAS

Last month, 250 young people from 11 countries gathered in the hills of Córdoba, Argentina, for the 28th International Forum of Entrepreneurs (FIE), organized by Junior Achievement Córdoba. Participants from ages 16 to 22 spent five days learning, working in teams, exchanging cultures, and putting their entrepreneurial skills into practice.

Under the theme “Connect to transform,” the program combined workshops and challenges with talks from entrepreneurs and leaders, including startup investor and mentor Carlos Sluman; financial education content creator Camila Ibarbalz; Luifa Artime, president of Club Atlético Belgrano; and Daniel Gómez Iñiguez, founder of Mexican biodiesel technology company SOLBEN.

Participants also competed in EmprendeFIE, developing entrepreneurial solutions and pitching them to a jury. Camila Michelle Tejada from Peru won the 2026 competition, earning a full scholarship to attend the next FIE Guatemala. Junior Achievement also recognized Carlos Medina, a teacher from the Peruvian delegation, for bringing students to FIE for 18 years.

“The real impact of FIE is in everything that happens when young people come together: when they dare to ask questions, share an idea, work with someone they have just met, or discover they can do things they once thought impossible,” said Cristina Barrientos, President of Junior Achievement Córdoba.

After 28 editions, FIE continues to bring together young people from different countries and cultures to learn, test their abilities, and build connections with their peers. See FIE 2026 in action.

JA ASIA PACIFIC

To mark the 20th year of the FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC), JA Asia Pacific and the JA Institute published a report featuring 20 insights from 10 markets. The report is the result of a collective effort by JA Members in the region, together with JA Asia Pacific and FedEx APAC. Entitled Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights, the report was officially launched by Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Chairwoman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Manpower, Singapore at the opening ceremony of the 20th regional ITC. The report draws on the perspectives of more than 4,200 youth across ten Asia Pacific countries and territories about education, employability, entrepreneurship, global trade, and AI readiness.

Since its launch, JA leaders across the region have been actively sharing the report’s findings. In Singapore, Hau Yee Ng presented key findings from the report to the Rotary Club of Singapore, extending its reach to influential community leaders. In Indonesia, Utami Anita, Executive Director of Prestasi Junior Indonesia, highlighted the report during the Philanthropy Sharing Session: Industry and Philanthropy Community of Practice: Soft Skills Development in Higher Education, hosted by the Tanoto Foundation. The report’s insights will also be featured at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this month. Access the report.

Meanwhile, an alumnus inspired JA Singapore to launch the JA Young Investor’s Challenge (JAYIC), an innovative financial literacy program. Designed to equip young people with practical investing knowledge and decision-making skills, the initiative shows how alumni-driven ideas can become meaningful learning opportunities for the next generation. Supported by HSBC, the inaugural JAYIC successfully showcased JA’s ability to connect companies, organizations, and individuals who wish to be involved in the economic development of youth. Read more.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA

Staples announced that its 2026 Back-to-School Round-Up Campaign raised $617,620 to support Junior Achievement USA, supporting the organization’s mission to help young people become confident, capable, and connected to what the world has to offer. Over the last several months, Staples customers could once again round up their in-store purchases to provide more students with access to mentorship, life-changing educational experiences, career-connected learning, and more. Read more.

JA EUROPE

Be part of the official launch of Code4Europe and discover how the initiative is supporting digital skills development and coding education across Europe. Join the October 12 Code Week website.

Also, join From Skills to Opportunity: Shaping Europe's Future Workforce on October 14. Policymakers, educators, employers, and young people are invited to this high-level European policy event exploring how skills development and recognition unlock opportunities for the next generation. Register now to join in Brussels or online and be part of the conversation shaping Europe's future workforce.

INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA

INJAZ Al-Arab and Google.org have launched a three-year partnership in Saudi Arabia, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, to equip more than 126,000 elementary students, teachers, parents, and caregivers with essential online safety and digital citizenship skills through the Abtal Al Internet (Internet Legends) program. Through a holistic, community-centered approach, Abtal Al Internet builds a collaborative support network that consistently promotes online safety and responsible digital citizenship everywhere young people learn, live, and interact with technology. As part of the launch, Abtal Al Internet held a tour at Riyadh Schools, where students participated in the Internet Legends program and explored how to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and with confidence.

JA AFRICA

Following the completion of competitive national STEM Quizzes and Innovation Camps, student teams from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria, the four participating countries in the inaugural program, have been named national champions of the 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program. The winning teams (IXIETU from Angola, ECOCARTEIRAS from Mozambique, AQUA VOLT from Namibia, and NEXORA NEXUS INVENTORS from Nigeria) are undergoing direct mentorship with ExxonMobil staff to refine their innovative STEM and AI-driven solutions to real community challenges. Next, they will head to Cape Town, South Africa, to present their projects on a continental stage at Africa Energy Week 2026. Read more.

In addition, JA Ghana joined the Volta Regional Directorate of Education and key development partners in Ho to strengthen collaboration and enhance education delivery across the region. Presenting its flagship Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Program, supported by the Prudential Foundation, JA Ghana showcased how its interactive approach teaches young learners the foundational principles of earning, saving, spending,and donating. The engagement emphasized aligning interventions with Ghana Education Service (GES) priorities, empowering teachers as facilitators, and expanding financial capability initiatives to underserved communities across Ghana. Read more.

MILESTONES

AWARDS

Junior Achievement Singapore received the Oldham Partnership Award for a 17-year steadfast partnership with the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) at this year’s ACS(I) Honours Day (read more).

ANNIVERSARY

Prestasi Junior Indonesia celebrated its 20th anniversary in August 2026.