JA students, when compared to the general public, go on to have higher levels of educational attainment, career satisfaction, financial capability, entrepreneurial activity, and household income. At the same time, a considerable portion of JA Alumni credit Junior Achievement for promoting their understanding of business, influencing their career goals, fostering a sense of self-belief, and enhancing their understanding of how money works.*
The Need
91% of local jobs that can support a family of three in Colorado require a credential past high school, while only 62% of Coloradans have a post-secondary credential or degree.
43% of American adults are “financially illiterate” – entering adulthood with little understanding of how to manage their money, the basic costs of daily life, and the connection between their education and their income potential.
51% of Americans did not estimate what their payments would be before getting a student loan.
JA Students
In the 2024/25 school year, JA-Rocky Mountain is projected to reach 83,000 students in 450 Colorado and Wyoming schools
Approximately 31% of JA students receive free or reduced lunch, a nationally recognized indicator of poverty
JA Finance Park, presented by Transamerica
90% of students are more confident about creating a realistic budget
85% are regularly tracking how they spend their money
88% feel they have more control over their future
Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator
88% of students know of at least one career field that matches their talents, abilities, and interests
85% of students are more interested in owning their own business
89% of students have a better understanding of what they need to do to achieve their career goals
JA Stock Market Challenge
88% of students feel more confident in their ability to invest wisely
92% of students learned something new about taking risks
JA High School Heroes
97% of students said that their leadership skills were improved after participating
99% of students said it showed them the benefit of teamwork and that the skills they learned will help them succeed
97% of students are more confident about speaking in front of a group
JA Alumni
JA Alumni are Motivated
More than 90% of JA Alumni say that their Junior Achievement experience motivated them to learn, according to research from Ipsos.
JA Alumni Believe in Themselves
According to research by Ipsos, 92% of JA Alumni say their Junior Achievement experience influenced their belief that they could achieve their goals
Living “Paycheck-to-Paycheck”
Nearly two-thirds of Americans report living “paycheck-to-paycheck,” according to Lending Club. Less than half of Junior Achievement alumni say the same, according to Ipsos.
JA Alumni Work and Career
According to research firm Ipsos, Junior Achievement alumni say JA played an important role in their professional development and determining their career paths. They also find their work and career extremely fulfilling.
JA Alumni are More Prepared for Retirement.
According to the Ipsos JA Alumni Survey, 68 percent of JA Alumni between the ages of 18 and 34 are saving for retirement. Research by CFP Board/Morning Consult shows that 40 percent of Americans that age are saving.
Homeownership
About three-in-four JA alumni report being homeowners, according to research by Ipsos. A report Statistica shows that two-thirds of Americans are homeowners.*
Educators & Volunteers
Teachers say that JA is a valuable experience.
94% of teachers who had JA programs in their classroom report that it was a positive experience that provided value to their students.
Volunteers say JA programs are meaningful.
96% of JA volunteers said their experience was meaningful.
JA alumni data is based on the findings from a Junior Achievement USA scientific survey conducted by Ipsos of JA alumni. Read the 2022 survey report here.
