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.
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re rolling out the ✨VIPs✨ of our classrooms.
All week long, we’re celebrating FIVE incredible educators who go above and beyond—bringing Junior Achievement to life for their students on top of everything already on their plates (which, ...let’s be honest, is already a lot).
Today's teacher is Anna Leon, Palmdale Academy Charter School.
They’re not just teaching.
They’re mentoring. Inspiring. Connecting learning to real life.
And we think that deserves a spotlight. 💡
Stay tuned as we introduce each of them this week 👀
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #JuniorAchievement #GratitudeInAction
📅 Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday, May 9
Make your Saturday count at JA Finance Park. Support students from Burbank and Greater East Valley as they build real-world financial skills and confidence for their future.
We’re looking for volunteers from 7:45 AM – ...1:45 PM to guide students through this hands-on experience.
Give a few hours. Make a lasting impact.
👉 Register today: (Link in bio)
#CorporateVolunteering #JASoCal #VolunteerOpportunity
3 in 5 JA alumni say they started their own business, a lever of economic mobility, because of their JA experience.
That’s the power of career-connected, real-world learning.
When students build financial capability, entrepreneurial thinking, and durable skills early... on, they don’t just enter the workforce — many go on to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen their communities.
#JuniorAchievement #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicMobility #EducationForWhatsNext
📅 Volunteer Opportunity: May 1
Join us at JA Finance Park Advanced to support students from Compton Unified as they navigate real-world financial scenarios.
We’re currently seeking volunteers from 7:45 AM – 2:15 PM to help deliver this impactful ...experience!
Your time and expertise can help shape students’ confidence, decision-making, and future success.
👉 Register today! (Link in bio)
#CorporateVolunteering #JASoCal #CommunityImpact
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
