Our Blog
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...
2025 Partners in Achievement Breakfast: A Morning of Inspiration and Impact
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Work Readiness
On May 15, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Partners in Achievement Breakfast brought together business and community leaders, educators, and supporters from across Connecticut for a morning dedicated to student achievement and...
Top 5 Skills Every Young Entrepreneur Should Build Now
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or just want to think more like a boss, building the right skill set is key. From navigating challenges to managing money, the most successful entrepreneurs are constantly learning, adapting, and...
Empowering Futures: Highlights from the 2025 Career Connections for Young Women Program, Sponsored by Ares Management
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Career Connections for Young Women (CCYW) program empowers young women with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to thrive in the professional world. With the generous support of Ares Management, our 2025 program guided high school students through ten transformative weeks of career exploration, leadership development, and financial...
Celebrating Volunteer Month: The Heart of JASWNE
By Junior Achievement of Southwest New England
Community Involvement
At Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, our volunteers are at the core of everything we do! During Volunteer Month, we’re excited to spotlight some of the incredible individuals bring JA’s mission to life by empowering young people to strive for success, plan for their futures, and make smart financial and career...