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Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Celebrating Student Success at the Annual JA June Board Meeting
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Corporate Responsibility
On June 17, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England (JASWNE) concluded a remarkable fiscal year with its Annual Board Meeting, celebrating student success, recognizing board leadership, and shining a special spotlight on our 2025 Scholarship...
Investing in Tomorrow: JA's National Financial Awareness Day Panel
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Corporate Responsibility
On August 14, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and the Connecticut Office of the Treasurer co-hosted a special National Financial Awareness Day Panel, bringing together state leaders, educators, and students for a meaningful conversation on the importance of financial literacy in shaping Connecticut’s...
2024–2025 at JASWNE: A Year of Growth and Impact
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Corporate Responsibility
The 2024–2025 year was extraordinary for Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. With the combined efforts of educators, volunteers, and partners, tens of thousands of students gained real-world skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
JA Maritime Sparks Opportunity with Birdon Group
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New Englamd
Corporate Responsibility
On May 30, Birdon welcomed over 80 high school students from across Connecticut to its Portland site for an immersive tour of its shipbuilding and defense operations. This visit was a part of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England's new JA Maritime program, designed to spark interest and open pathways toward maritime and submarine manufacturing careers that are vital to our region’s...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
The Ultimate Office Showdown: Recapping 2025 JA Office Warriors
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Work Readiness
On June 26, Connecticut’s most spirited corporate teams brought their game faces to the 2025 JA Office Warriors event for an unforgettable evening of friendly competition and impact-driven...
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the inaugural Future BoundTM by Junior Achievement. This dynamic event brought together high school students from across the United States to showcase their innovative projects, demonstrate business acumen, and compete for national recognition for their outstanding achievements. A true celebration of...