Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan

Mission: To inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan is a local chapter of Junior Achievement (JA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1919 in the United States. The Northern Michigan chapter was established to serve students in the northern part of Michigan, specifically focusing on the areas of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education.

The chapter began with the goal of addressing a gap in practical, hands-on learning about the world of work, business, and personal finance. In partnership with local schools, businesses, and volunteers, Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan has worked to provide students from kindergarten through high school with age-appropriate programs designed to equip them with important life skills.

Since its inception, Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan has expanded its reach throughout the region, growing in both its number of volunteers and the number of students served each year. Through its programs, students gain practical knowledge about economics, career readiness, budgeting, investing, and entrepreneurship, often engaging in real-world scenarios and learning from community leaders and business professionals.

The organization uses a volunteer-driven model, where professionals from local businesses and industries give their time to deliver JA programs in the classroom. These volunteers serve as role models and mentors, sharing their expertise with the students and offering real-life examples of how business and finance concepts are applied in the workforce.

Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan is part of a broader network of JA chapters across the United States and internationally, which collaborates to provide a consistent and high-quality educational experience for young people. The chapter is a significant part of the community, aiming to empower students to be economically self-sufficient, make informed decisions, and foster a mindset of entrepreneurship.

Today, Junior Achievement of Northern Michigan continues to have a profound impact on the region, working to help students develop the skills and mindset needed to be successful in school, work, and life. Its programs are widely respected for their ability to shape the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in the region.