Believe in the boundless potential of young people.

Junior Achievement of Southern California prepares young people for future economic success through hands-on, immersive learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship using high-impact programs and educational models.

Impact & Reach

The World
Out There Starts Here.

Since 1954, we’ve been on a mission to prepare students to be future-ready through innovative, authentic, real-world programs like JA Finance Park. We bring the hope, confidence, and motivation needed for success.

93%

of students
can create a budget after completing the JA Finance Park Program.

84%

of JA Alumni
report that JA influenced their decision to pursue higher education.

95%

of JA students
understand that personal skills and interests are important in choosing a career.

Programs

What
We Do.

JASoCal has 22 immersive learning experiences on three pathways for students ages 5-25 (aligned to CA standards!) taught in the classroom, workplace, JA Finance Park, and beyond that prepare students for the future of jobs, financial wellness, and entrepreneurial success.

“Helping students gain the financial education needed to pave their own path to success is incredibly rewarding. Whether mentoring kids to solve real-world budget problems in real-time or sharing insights into skills and careers … I’m always inspired by their creativity, tenacity, and humor.”

Lisa Herbert

Sr. Marketing and Communications Executive Volunteer, JA Finance Park & JA Job Shadow

Ways to Support

Be a Game Changer.

60% of JA alumni who grew up in low-income homes achieved middle-upper income as adults. Your support is visible, meaningful, and measurable — Here is how you can take action as an individual, corporation, or foundation.

Follow us

Connect with Us.

JA is more than a program, we are a partner in preparing students for the future. With real‑world, hands‑on learning, we help young people see what’s possible and how to get there. 👉 Discover how JA supports schools and communities: JASOCAL.org

🎓 JA Inspire in Action at Millikan High School⁠

On April 21, 140 students from Millikan High School participated in JA Inspire—a full day designed to help them explore careers and build real-world readiness skills.⁠

Students engaged in hands-on experiences like mock... interviews, resume building, and job applications, while connecting with professionals at our career expo.⁠

A big thank you to the volunteers from Bank of America, First Citizens Bank, TJ Maxx, Local 501 Union, Otis College, and Space Games Federation who helped bring these experiences to life.⁠

💙 Preparing students for what’s next starts here.⁠

#JASoCal #JAInspire #FutureReady #CareerReadiness

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re inviting professionals across our community to give back in a meaningful way.⁠

By volunteering with JA SoCal, you help students gain confidence, financial literacy, and career readiness skills that shape their future.⁠

...Upcoming opportunities:⁠
April 28 • May 1 • May 9 • May 18 • May 22 • May 28⁠

Join us in making a lasting impact.⁠
👉 Sign up today: (Link in bio)⁠

#NationalVolunteerWeek #CorporateVolunteering #JASoCal #CommunityImpact

Junior Achievement of SoCal just moved into #1 place in the LA2050 Grants Challenge 💙⁠

But with voting now extended to April 24, there’s still time for things to shift. Let’s not lose momentum!⁠

⏱️ 2 minutes to vote⁠
⚾ Chance to win Dodgers ...tickets⁠

👉 https://la2050.me/JuniorAchievementofSouthernCalifornia2026⁠

Vote. Share. Repeat.

📍 Westlake Village | Company of the Year Competition⁠

Proud to highlight these incredible students from Westlake High School who brought their businesses to life at today’s competition 👏⁠

Guided by Dr. Lauren Looker, Career Education Coordinator and a dedicated ...champion of the JA Company Program, these students showed what’s possible with creativity, commitment, and self-direction. While they met just once a week during lunch, their work extended far beyond the classroom—and it showed.⁠

With three student-led businesses in the competition, their presentations and tabling reflected true entrepreneurial thinking in action.⁠

A big thank you to our judges who brought real-world expertise and insight to the experience:⁠
• Kristin Bell⁠
• Dillon Kruger⁠
• Karen Sylvester⁠
• Desserin Pereyra⁠
• Ivana Vergot⁠

Your time and expertise help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs—thank you for making this experience meaningful 🙌⁠

#JASoCal #CompanyOfTheYear #StudentEntrepreneurs #FutureLeaders #WestlakeVillage #Entrepreneurship #WorkReadiness

Do you have a minute to spare? 👀 Cast your vote to help LA2050 fund organizations creating a better LA, now until April 22nd.⁠

Vote at the link!: https://la2050.me/JuniorAchievementofSouthernCalifornia2026⁠

#LA2050GrantsChallenge #WhatDoYouSayLA

We’re in the FINAL stretch ⏳⁠

Junior Achievement of SoCal is currently #2 in the LA2050 Grants Challenge—and we’re closing the gap 👀⁠

Your vote helps fund critical issues like education, income equality, and opportunity across LA.⁠

✔ Takes less... than 2 minutes⁠
✔ Open to all ages⁠
✔ Voting ends April 22⁠

🎟️ Bonus: Win field-level Dodgers tickets (May 12, 7:10 PM)⁠
Here’s how to enter:⁠
1️⃣ Vote + subscribe to the LA2050 newsletter⁠
2️⃣ Comment on @LA2050’s giveaway post & tag 3 friends⁠

Must be 18+, LA resident, and following @LA2050⁠

🗳️ Vote now: Link in bio!⁠

#JASoCal #LA2050 #VoteForImpact #LosAngeles #Dodgers

Give back. Make an impact. 💙⁠
Volunteer with JASoCal on April 20.⁠

Sign up today: Click Volunteer link in bio!

82% of Gen Y and Gen Z JA alumni who attended college say they chose a high-demand degree because of their JA experience.⁠

That’s a powerful indicator of relevance.⁠

When students can see the connection between classroom learning, workforce trends, and real economic ...opportunity, they make more strategic postsecondary decisions. The result? Stronger alignment between education pathways and labor market needs.⁠

#JuniorAchievement #CareerConnectedLearning #WorkforceDevelopment #HigherEducation #EconomicOpportunity