Partnering with JA

Junior Achievement (JA) utilises the experience of those already in the workforce to empower young people to realise their potential by valuing education and understanding how to succeed in the world of work.

JA programmes facilitated by business volunteers encourage young people to develop the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.

Working with schools is at the core of what we do. From CV writing and interview preparation skills, to understanding how to manage money and run a business, our programmes provide hands-on practical learning experiences in employability, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and the value of STEM. Click here to see a list of our current partner schools.

How it works

A new range of virtual volunteering programme options are available for the new school year. These programmes retain the benefit of traditional in-class JA programmes while adding extra flexibility for both volunteers and schools.

Expanding the range of options for blended learning – combining traditional and digital methods - allows volunteers to facilitate programmes via classrooms’ interactive whiteboards.

Programmes begin at primary school level, teaching students how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers and continue through to second level, right up to age 18, preparing students for their future careers. All programmes are facilitated by volunteers who are fully trained and vetted before commencing and are generally delivered for 30/40mins once a week over 4/5 weeks.

Slide Charlie Cannon, Principal, Errigal College, Co. Donegal “We have had a long standing partnership with JA. It gives our students the opportunity to engage with people from industry. It is great for the students to learn about the benefits of staying in school and also be given real life examples of how to budget. Feedback from the students is that they gained a lot of practical knowledge.” Slide Michael Walsh, Principal, Mount Sion Primary School, Waterford “The generosity of spirit and the desire to contribute to the local community shown by Junior Achievement supporting organisations is highly appreciated by all in Mount Sion Primary School. The volunteers have made a significant difference in the lives of our pupils, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These pupils would not have otherwise experienced the advice and expertise offered by JA business volunteers.” Slide Shane Loftus, Home School Community Liaison Teacher, Our Lady Immaculate SNS, Darndale, Dublin 17 “JA do something tangible that raises the aspirations of our pupils, that show them a way out of disadvantage and shows them that if they want a different life and are prepared to work for it that they can achieve it.” Slide Valerie Roe, Programme Coordinator, St. Paul’s C.B.S. Secondary School, Dublin 7 “As a DEIS school, we are constantly striving to bridge the gap that educational disadvantage can create. It is so heartening to find individuals and companies who are willing to donate their time and expertise to help us do just that. We are very grateful for all that has been done in, and for, our school. Long may the good work continue!” Slide Fiona Bourke, TY Coordinator, Galway Community College, Galway “Galway Community College has a high proportion of students from disadvantaged, marginalised backgrounds. Attendance at full time education can be challenging for many of these students as can the absence of role models in their lives which motivate, inspire and develop their own self belief in their potential. JA programmes give them the opportunity to learn the importance of continuing in full time education and preparing for their future.”

BENEFIT TO SCHOOLS

We help teachers to:

  • Embed employability, entrepreneurship, financial education & STEM initiatives across the curriculum
  • Provide young people with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Raise aspirations – helping young people discover their talent, potential & ambitions
  • Develop relationships with the local business community
  • Bring the world of work to life for young people
  • Develop the financial literacy of young people

Impact

Since 1996 JA has worked with school and business partners all over Ireland. In that time, more than 30,000 business volunteers have enabled more than 900,000 students to benefit from JA programmes and workshops.

JA programmes:

  • Help boost career ambitions
  • Develop transversal skills
  • Emphasise link between education and the working world
  • Lead to higher employability
  • Lead to improved entrepreneurial skills and attitudes
  • Enhance intentions to start a business
Read More about our impact

Request JA Programmes

If you have not partnered with JA before and would like to receive more information please contact us here.

Click HereCLICK HERE TO CONTACT JA

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