Invest. Involve. Inspire

Junior Achievement uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Junior Achievement was founded in 1919 by business leaders seeking to better prepare students to excel in the working world. Today, Junior Achievement is a worldwide organization, reaching nearly 8 million students in over 100 countries annually, with the concepts of financial literacy, workforce preparation, and entrepreneurship.

Junior Achievement came to Bakersfield in 1954. Last year JA of Bakersfield reached 20,000 students, through over 1,000 caring volunteers from the business community, who taught JA curricula in hundreds of classrooms throughout Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno Counties.

Delivered through caring Volunteer Mentors from the business community, Junior Achievement's curriculum teaches students everything from the importance of a firm handshake, to how to balance a checkbook. JA coordinates with area schools to integrate our K-12 programs into the school schedule. We also partner with local school districts and community organizations in our delivery of after-school programs.

Junior Achievement is a vital part of any community's economic development. JA is a solution provider for the challenges facing our communities in the areas of education, workforce development, and financial literacy.

Junior Achievement gives students a clear advantage over peers who do not experience JA. Students learn valuable concepts and skills that will help them understand and thrive in our economic system. JA brings the fourth "R" to education - relevance. Studies conducted by the Worldwide Institute for Research and Evaluation show, that students who have experienced JA:

Have greater critical thinking skills
Perform better academically
Are more likely to attend college
Are more likely to take responsibility for their behavior
Have higher self esteem

Junior Achievement of Bakersfield, Inc.
1820 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: 661.328.9373 | Fax: 661.326.0529 | http://bakersfield.ja.org